Significado
A wish for someone to enjoy their food.
Contexto cultural
In Brazil, it is very common to say 'Bom apetite' to colleagues in the office if you see them heading to lunch or already eating in the breakroom. It's a key part of office 'simpatia' (friendliness). In Portugal, 'Bom proveito' is often used interchangeably with 'Bom apetite'. Some traditionalists feel 'Bom proveito' is more 'Portuguese', while 'Bom apetite' is a French import. In Luanda, dining is a very social affair. Saying 'Bom apetite' is often followed by an invitation to join: 'Está servido?' (Are you served/Would you like to join?). It is considered polite to wait for the host or the oldest person at the table to say 'Bom apetite' or start eating before you begin your own meal.
The 'Igualmente' Trick
If someone says 'Bom apetite' to you, the easiest and most native-sounding response is 'Obrigado, igualmente!' (Thanks, likewise!).
Wait for the Host
In formal settings, wait for the host to say 'Bom apetite' before you pick up your fork. It shows great respect.
Significado
A wish for someone to enjoy their food.
The 'Igualmente' Trick
If someone says 'Bom apetite' to you, the easiest and most native-sounding response is 'Obrigado, igualmente!' (Thanks, likewise!).
Wait for the Host
In formal settings, wait for the host to say 'Bom apetite' before you pick up your fork. It shows great respect.
Gender Agreement
Never say 'Boa apetite'. Even though it ends in 'e', apetite is masculine. Stick with 'Bom'.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct form of the phrase to wish someone a good meal.
O garçom coloca o prato na mesa e diz: _______!
'Apetite' is a masculine singular noun, so it requires the masculine singular adjective 'bom'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Ana: 'Bom apetite, Pedro!' Pedro: '_______, Ana!'
'Igualmente' (likewise) is the most common and polite way to return the wish.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When should you say 'Bom apetite'?
It is a greeting used to initiate the eating process.
Fill in the blank with the missing word.
Desejo a todos um ___ apetite!
The adjective must agree with the masculine singular noun 'apetite'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to say Bom Apetite
Places
- • Restaurante
- • Casa
- • Escritório
- • Piquenique
People
- • Amigos
- • Família
- • Colegas
- • Garçom
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosO garçom coloca o prato na mesa e diz: _______!
'Apetite' is a masculine singular noun, so it requires the masculine singular adjective 'bom'.
Ana: 'Bom apetite, Pedro!' Pedro: '_______, Ana!'
'Igualmente' (likewise) is the most common and polite way to return the wish.
When should you say 'Bom apetite'?
It is a greeting used to initiate the eating process.
Desejo a todos um ___ apetite!
The adjective must agree with the masculine singular noun 'apetite'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, that would be strange. Use 'Bom proveito' if others are still eating, or just say the food was delicious.
'Bom apetite' is strictly for the start of a meal. 'Bom proveito' is more general and can be used anytime someone is 'benefiting' from something, including food.
Yes, it is universal in the Portuguese-speaking world.
Just say 'Obrigado' or 'Bom proveito' if they are the ones eating.
It is 'apetite' with an 'e'. 'Apetito' is Spanish.
Usually no. For drinks, we use 'Saúde!' (Cheers).
Yes, if you pass someone eating in a casual setting, it is considered very polite.
This is a feature of many Brazilian dialects where 'te' or 'ti' becomes an affricate sound.
Yes, that is a more complete, slightly more formal version: 'Have a good appetite'.
Frases relacionadas
Bom proveito
similarEnjoy your meal (literally: good profit/benefit)
Está servido?
builds onWould you like to join me/us?
Bom almoço
specialized formHave a good lunch
Saúde!
similarCheers! / Health!
