How to say enjoy your meal! in Italian (2024)

FAQs

What do Italians say to a good meal? ›

Che buono/a! is the first and most important compliment you can say about any dish. It means “good” in a general sense, but when it comes to food, it means “tasty” or “delicious.” Feel free to use or include any of the exaggerated adjectives that were listed before! Che buono! Posso assaggiare? (“So good!

What does “Buen Provecho” mean in Italian? Nothing. It's Spanish, not Italian, and it means “Bon appétit” or “enjoy your meal”. That, in Italian, is “Buon appetito” Knows Italian.

“Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto”

Judging by how much “eat well, laugh often, love much” is used in Italy, it's possible the much-maligned English phrase 'live, laugh, love' could have its origins there.

Some alternative phrases that can be used instead of "Enjoy your meal" are "Bon appétit," "Have a good meal," or simply "Enjoy." These phrases are more neutral and do not assume that the person needs permission to enjoy their meal.

The most common Italian greeting is Ciao (pronounced CHOW). Ciao is a simple, snappy way of saying hello and goodbye in Italian.

(Mamma mia, che buono!) Kiss your fingertips and flick them outward. This classic Italian gesture signifies that the food is not just good; it's exceptional. Italians use it to show their appreciation for a delicious meal, and they sometimes accompany it with the verbal exclamation Mamma mia, che buono!

If you'd like to say “very good” in Italian, you'd generally say “molto bene.” That said, there are some common informal and/or slang expressions that convey the same idea: benissimo. che bello. che fico.

The typical Italian phrase to say “enjoy your meal” is buon appetito. It's easy to remember because it sounds a lot like bon appetit.

Italian: nickname for a gossipy or garrulous person from the central-southern Italian word pica 'magpie'.

The way of responding to buen provecho in Spanish is simply by saying the same thing or the short version, provecho. In Mexico, it's common to say the diminutive of the word—provechito (little benefit). It doesn't mean “may you have a small benefit from your meal,” it's just an endearing way of saying it.

What should you say at the beginning of a meal in Italy? ›

Although not mandatory, Italians will wish each other 'good eating' or buon appetito before they begin a lunch or dinner. Italians do not put different foods together on one plate, instead they eat in courses.

it can be either “buon appetito” or you can as specific as you want “buon pranzo” for lunch, “buona cena” for dinner.

antipasto: Literally 'before the meal', the Italian word for appetizer or hors d'oeuvre.

“A tavola non si invecchia”: This Italian proverb literally translates to “you don't get old at the table.” Enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Be present and share a slow meal and some wine with family and friends.