bom apetite
/ˈbõ a.peˈt͡ʃi.t͡ʃi/
The English phrase "bon appétit" can be translated into Portuguese as bom apetite. Wiktionary also lists bom proveito.
Meaning: used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| bom apetite | /ˈbõ a.peˈt͡ʃi.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /ˈbõ ɐ.pɨˈti.tɨ/ (Portugal) |
| bom proveito | /ˈbõ pɾoˈvej.tu/ (Brazil, word by word) |
The phrase is used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat. Bom apetite is the standard way to express this in Portuguese-speaking cultures.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, bom apetite means "good appetite".
Which one should you use?
While bom apetite is the most straightforward and widely used translation, bom proveito is a common alternative that focuses more on the enjoyment or the "use" of the meal rather than the physiological appetite.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbõ a.peˈtʃi.tʃi/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the French spelling "bon appétit" instead of the Portuguese bom apetite.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese phrase bom apetite is a calque, meaning it was translated word-for-word from the French bon appétit.
- In some formal Portuguese settings, it is more common for the host to wait for everyone to be served before any well-wishes are exchanged.
Examples in context
- Ao iniciar sua refeição, desejo-lhe um bom apetite!As you start your meal, I wish you a good appetite!
- Aproveitem a comida! Aproveitem a refeição!Enjoy the food! Enjoy your meal!
- Bom apetite para todos.Enjoy your meal, everyone.
- O jantar está pronto, bom apetite!Dinner is ready, enjoy your meal!
- Bom apetite, a comida está ótima.Enjoy your meal, the food is great.
Example conversation
Felipe and Camila are sitting at a restaurant.
- FelipeA comida chegou, bom apetite, Camila!The food has arrived, enjoy your meal, Camila!
- CamilaObrigada, Felipe! Bom apetite para você também.Thank you, Felipe! Enjoy your meal too.
- FelipeObrigado, parece delicioso.Thanks, it looks delicious.
- CamilaVamos comer!Let's eat!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bon appétit” translations and entries bom apetite, bom proveito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bom, proveito) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apetite, bom, bom apetite, bom proveito, proveito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
