buen provecho
/ˌbwem pɾoˈbet͡ʃo/
The Spanish phrase to wish someone a good meal is buen provecho.
What does it mean word for word?
The word provecho literally means 'profit', 'benefit' or 'enjoyment'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While buen provecho is the standard polite way to express this, you may hear the shortened form provecho used in more informal settings among acquaintances or in casual environments.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase buen provecho, the adjective buen is the shortened form of bueno used before a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌbwem pɾoˈbetʃo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to say provecho to strangers as you walk past their table in a restaurant, even if you are not dining with them.
- The word provecho is derived from the Latin prōfectus, which referred to progress and success.
- In some parts of the Spanish-speaking world, saying provecho is not just a polite wish, but also functions as a socially acceptable way to announce your departure from a table where others are still eating.
Examples in context
- ¡Buen provecho! Disfrute de su comida.Enjoy your meal. Enjoy your food.
- Provecho. Que te (les) aproveche.Enjoy your meal. May it do you good.
- ¡Buen provecho!Enjoy your meal!
- Les deseo un buen provecho a todos.I wish you all a good meal.
- Muchas gracias, buen provecho para usted también.Thank you very much, enjoy your meal too.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are eating lunch at a cafeteria.
- Alejandro¡Buen provecho, Elena!Enjoy your meal, Elena!
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro. ¿Qué vas a comer tú?Thanks, Alejandro. What are you going to eat?
- AlejandroSolo una ensalada rápida.Just a quick salad.
- ElenaEstá bien, buen provecho.Alright, enjoy your meal.
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.
