bon dessert
The English phrase "enjoy your dessert" is translated into French as bon dessert.
This phrase is a polite wish expressed to someone who is about to eat a sweet course at the end of a meal.
Which one should you use?
While bon dessert is specific to the sweet course, the more general and common phrase used at the start of any course or the entire meal is bon appétit.
Did you know?
- In some formal French settings, the dessert course is accompanied by a trou normand, a shot of Calvados apple brandy taken before the final sweets to 'clear the way' in the stomach.
- The word dessert comes from the French verb desservir, which means to clear the table. The sweet course was served after the table had been cleared of the main meal's dishes.
- While bon dessert is a polite wish, French dining etiquette traditionally dictates that you should not start eating your dessert until the host has begun or given a signal.
Examples in context
- Madame, profitez de votre dessert exquis.Madam, enjoy your exquisite dessert.
- Mon ami, régale-toi bien avec ce délicieux dessert.My friend, enjoy this delicious dessert.
Example conversation
A waiter is leaving the table at a restaurant.
- HugoVoici votre mousse au chocolat.Here is your chocolate mousse.
- ManonMerci beaucoup.Thank you very much.
- HugoBon dessert !Enjoy your dessert!
- ManonC'est très gentil, merci.That is very kind, thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, dessert, CC BY-SA 4.0.
