bon appétit
3 synonyms for bon appétit, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Interjection — Said to someone who is about to eat, wishing them an enjoyable meal.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
enjoy your meal
tuck in
How to use bon appétit
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
say bon appétit
bon appétit, everyone
Borrowed from French and used comfortably in English; slightly playful or formal depending on the setting.
Etymology
French, literally good appetite.
Full origin of bon appétit →Frequently asked questions
What does bon appétit literally mean?
It means good appetite in French. English has no exact native equivalent, which is why the French phrase is borrowed; the closest is enjoy your meal.
Do you say bon appétit before or after you start eating?
It is said just before eating begins, usually once everyone has been served. In France it is also said politely to strangers who are about to eat, such as diners at a neighbouring table.
