смачного
smachnoho
The Ukrainian phrase for "bon appetit" is смачного (smachnoho).
смачного is used to wish someone an enjoyable meal, typically said right before eating begins.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is the genitive form of the adjective смачний (tasty), so it literally means "[I wish you] of tasty [things]".
How does it change in a sentence?
While the dictionary adjective for "tasty" is смачний, the phrase used to wish someone a good meal is almost always the genitive form смачного.
How do you pronounce it?
smachnoho
When do people say it?
When someone says смачного to you, the standard response is Дякую! (Thank you!) or Дякую, і вам! (Thank you and to you!).
Did you know?
- In Ukraine, saying смачного can be a way to thank the cook, meaning the phrase is directed not just at those eating but at the person who prepared the meal.
- In religious households, смачного is often paired with a short prayer or blessing before the meal begins.
- The root смак (taste) is also used in Ukrainian to describe a person's 'taste' in art or fashion, just as the English word 'taste' is used.
Examples in context
- Смачного вам!Smachnoho vam!Enjoy your meal!
- Смачного, друзі!Smachnoho, druzi!Enjoy your meal, friends!
