Kevin
June 4, 2021
Common Questions
Do you know the definition of bon appetit? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the French phrase bon appetit, including its definition, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary and The Idioms, the French phrase bon appetit literally translates to “good appetite.” This phrase is used in English to mean “enjoy your meal,” and to wish people a hearty and healthy appetite for their dining experience. The correct pronunciation drops the last t sound, bust most English-speakers leave it in. There is debate about whether native French-speakers use the phrase, but it is certainly common in the English language.
While in English we borrow the French bon appetit as a wish of enjoyment before a mean, many other languages use phrases of their own. You may notice that some of these phrases look similar to each other. These are called cognates, which is when two words or phrases look, sound, and mean something similar between languages. These are often formed when two words or languages have the same root or language of origin like Latin or Greek. This list of translations for the phrase bon appetit is provided by Word Sense.
There are a few different English phrases that one can use in place of the term bon appetit. These are known as synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same definition as other words and phrases. Synonyms are useful to know if you are trying to expand your vocabulary as well as if you are trying to avoid repeating yourself. This list of synonyms for the phrase bon appetit is provided by Thesaurus.
The phrase bon appetit will most likely be used as an interjection by someone who is serving food. In this first example, Jamal and Safia are out to dinner for Safia’s birthday. The waiter brings out the main course.
Waiter: The shrimp?
Jamal: That’s me. Thank you.
Waiter. Bon appetit, sir. And the steak for the lady. Bon appetit.
Safia: Thank you!
Waiter: Of course. Enjoy, and let me know if you need anything.
Here, the waiter says bon appetit to both Jamal and Safia, wishing them a good meal. In this next example, Safia has made breakfast for Jamal on his birthday.
Safia: Bon appetit, birthday boy!
Jamal: Oh my God, this looks amazing. Eggs, pancakes, bacon. Thank you so much.
Safia: Of course, eat up! You’re going to need to eat a big breakfast if we’re going to be out in Vegas all night.
Jamal: Vegas tickets?! Wow!
Here, Safia uses the phrase bon appetit as a way of wishing that Jamal will enjoy his special breakfast. The term bon appetit is almost always used by someone who is serving someone else food. Someone might even use it for their pets! The phrase could also be used sarcastically. For example, if someone burnt something in the oven, or if they were trying to serve a young child medicine that tastes bad. This phrase is usually associated with a meal. While we do not know if French people actually use this phrase, this French term has become popular in the English language.
Overall, the phrase bon appetit is French for “good appetite.” This phrase is used to wish someone enjoyment of their meal. While it is unclear if a French person would actually use this phrase, English-speakers certainly do. Try using this word of the day or other new words in a sentence today!
