bon appétit
/bɔ.n‿a.pe.ti/
The English phrase "enjoy your dinner" can be expressed in French using bon appétit.
bon appétit is a phrase used to wish someone a pleasant meal before they start eating. It is used universally in French to wish someone a pleasant meal, regardless of whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bon appétit literally translates to "good appetite".
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔ.n‿a.pe.ti/
When do people say it?
In many French-speaking social settings, it is considered polite to say bon appétit to others before beginning a meal. If someone says this to you, a polite way to reciprocate the sentiment is to say Merci, bon appétit à vous aussi (Thank you, enjoy your meal as well).
Did you know?
- In very formal or aristocratic French circles, some traditionalists consider saying bon appétit to be slightly impolite because it refers to the physical function of digestion.
- Unlike the English 'enjoy your meal', which can be said by a waiter as they walk away, bon appétit is often used as a collective signal for everyone at a table to start eating at the same time.
- In French, the word appétit can be used in a non-food context to describe a strong desire or greed for power or success.
Examples in context
- Bon appétit !Enjoy your meal!
- Merci, bon appétit à vous aussi.Thank you, enjoy your meal too.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are sitting down for dinner at home.
- HugoLe dîner est prêt, Emma.Dinner is ready, Emma.
- EmmaMerci Hugo, ça sent très bon.Thanks Hugo, it smells very good.
- HugoMerci. Alors, bon appétit !Thank you. So, enjoy your meal!
- EmmaMerci, bon appétit à toi aussi.Thanks, enjoy your meal too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bon appétit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
