приятного аппетита
priyatnovo appetita
In Russian, the phrase for 'enjoy your food' is приятного аппетита (priyatnovo appetita).
приятного аппетита is a polite phrase used by anyone, including a host, a waiter or a fellow diner, to someone who is about to start eating a meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'pleasant appetite'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the genitive case for both words, which is a standard way in Russian to express a wish for something.
How do you pronounce it?
priyatnovo appetita
When do people say it?
When someone says приятного аппетита to you, the standard response is спасибо (thank you).
Did you know?
- While приятного аппетита is standard, some Russians believe it is impolite to say it because it focuses on the biological urge of hunger rather than the pleasure of the food.
- The word аппетит is a loanword from the Latin 'appetitus', which explains why it sounds so similar to the English 'appetite'.
- In some religious contexts, particularly among Orthodox Christians, a meal might begin with a prayer or a sign of the cross rather than a verbal wish like приятного аппетита.
Examples in context
- Приятного аппетита в Санкт-Петербурге!Enjoy your meal in St. Petersburg!
- Приятного аппетита!Priyatnogo appetita!Enjoy your food!
- Желаю вам приятного аппетита.Zhelayu vam priyatnogo appetita.I wish you an enjoyable meal.
- Приятного аппетита всем гостям.Priyatnogo appetita vsem gostyam.Enjoy your food, guests.
Example conversation
Dmitry and Maria are sitting down for dinner at home.
- Дмитрий DmitryПриятного аппетита, Мария!Priyatnogo appetita, Mariya!Enjoy your meal, Maria!
- Мария MariaСпасибо, Дмитрий!Spasibo, Dmitriy!Thank you, Dmitry!
- Мария MariaИ тебе приятного аппетита.I tebe priyatnogo appetita.Enjoy your meal too.
- Дмитрий DmitryСпасибо, всё выглядит очень вкусно.Spasibo, vsyo vyglyadit ochen' vkusno.Thanks, everything looks very delicious.
