bom apetite
/ˈbõ a.peˈt͡ʃi.t͡ʃi/
To say "enjoy your meal" in Portuguese, use bom apetite.
bom apetite is a common expression used to wish someone a pleasant experience while eating a meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective bom (good) and the noun apetite (appetite).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbõ a.peˈtʃi.tʃi/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
When someone says bom apetite to you, the standard response is obrigado if you are male or obrigada if you are female.
Did you know?
- Though it sounds like a natural part of the language, bom apetite is a calque, meaning it was created by translating the French bon appétit word for word.
- While bom apetite is common, some people use bom proveito, which focuses on the 'profit' or 'benefit' the body receives from the nutrients in the food.
- In very formal settings, a host might use the phrase as a signal that the guests are officially permitted to begin eating.
Examples in context
- "Bom apetite, Mary." "Obrigada.""Enjoy your meal, Mary." "Thanks."This example shows how to respond to someone saying bom apetite.Tatoeba #11650966 by carlosalberto, translation #11650865 by carlosalberto
- Ponha na mesa o espaguete, e bom apetite!Put the spaghetti on the table and enjoy your meal!This example uses bom apetite when serving food.Tatoeba #4841919 by carlosalberto, translation #12258718 by Miktsoanit
- Bom apetite!Enjoy your meal!This example shows a standalone use of bom apetite.Tatoeba #404800 by brauliobezerra, translation #2370 by CK
- Estimado(a) cliente, bom apetite!Dear customer, enjoy your meal!
Example conversation
Lucas and Mariana are sitting down to eat lunch at home.
- LucasA comida está pronta, bom apetite!The food is ready, enjoy your meal!
- MarianaObrigada, Lucas. Bom apetite para você também.Thank you, Lucas. Enjoy your meal too.
- LucasObrigado, Mariana. Está com um cheiro ótimo.Thank you, Mariana. It smells great.
- MarianaEspero que você goste!I hope you like it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bom apetite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apetite, bom, bom apetite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
