How to Say “Enjoy Food” in Spanish

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buen provecho
/ˌbwem pɾoˈbet͡ʃo/
The English phrase 'enjoy food' is translated into Spanish as buen provecho.
buen provecho is a polite social convention used to wish someone a good appetite. You might say this to others right before they start a meal, or even when you are leaving a table while other people are still eating. Other ways to express this sentiment include the formal Disfrute su comida, the informal ¡Que lo disfrutes! or the short informal ¡A disfrutar!

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, buen provecho means 'good benefit' or 'good profit', which implies the wish that the food will be beneficial to the person eating it.

Which one should you use?

While buen provecho is the standard, you can also use ¡Provecho! as an informal shortening in everyday conversation. In some contexts, you may encounter ¡Que aproveche!, which is a common alternative that uses the subjunctive mood to express the wish.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Uruguay, you might hear the specific phrase ¡Salud y buen provecho!, which means 'Health and enjoy your meal!'

How does it change in a sentence?

The phrase ¡Que aproveche! is a common alternative to buen provecho that employs the subjunctive mood to express a wish.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˌbwem pɾoˈbetʃo/

When do people say it?

When someone says buen provecho to you, the standard response is simply gracias.

Did you know?

  • In some regions, the phrase buen provecho is used ironically to mock someone who is eating greedily or excessively.
  • In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying ¡Buen provecho! is considered a necessary polite gesture even if you are just passing a stranger's table in a crowded restaurant.
  • In some strict traditional circles, saying buen provecho before a meal is seen as a substitute for a religious grace.

Examples in context

  • Que aproveche su comida
    May your meal benefit you
  • Disfrute su comida, señor
    Enjoy your food, sir
  • Buen provecho, señora
    Enjoy your meal, ma'am
  • ¡Provecho, chicos!
    Enjoy your meal, guys!
  • ¡A disfrutar de la comida!
    Enjoy the food!
  • Buen provecho a todos.
    Enjoy your meal, everyone.
  • Muchas gracias, buen provecho.
    Thank you very much, enjoy your meal.
  • ¡Buen provecho!
    Enjoy your meal!

Example conversation

Mateo and María are sitting down to eat at a restaurant.

  1. Mateo

    La comida se ve deliciosa.
    The food looks delicious.
  2. María

    Sí, ¡buen provecho, Mateo!
    Yes, enjoy your meal, Mateo!
  3. Mateo

    Gracias, María. Buen provecho para ti también.
    Thanks, María. Enjoy your meal too.
  4. María

    Gracias.
    Thank you.

Sources

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Lester Lewis
Lester LewisHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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