Meaning
Said before starting to eat.
Cultural Background
It is considered slightly rude to start eating before the host has said 'Gero apetito' or 'Skanaus'. Bread (duona) is sacred in Lithuanian culture. If a piece of bread falls, it is traditionally kissed and picked up. Saying 'Gero apetito' over bread is a sign of deep respect. In rural areas, people might still use the phrase 'Padėk, Dieve' (God help [you]) when they see someone working or eating, to which the reply is 'Ačiū'. Hospitality is paramount. A guest should always be offered 'Gero apetito' even if they are only having a small snack.
The 'Skanaus' Shortcut
If 'Gero apetito' feels too long, just say 'Skanaus!'. It's used 80% of the time in casual settings.
Don't be silent
Starting to eat in total silence when others are present can be seen as slightly cold. A quick 'Skanaus' or 'Gero apetito' warms up the atmosphere.
Meaning
Said before starting to eat.
The 'Skanaus' Shortcut
If 'Gero apetito' feels too long, just say 'Skanaus!'. It's used 80% of the time in casual settings.
Don't be silent
Starting to eat in total silence when others are present can be seen as slightly cold. A quick 'Skanaus' or 'Gero apetito' warms up the atmosphere.
The Response
If someone says it to you, the best response is 'Ačiū, ir jums!' (formal) or 'Ačiū, ir tau!' (informal).
Wait for the Host
In formal dinners, wait for the host to say the phrase before you pick up your fork.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the mealtime greeting.
Gero ________!
Lithuanian wishes require the genitive case, so 'apetitas' becomes 'apetito'.
Which of these is the most common native alternative to 'Gero apetito!'?
Select the correct alternative:
'Skanaus!' is the genitive form of 'skanus' and is the most frequent native way to say 'Enjoy your meal'.
Match the response to the situation.
A waiter brings your food and says 'Gero apetito!'. What do you say?
It is polite to thank the waiter and wish them a good day or appetite in return.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Jonas: 'Mano pica jau čia!' Lina: 'O, atrodo puikiai. ________!'
Lina is wishing Jonas a good meal as his pizza has arrived.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Gero apetito!
Places
- • Restaurant
- • Home
- • Office
- • Picnic
People
- • Family
- • Waiters
- • Colleagues
- • Friends
Gero apetito vs. Skanaus
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGero ________!
Lithuanian wishes require the genitive case, so 'apetitas' becomes 'apetito'.
Select the correct alternative:
'Skanaus!' is the genitive form of 'skanus' and is the most frequent native way to say 'Enjoy your meal'.
A waiter brings your food and says 'Gero apetito!'. What do you say?
It is polite to thank the waiter and wish them a good day or appetite in return.
Jonas: 'Mano pica jau čia!' Lina: 'O, atrodo puikiai. ________!'
Lina is wishing Jonas a good meal as his pizza has arrived.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, slightly. 'Gero apetito' is often used in restaurants and formal hosting, while 'Skanaus' is the go-to for family and friends.
Simply say 'Ačiū!' or 'Ačiū, jums taip pat!' (Thank you, to you as well!).
Yes! If you see someone else eating, it's very polite to say 'Gero apetito!' as you pass by.
Because it's in the genitive case, which is used for wishes in Lithuanian.
Almost always. It's a very ingrained social habit.
Younger people might just say 'Skaniai!' or 'Gero!', but it's less common.
You don't need to say it to yourself, but some people might think it in their head!
If the meeting involves a meal, then yes, it is absolutely required.
Yes, 'Skanaus' is more common for snacks, but 'Gero apetito' works too.
Not anymore. It's a purely secular social greeting today.
Related Phrases
Skanaus!
synonymEnjoy your meal (lit. 'of tasty')
Gero skonio!
similarGood taste!
Į sveikatą!
similarTo your health / Cheers!
Skaniai pavalgyk!
builds onEat tastily!
Ačiū, buvo skanu
contrastThanks, it was tasty
