What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good appetite".
Which one should you use?
While Buon appetito is the general expression, you can be more specific depending on the meal. Use Buon pranzo! to specifically wish someone a good lunch. For a more affectionate or cute way to wish someone a good lunch, you can use the diminutive form Buon pranzetto! If you are wishing someone a good dinner, especially during festive occasions like Christmas Eve, use Buon cenone!
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the adjective buon is the truncated form of buono used before a vowel to make the phrase easier to pronounce.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbwɔn ap.peˈti.to/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
When someone says Buon appetito to you, a common response is Grazie, altrettanto!, which means "Thank you, same to you!" if the other person is also eating.
Did you know?
- In some highly formal or old-fashioned Italian social circles, saying Buon appetito is actually considered slightly impolite. This is because it can imply that the person's enjoyment of the food depends on their physical hunger rather than the quality of the meal itself.
- While Buon appetito is universal, you might hear the phrase A tavola! to announce that the meal is ready and everyone should come to the table.
- The word appetito shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'appetite', and both stem from the Latin 'appetitus', which describes a leaning or a striving towards something.
Examples in context
- Buon appetito! Divertiti durante il pranzo!Enjoy your meal! Have a great time during lunch!
- Buon pranzetto! Che sia un momento piacevole insieme alla nostra famiglia!Enjoy your little lunch! May it be a pleasant time with our family!
- Buon appetito! Spero che il cenone di Natale sia pieno di allegria!Enjoy your meal! I hope your Christmas Eve dinner is filled with joy!
- Buon appetito a tutti!Enjoy your meal, everyone!
- Grazie, buon appetito anche a te.Thanks, enjoy your meal too.
- Il pranzo è pronto, buon appetito!Lunch is ready, enjoy your meal!
Example conversation
A couple is sitting down at a restaurant.
- FrancescoIl cibo sembra delizioso, buon appetito, Martina.The food looks delicious, enjoy your meal, Martina.
- MartinaGrazie, Francesco, buon appetito anche a te!Thanks, Francesco, enjoy your meal too!
- FrancescoGrazie, iniziamo subito.Thanks, let's start right away.
- MartinaSì, ho molta fame.Yes, I am very hungry.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry buon appetito.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries appetito, buon appetito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
