בתיאבון
bete'avon
The Hebrew phrase for "good appetite" is בתיאבון (bete'avon).
The phrase בתיאבון is used to wish someone an enjoyable meal before they begin eating.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition ב (be) meaning "with" and the noun תיאבון (te'avon) meaning "appetite". Literally, it means "with appetite".
How do you pronounce it?
bete'avon
Did you know?
- The root of the word תיאבון is shared with the word תאווה, which can mean 'lust' or 'strong desire' in a non-culinary context.
- Unlike in some cultures where it is impolite to start eating before the host, in Israel, saying בתיאבון often serves as the official signal for everyone to begin.
- In Israel, you might hear the phrase בתיאבון used sarcastically when someone is eating something that looks or smells unappealing.
Examples in context
- בתיאבון!be'te'avon!Bon appetit!
Example conversation
Itai serves a meal he cooked for Rotem.
- איתי Itayהנה האוכל, רוטם. בתיאבון!Hine ha-ochel, Rotem. Bete'avon!Here is the food, Rotem. Enjoy your meal!
- רוטם Rotemתודה רבה, איתי!Toda raba, Itai!Thank you very much, Itai!
- איתי Itayזה נראה טעים?Ze nir'a ta'im?Does it look tasty?
- רוטם Rotemכן, זה נראה נהדר.Ken, ze nir'a neheder.Yes, it looks great.
