buen provecho
/ˌbwem pɾoˈbet͡ʃo/
The English phrase "enjoy your lunch" is expressed in Spanish as buen provecho.
buen provecho is a polite phrase said to someone who is about to start eating a meal. It is used generally for any meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner), not just lunch. You can replace almuerzo with comida to mean 'meal', or use tu comida de mediodía to mean "your midday meal".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of buen (good) and provecho (benefit, profit or enjoyment).
How does it change in a sentence?
A common alternative used to express the same sentiment is que aproveche, which translates to "may it be useful/enjoyable". When addressing a group of people, you can use Deseo que disfruten su almuerzo or Les deseo buen provecho.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbwem pɾoˈbetʃo/
When do people say it?
It is common etiquette in many Spanish-speaking cultures to say buen provecho to others when you see them eating or when you are leaving a table where others are still eating. The standard response when someone says buen provecho to you is gracias.
Did you know?
- The word provecho is actually a linguistic relative of the English word 'profit'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, it is considered polite to say buen provecho to total strangers as you pass them while they are eating in a restaurant.
- The phrase buen provecho literally wishes that the food provides a 'benefit' or 'success' to the body rather than just tasting good.
Examples in context
- Buen provecho.Enjoy your meal.
- Que tengan buen provecho.Enjoy your meal (to a group).
- Muchas gracias, buen provecho.Thank you very much, enjoy your meal.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are sitting down at a cafe.
- ElenaYa está la comida, buen provecho.The food is here, enjoy your meal.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias, Elena.Thank you very much, Elena.
- ElenaSe ve delicioso.It looks delicious.
- AlejandroSí, provecho para ti también.Yes, enjoy your meal too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry buen provecho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buen, provecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
