Enjoy your meal
in SpanishBuen provecho
/bwehn pro-BEH-choh/
The absolute standard way to say 'enjoy your meal' in Spanish. It literally translates to 'good benefit' (hoping the food does your body good) and is used in almost every Spanish-speaking country.
In many Spanish-speaking countries, it's polite to say 'Provecho' to other diners when you leave.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Provecho
/pro-BEH-choh/
A shortened, friendly version of 'buen provecho'. Extremely common in Mexico and parts of Central America, often shouted quickly as a friendly greeting to other diners.
Que aproveche
/keh ah-pro-BEH-cheh/
The preferred variation in Spain. It is a short form of 'hope it benefits you'.
Que lo disfrutes
/keh loh dees-FROO-tehs/
Literally 'hope you enjoy it'. This sounds more like the English 'enjoy your meal'.
Buen apetito
/bwehn ah-peh-TEE-toh/
A direct translation of 'bon appétit'. It is understood but sounds a bit foreign or overly formal to native ears.
Que tengan buen provecho
/keh TEHN-gahn bwehn pro-BEH-choh/
The plural formal version used often by waiters addressing a table.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Different regions prefer different versions of this phrase.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buen provecho | Neutral/Universal | Any situation in any country | Never—it works everywhere |
| Provecho | Casual | Mexico/Latin America, quick interactions | Very formal diplomatic dinners |
| Que aproveche | Neutral | Spain | You are in Latin America (they'll understand, but it sounds Spanish) |
📈Difficulty Level
Fairly easy, just remember the 'v' sounds like a soft 'b'.
No complex grammar, it's a fixed expression.
The challenge isn't saying it, but remembering *when* to say it (e.g., to strangers).
Key Challenges:
- Overcoming the shyness of speaking to strangers in restaurants
- Pronouncing the 'r' and 'v' correctly
💡Examples in Action
Aquí tiene su cena. ¡Buen provecho!
Here is your dinner. Enjoy your meal!
Me voy a sentar aquí. Provecho.
I'm going to sit here. Enjoy your meal.
¡Que aproveche, chicos!
Enjoy the meal, guys!
Espero que lo disfruten.
I hope you (plural) enjoy it.
🌍Cultural Context
The Stranger Rule
In many Latin American countries (especially Mexico and Colombia), it is considered polite to say 'provecho' to strangers when you enter a restaurant, or when you stand up to leave and pass by other tables. It's a quick acknowledgment that connects you to the other diners.
More Than Just Taste
The word 'provecho' comes from the verb 'aprovechar' (to take advantage of/to benefit). So, you aren't just wishing someone a tasty meal; you are wishing that the food nurtures them and does their body good. It's a wish for health and well-being through food.
The Burp Myth
You might hear a rumor that 'buen provecho' is said after someone burps. This is generally not true in polite society! While customs vary, burping is considered rude in most Spanish-speaking cultures, and you say 'buen provecho' before eating, not after a bodily function.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Translating Literally
Mistake: "Saying 'Disfruta tu comida' exclusively."
Correction: Say 'Buen provecho'.
Saying Nothing
Mistake: "Walking away from a shared table without saying anything."
Correction: Say 'Provecho' or 'Con permiso, provecho'.
💡Pro Tips
Short and Sweet
In casual settings, you don't need the full phrase. Just a quick smile and a '¡Provecho!' is perfect. It's friendly, low-pressure, and makes you sound like a local.
The Correct Response
If someone says 'buen provecho' to you, the standard response is simply 'gracias'. If you are eating and they are also about to eat, you can add 'igualmente' (same to you).
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico
In Mexico, this is a social glue. It is almost mandatory to say this when entering a taco shop or leaving a restaurant. It's considered very polite and warm.
Spain
Spaniards often use the subjunctive form 'Que aproveche'. It implies 'May it benefit you'. It's slightly more common than 'Buen provecho' in casual settings.
Argentina
Used commonly, but the social obligation to say it to strangers at other tables is less intense than in Mexico. It's mostly for your own table or immediate interactions.
💬What Comes Next?
Someone says 'Buen provecho' to you
¡Buen provecho!
Enjoy your meal!
Gracias, igualmente.
Thanks, same to you (if they are also eating).
Leaving the table
Hasta luego.
See you later.
Buen provecho.
Enjoy your meal (said to those remaining at the table).
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, 'enjoy your meal' is usually said by the waiter to the customer. In Spanish, it is much more reciprocal and communal. Customers say it to each other, friends say it to friends, and strangers say it to strangers. It creates a shared sense of community around food.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: While English speakers borrow this French phrase, Spanish speakers have their own native version ('Buen provecho') and rarely use the French term.
Use instead: Buen provecho
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say delicious in Spanish
Once you've started eating, you'll want to compliment the food.
How to ask for the check in Spanish
The logical next step after finishing your meal.
How to say cheers in Spanish
Another essential phrase for dining and drinking socially.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Enjoy your meal
Question 1 of 3
You are in Mexico and you walk past a table of strangers eating lunch. What should you say?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude not to say 'provecho'?
In your own group, yes, it can be seen as skipping a polite ritual. With strangers, it depends on the country. In Mexico and Central America, it's very polite to say it; in big cities in Spain or Argentina, it's less obligatory to say it to strangers, but still nice.
Can I just say 'enjoy' in Spanish?
You can say 'disfruta' (enjoy), but it sounds incomplete to a native speaker. 'Buen provecho' is the fixed phrase that everyone expects. Using the English direct translation marks you as a foreigner immediately.
Do I say it before or after eating?
You always say it *before* people start eating, or right as they are taking their first bites. If you arrive when people are already halfway through their meal, you can still say it then.
How do I pronounce the 'v' in provecho?
In Spanish, the 'v' and 'b' sounds are nearly identical. It sounds like a soft 'b'. So pronounce it as 'pro-BEH-choh', not 'pro-VEH-choh'.
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