buen provecho
/ˌbwem pɾoˈbet͡ʃo/
The phrase 'buon appetito' in Spanish is buen provecho.
In Spanish-speaking cultures, you use buen provecho to wish people an enjoyable meal before they start eating or while they are already eating. It is the standard phrase for this situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase buen provecho literally translates to 'good benefit' or 'good profit', which implies that the food should be beneficial to the person eating it.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbwem pɾoˈbetʃo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using buon appetito in Spanish-speaking contexts. That phrase is actually Italian. Using it in Spanish may be perceived as a mistake or a specific stylistic choice.
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common practice to say buen provecho to people who are already eating, even if you are not joining them for the meal.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying buen provecho to strangers as you walk past their table in a restaurant is considered a polite social grace.
- The word provecho shares its root with the English word 'profit' via the Latin prōfectus, which originally meant 'progress' or 'success'.
- A common response to buen provecho is igualmente, which means 'equally' or 'same to you', even if the speaker is not eating.
Examples in context
- ¡Buen provecho a todos!Enjoy your meal, everyone!
- Muchas gracias, ¡buen provecho!Thank you very much, enjoy your meal!
Example conversation
Mateo and María are sitting down at a restaurant.
- MateoLa comida se ve deliciosa.The food looks delicious.
- MaríaSí, ¡buen provecho, Mateo!Yes, enjoy your meal, Mateo!
- MateoGracias, María. ¡Buen provecho para ti también!Thanks, María. Enjoy your meal too!
- MaríaMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry buen provecho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buen, provecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
