bon appétit !
The English phrase "enjoy the food!" is translated into French as bon appétit !
The expression bon appétit ! is used to wish someone a pleasant meal before they begin eating.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "good appetite".
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly pronounce the final 't' in appétit, but in French, it is silent.
Did you know?
- While many people say bon appétit ! to friends, some strict etiquette experts consider it slightly impolite or 'vulgar' because it refers directly to bodily functions like hunger and digestion.
- If you are dining with royalty or in an extremely formal setting, it is actually more traditional to remain silent and wait for the host to begin eating before acknowledging the meal.
- In some French-speaking regions, if you are a guest, you might hear the host say régalez-vous !, which is a more enthusiastic way of saying 'feast yourself' or 'really enjoy this'.
Examples in context
- Bon appétit !Enjoy the food!
Example conversation
A casual lunch between two friends at a café.
- NathanLe plat est arrivé, bon appétit !The dish has arrived, enjoy the food!
- EmmaMerci Nathan, ça a l'air délicieux.Thanks Nathan, it looks delicious.
- NathanTu veux goûter mon dessert ?Do you want to taste my dessert?
- EmmaNon merci, je vais finir mon plat.No thanks, I'm going to finish my dish.
