que aproveche la cena
/ke apɾobet͡ʃe la θena/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "enjoy your dinner" is translated as que aproveche la cena.
This phrase is used to politely wish someone a pleasant meal. The shorter phrase que aproveche is the standard way to wish someone an enjoyable meal in Spanish-speaking cultures, and it can be used regardless of whether the meal is breakfast, lunch or dinner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase que aproveche la cena literally translates to "may the dinner be useful" or "may the dinner be of use".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase que aproveche can be used on its own to mean "enjoy (your meal)" for any mealtime.
How do you pronounce it?
/ke apɾobetʃe la θena/
When do people say it?
When someone says que aproveche to you, the standard response is Gracias.
Did you know?
- In Spain, cena happens much later in the evening than 'dinner' does in English-speaking countries, often occurring after 9 PM.
- Because the phrase que aproveche translates to 'may it be useful', it can feel strange to an English speaker who thinks only of pleasure. In Spanish, the idea is that the body should effectively use the nutrients provided by the meal.
- Depending on the region, you might hear buen provecho instead of que aproveche, though both share the same root and meaning.
Examples in context
- Querido señor Gómez, que disfrute su cena esta noche.Dear Mr. Gómez, enjoy your dinner tonight.
- Estimada señora Rodríguez, que pase una agradable cena con su familia.Dear Mrs. Rodríguez, have a pleasant dinner with your family.
- Sr. García, que tenga una cena deliciosa en nuestro restaurante.Mr. García, have a delicious dinner at our restaurant.
- ¡Hola chicos! ¡A disfrutar de la cena y pasar un buen rato juntos!Hi guys! Enjoy your dinner and have a good time together!
- Muchas gracias, que aproveche la cena también.Thank you very much, enjoy your dinner too.
- Siéntense, que aproveche la cena.Sit down, enjoy your dinner.
Example conversation
A waiter is speaking to a couple at a restaurant.
- JavierAquí tienen sus platos, que aproveche la cena.Here are your plates, enjoy your dinner.
- MaríaMuchas gracias, todo se ve muy rico.Thank you very much, everything looks very delicious.
- JavierDe nada, disfruten de su noche.You're welcome, enjoy your night.
- MaríaIgualmente, gracias por el servicio.Likewise, thank you for the service.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
