bonne dégustation
In French, bonne dégustation is used to say "please enjoy" when referring to food or drink.
The phrase bonne dégustation is a polite expression used specifically when someone is about to taste or sample food and drink. It is often used by servers or hosts. While it can be used as a standalone exclamation when serving a dish, such as Bonne dégustation !, it differs from other phrases by focusing on the sensory experience of tasting flavors.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective bonne (good) and the noun dégustation (tasting/sampling).
Which one should you use?
Bonne dégustation focuses more on the sensory experience of tasting flavors, whereas bon appétit is a more general way to tell someone to enjoy their meal.
Did you know?
- If you use bonne dégustation at a casual fast-food restaurant, it might sound strangely posh or even sarcastic because the phrase carries a connotation of refined, slow appreciation.
- The word dégustation shares an unexpected linguistic connection to the English word 'gusto', both stemming from the same root for taste.
- While a server might say bonne dégustation to a guest, a guest would almost never say it to a host. Instead, a guest would simply say merci after receiving the food.
Examples in context
- Bienvenue à la fête! Amusez-vous bien!Welcome to the party! Have a good time!
- Bonne dégustation !Please enjoy!
- Voici votre dessert, bonne dégustation.Here is your dessert, please enjoy.
- Le vin est servi, bonne dégustation à tous.The wine is served, please enjoy it, everyone.
Example conversation
A waiter serves a tasting menu to a couple in a restaurant.
- LéaVoici votre premier plat, bonne dégustation.Here is your first course, please enjoy.
- LucasMerci beaucoup, Léa.Thank you very much, Léa.
- LéaJe vous en prie, Lucas.You are welcome, Lucas.
- LucasC'est délicieux !It is delicious!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dégustation, CC BY-SA 4.0.
