Phrasebook
Bon appétit: what it means and how to reply
Say bon appétit before a meal, answer merci or à toi aussi, and distinguish a meal wish from hunger or praise. Breakfast picture cards and a short quiz.
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In short
Bon appétit ! means “enjoy your meal!” Say it to someone who is about to eat or is eating. Answer Merci !; if the other person is eating too, you can return the wish with Merci, à toi aussi ! or Merci, à vous aussi !
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Breakfast with a friend
Both of you are about to eat. You call each other tu.
The server brings your breakfast
The server is working and you are eating. A simple thanks fits.
Lunch with two colleagues
You address two people with vous. Everyone has a meal.
Leave someone to their meal
You are finishing a conversation while the other person starts lunch.
A café breakfast
Find:
When do you say bon appétit, and how do you reply?
| French | English | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| J’ai faim. | I’m hungry. | Describes hunger. |
| Bon appétit ! | Enjoy your meal! | Wishes someone a pleasant meal. |
| C’est très bon ! | It’s very good! | Praises the food after tasting. |
The meal wish comes naturally when the food is ready: Le repas est prêt. Bon appétit ! A compliment follows a taste: C’est délicieux ! The English translation “enjoy your meal” carries the friendly purpose of the wish.
Who is eating?
With a friend who also has lunch, à toi aussi returns the wish. For someone you call vous, or for several people, use à vous aussi. If a server brings your food, Merci ! is a complete reply.
Bon appétit, Marc ! Bon appétit, Lina !
Enjoy your meal, Marc! Enjoy your meal, Lina!
Appétit is masculine, so keep bon. The phrase stays the same whoever you address. Keep the accent in appétit.