¡buen provecho!
The English phrase 'have a nice meal' is translated into Spanish as ¡buen provecho!
¡buen provecho! is a polite phrase used to acknowledge people who are about to start eating. You can use it both when you are joining a table and when you are leaving a table while others are still eating.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of buen (good) and provecho (benefit or enjoyment).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While widely used in all settings, ¡buen provecho! is the standard polite way to acknowledge people eating in formal or professional environments. For a more informal way to say 'Enjoy your meal', you can use Disfruta tu comida.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ¡Que aproveche! is a common alternative that uses the subjunctive mood to express a wish.
When do people say it?
The standard response when someone says ¡buen provecho! to you is gracias.
Did you know?
- The word provecho shares the same Latin root as the English word 'profit'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to say ¡buen provecho! to strangers in a restaurant if you pass their table while leaving.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, it is considered a social faux pas to start eating before ¡buen provecho! has been said or heard.
Examples in context
- Juan, que aproveche su deliciosa cena esta noche.Juan, have a nice meal tonight.
- Señora García, buen provecho en su almuerzo.Mrs. García, have a pleasant meal for lunch.
- ¡Que te aproveche el almuerzo, hermano!Enjoy your lunch, brother!
- ¡Que les aproveche la cena, chicos!Enjoy your dinner, guys!
- Marta, disfruta tu comida favorita.Marta, enjoy your favorite meal.
- ¡Buen provecho!Have a nice meal!
- Muchas gracias, ¡buen provecho!Thank you very much, enjoy your meal!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buen, provecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
