interjection
bon appétit
bon ap-uh-TEE
Bon appétit (interjection) means Said to someone who is about to eat, wishing them an enjoyable meal. Example: “She set down the plates and said, bon appétit.”
interjection
1
Said to someone who is about to eat, wishing them an enjoyable meal.
"She set down the plates and said, bon appétit."
"Bon appétit, everyone, and mind the dish is hot."
How to use bon appétit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA polite way of saying enjoy your food.
When to use it
Borrowed from French and used comfortably in English; slightly playful or formal depending on the setting.
Memory tip
The accent on appétit is often dropped in casual English writing, and the final t is silent.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
bon voyage →
bon vivant
Common pairings
say bon appétit
bon appétit, everyone
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She set down the plates and said, _____.
Etymology
French, literally good appetite.
Synonyms
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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.
What is the meaning of bon appétit?
"bon appétit" (interjection) means said to someone who is about to eat, wishing them an enjoyable meal.
What is another word for bon appétit?
Other words for "bon appétit" include enjoy your meal, enjoy, tuck in.
