Smacznego
/smat͡ʂˈnɛ.ɡɔ/
To say "enjoy your meal" in Polish, use Smacznego.
What does it mean word for word?
Smacznego is the genitive form of the adjective smaczny (tasty), which literally implies a wish for "something tasty" to be present.
Which one should you use?
While Smacznego is the standard phrase, Smacznego posiłku is a more formal way to express the same sentiment. If you are specifically referring to lunch or dinner, you can use Smacznego obiadu to say "enjoy your lunch/dinner".
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd of 3. The IPA is /smatʂˈnɛ.ɡɔ/.
When do people say it?
If someone says Smacznego to you while you are eating, a natural response is to say Dziękuję (thank you) and often return the wish with smacznego if they are also eating.
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'bon appétit', which is a loanword from French, Smacznego is a native Slavic construction.
- In a formal Polish setting, the person of highest status at the table is usually the first to start eating, often after they have said Smacznego to the group.
- If you are hosting a dinner, you might say Smacznego not just to your guests, but as a signal to everyone that it is officially time to start eating.
Examples in context
- Smacznego!Enjoy your meal!This example shows the use of Smacznego as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #349108 by zipangu, translation #2370 by CK
- Życzę smacznego obiadu.I wish you a tasty lunch/dinner.
- Dziękuję, smacznego!Thank you, enjoy your meal!
Example conversation
Anna serves a hot soup to Tomasz at home.
- AnnaProszę, gorąca zupa. Smacznego!Here you go, hot soup. Enjoy your meal!
- TomaszDziękuję bardzo, Anno.Thank you very much, Anna.
- AnnaCzy jest smaczna?Is it tasty?
- TomaszTak, jest wyśmienita!Yes, it is delicious!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry smacznego.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
