“Chow Down”? How Gauche! How to Say “Bon Appétit” in 16 Languages

This blog post was updated on July 2, 2024.

Bon appétit!

It’s a phrase you hear often, even in places where no one speaks any other French at all. There really isn’t a phrase in English that’s as pithy and mellifluous, although you might occasionally hear “Enjoy your meal.” Doesn’t really have the same ring, does it? 

Bon appétit is certainly one of the most common ways of wishing someone a pleasant eating experience. But the world is a big place, and it never hurts to know how to wish someone a good meal when you’re visiting one of France’s neighbors — both near and far-flung — as well.

Chinese (Mandarin): 请慢用 (Qǐng màn yòng)

In Mandarin, you can say “Qǐng màn yòng,” which means “Please enjoy your meal slowly.” It’s a polite way to wish someone in China, or anywhere else, an enjoyable dining experience. (Listen to the pronunciation of Qǐng màn yòng here.)

German: Guten appetit

While enjoying a meal in Germany with colleagues or friends, it’s customary to say Guten appetit! before enjoying your food. A waiter or your friends would take turns saying it. In response, you can say, Danke! or Danke! Guten appetit! (Listen to the pronunciation of Guten appetit here.) 

Italian: Buon appetito

Although some might say it’s now an obsolete tradition, it’s still common in Italy to wish others at the table Buon appetito! However, for those who want to steer clear of controversy, you can also say either, Buon pranzo! for lunch or Buona cena! It’s also not uncommon to just say, Prego! (Listen to the pronunciation of Buon appetito here.) 

Japanese: いただきます (Itadakimasu)

In Japan, before starting a meal, it’s customary to say “Itadakimasu,” which translates to “I humbly receive.” This phrase expresses gratitude for the food and those who prepared it. Respond with a smile and enjoy your meal! (Listen to the pronunciation of Itadakimasu here.)

Spanish: Buen provecho

In Spain, when a waiter brings you your food, they would say, ¡Buen provecho! Other common way to say it is the more colloquial ¡Que aproveche! Both phrases translate to “Good profit!” (Listen to the pronunciation of Buen provecho here.) 

Hungarian: Jó étvágyat

Learning how to say, Jó étvágyat! and A számlát kérem! might take some practice. A számlát kérem! is a useful phrase to know when eating at restaurants. It means, “Check (bill), please!”, while Jó étvágyat! translate literally to “Good appetite!” It’s often said right before eating a meal in Hungary. (Listen to the pronunciation of Jó étvágyat here.) 

Czech: Dobrou chut’

Sunday lunch in the Czech Republic is still a very important part of the week. Say Dobrou chut’! at the beginning of a meal. It’s second nature to a Czech! You will hear it at home, in restaurants, at work during lunch time, or wherever people are eating. (Listen to the pronunciation of Doubrou chut’ here.) 

Arabic: بالهناء والشفاء (Bil-hanā’ wa ash-shifā’)

In Arabic-speaking countries, you might hear “Bil-hanā’ wa ash-shifā’,” which translates to “With happiness and health.” This phrase is commonly used to wish someone a pleasant and healthy meal. (Listen to the pronunciation of Bil-hanā’ wa ash-shifā’ here.)

Finnish: Hyvää ruokahalua

Dining is a more formal affair in Finland than you might imagine. If invited to dinner, guests should wait for the phrase, Hyvää ruokahalua! before start eating. In turn, guests should also wish each other, Hyvää ruokahalua! Like many other versions of the phrase, it simply means, “Good appetite!” (Listen to the pronunciation of Hyvää ruokahalua here.) 

Hindi: स्वादिष्ट भोजन करें (Swādiṣṭ bhōjan karēṁ)

In India, you can say “Swādiṣṭ bhōjan karēṁ,” which means “Have a delicious meal.” This phrase is a warm way to wish someone an enjoyable dining experience. (Listen to the pronunciation of Swādiṣṭ bhōjan karēṁ here.)

Portuguese: Bom apetite

Whether you’re in Portugal or Brazil, the common expression for beginning a meal or wishing someone to enjoy it is, Bom apetite! Take in mind that another phrase may be used as well: Bom proveito! (Listen to the pronunciation of Bom apetite here.)

Polish: Smacznego

Having dinner at 3pm might not be something everyone is used to. However, whether you’re eating a large meal in Poland at 3pm on a Sunday or gulping small cold appetizers in the evening, every meal starts with, Smacznego! This short, simple word simply means, “Enjoy!” Answer the host and everyone else with another Smacznego! and you’ll be ready to dine like a Polish. (Listen to the pronunciation of Smacznego here.)

Swahili: Karibu chakula

In many East African countries where Swahili is spoken, you can say “Karibu chakula,” which means “Welcome to the food.” This phrase is an inviting way to wish someone a pleasant meal. (Listen to the pronunciation of Karibu here and chakula here.)

Swedish: Smaklig måltid

Whether formal or informal, dinners in Sweden usually start with the host saying Smaklig måltid!, which translates to, “(Have) a tasty meal!” Don’t forget to personally thank your host for the food after eating, since it’s customary. (Listen to the pronunciation of Smaklig måltid here.)

Thai: ทานให้อร่อย (Taan hai a-roi)

In Thailand, the phrase “Taan hai a-roi” means “Eat deliciously” or “Have a delicious meal.” It’s a common way to wish someone an enjoyable eating experience. (Listen to the pronunciation of Taan hai a-roi here.)

You may also like: How to Say “Please” All Over Europe

Greek: Καλή όρεξη! (Kalí óreksi!)

Culture in Greece revolves around food, so that’s something you should keep in mind when you visit the Hellenic nation. Eating outdoors, for example, is common year round. Before enjoying your food, wish everyone, Kalí óreksi! or Good appetite! In turn, respond with, Efharistó! And remember to always compliment the food and the chef, especially if you enjoy the meal. (Listen to the pronunciation of Kalí óreksi here.)

FAQs: 

Q: What is the best way to practice pronouncing these phrases?
A: Listening to native speakers, using language learning apps, and practicing with language exchange partners are effective ways to improve your pronunciation.

Q: Are these phrases formal or informal?
A: Most phrases can be used in both formal and informal settings, but it’s always a good idea to observe the local customs and context.

Q: How important is it to use these phrases when dining abroad?
A: Using local dining phrases is a polite gesture that shows respect for the culture and can enhance your dining experience.

Q: What if I can’t pronounce the phrases correctly?
A: Locals generally appreciate the effort, even if the pronunciation isn’t perfect. A smile and a polite attempt go a long way.

Q: Can these phrases be used in restaurants as well as in private homes?
A: Yes, these phrases are suitable for both restaurants and private dining settings.

Q: Are there any cultural nuances to be aware of when using these phrases?
A: Yes, each culture has its own dining etiquette. Observing how locals use these phrases will help you understand the appropriate context and usage.

Is your language not listed here? Let us know how to say “Bon appétit” in your language in the comments below!