buen provecho
/ˌbwem pɾoˈbet͡ʃo/
The English phrase "good appetite" is translated into Spanish as buen provecho.
buen provecho is used as a polite social convention when someone starts eating or when you are leaving a table where others are eating.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of buen (good) and provecho (benefit, profit or enjoyment).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Latin America, ¡Que te caiga bien! expresses hopes for the food to sit well with the person.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbwem pɾoˈbetʃo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly translate 'good appetite' literally as buen apetito, but buen provecho is the culturally correct way to wish someone an enjoyable meal.
When do people say it?
It is a common courtesy in Spanish-speaking countries to respond with Gracias when someone wishes you buen provecho. Other informal ways to wish someone "good appetite" in Spanish include ¡Que aproveche! or the casual ¡Disfruta tu comida! (enjoy your meal).
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'bon appétit', buen provecho is frequently said by a stranger walking past a table to diners who have already started eating.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, it is considered impolite to start eating before everyone at the table has been wished buen provecho.
- The word provecho is a cognate of the English word 'profit'. While 'profit' now mostly refers to money, both words share a Latin root meaning 'progress' or 'success'.
Examples in context
- Buen provecho a todos.Enjoy your meal, everyone.
- ¡Buen provecho!Enjoy your food!
- Les deseo buen provecho.I wish you all an enjoyable meal.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are sitting down at a restaurant.
- MateoLa comida se ve deliciosa.The food looks delicious.
- ElenaSí, ¡buen provecho, Mateo!Yes, enjoy your meal, Mateo!
- MateoGracias, Elena. Buen provecho para ti también.Thanks, Elena. Enjoy your meal too.
- ElenaMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
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.
