Buen provecho
everyday, Mexico
The Mexican way to wish someone a good meal is Buen provecho. People often shorten it to Provecho. It is also called Que aproveche.
Meaning: wish said to people who are about to eat (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| Buen provecho | everyday, Mexico |
| Provecho | casual |
| Que aproveche | formal |
You say it to friends at the table, to a waiter and even to strangers eating at the next table in a fonda or restaurant. The usual reply is Gracias.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Spain often prefers Que aproveche, which also works in Mexico but sounds a little formal. Buen provecho is the phrase you will hear every day.
How do you pronounce it?
Say bwen pro-VEH-cho. The stress falls on ve.
When do people say it?
In Mexico it is polite to say Buen provecho when you pass a table where people are eating, and when you leave a table first.
Did you know?
- The word provecho means benefit or profit, so the phrase literally wishes the food does you good.
Examples in context
- Buen provecho, familia.Enjoy your meal, family.
- Provecho, joven.Enjoy your meal, young man.
- Gracias, igualmente.Thank you, likewise.
Example conversation
Doña Lupe serves pozole to her grandson Mateo and his friend Diego in Puebla.
- Doña LupeAquí tienen su pozole. Buen provecho.Here is your pozole. Enjoy your meal.
- DiegoGracias, señora. Huele muy rico.Thank you, ma'am. It smells great.
- MateoProvecho, abuela. Siéntate con nosotros.Enjoy, grandma. Sit with us.
