eet smakelijk
/ˌeːt ˈsmaː.kə.lək/
The Dutch phrase for "eat well" is eet smakelijk.
The phrase eet smakelijk is used to wish someone an enjoyable meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is composed of the imperative form of eten (to eat) and the adverb smakelijk, which means "tastily" or "appetizingly".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌeːt ˈsmaː.kə.lək/. The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
When someone says eet smakelijk, the standard response is dank je wel or dank u wel, both of which mean "thank you".
Did you know?
- The word smaak inside smakelijk refers to both 'taste' and 'flavor', and it is also used in Dutch to describe someone's 'style' or 'preference' in art and fashion.
- In formal dining settings, it is considered polite to wait until the host or hostess has said eet smakelijk before you begin your own meal. Starting too early can be seen as a breach of etiquette.
- Unlike the English 'bon appétit', which is borrowed from French, eet smakelijk is a native Germanic expression shared with similar forms in German and Scandinavian languages.
Examples in context
- Dank je, jij ook, eet smakelijk.Thank you, you too, enjoy your meal.
- Het eten is klaar, eet smakelijk!The food is ready, enjoy your meal!
Example conversation
Levi and Lisa are sitting down to have lunch together.
- LeviHet ziet er lekker uit, eet smakelijk, Lisa.It looks delicious, enjoy your meal, Lisa.
- LisaDank je, Levi, jij ook.Thank you, Levi, you too.
- LeviEet smakelijk!Enjoy your meal!
- LisaDank je wel.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry eet smakelijk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
