Bon appétit
/bɔ.n‿a.pe.ti/
The English phrase "have a good meal" is translated into French as Bon appétit.
Bon appétit is a polite social convention used immediately before people begin eating a meal. You can also use Bonne dégustation when you want to emphasize the act of savoring and enjoying the specific flavors of a meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Bon appétit literally translates to "Good appetite".
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔ.n‿a.pe.ti/
When do people say it?
In formal French etiquette, some traditionalists consider saying Bon appétit to be slightly impolite as it refers to bodily functions, though it is now universally used and accepted in almost all social settings.
Did you know?
- The phrase Bon appétit is one of the most successful French exports, being used globally in English, German and many other languages without translation.
- In many French social circles, rather than saying Bon appétit, one might simply wait for the host to begin eating to signal the start of the meal.
- The word appétit comes from the Latin 'appetitus', which refers to a driving force or an urge toward something.
Examples in context
- Bon appétit !Enjoy your meal!
- Merci, bon appétit à vous aussi.Thank you, enjoy your meal too.
- Tout est prêt, bon appétit !Everything is ready, enjoy your meal!
Example conversation
A couple is sitting down at a restaurant to eat.
- ManonLes plats arrivent, bon appétit, Gabriel !The dishes are arriving, enjoy your meal, Gabriel!
- GabrielMerci Manon, bon appétit à toi aussi.Thank you Manon, enjoy your meal too.
- ManonC'est délicieux.It is delicious.
- GabrielOui, c'est excellent.Yes, it is excellent.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry bon appétit.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries appétit, bon, bon appétit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
