In this lesson, find out what you can say before and after a meal at someone's house.
What to say before a meal
If you're having friends over for lunch or dinner, you can say the following:
- Let's dig in (or 'dig in')
- Enjoy your meal (or 'enjoy')
- Hope you enjoy what we've made for you
- Bon appetit
'Bon appetit' is one of the many French phrases adopted by the English language.
Using this phrase is a very popular way of telling someone to enjoy their meal. And you can also use it if you're a guest.
What to say after a meal
After a meal, there a number of different things you can compliment. For example, the host, the taste of the food, the variety served or the talent of the person who prepared it.
If you want to compliment your host, you can say:
- The lunch was outstanding!
- We had a great time, thank you.
- Thank you for having us. We loved the dinner.
To acknowledge a good meal and comment on the taste of the food, you can say:
- What a fantastic meal!
- We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
- That was a delicious meal.
- It was a very satisfying meal.
If you like something, you might want a 'second serve' or 'another helping'.
These phrases can be used when you're having more of the dish once you've finished it the first time round. If you have a few more serves after that, you can say you've had a 'few helpings' or 'too many helpings'.
- I wouldn't mind having a second serve of that.
- I've had so many helpings! It was delicious.
- I ate way too much. I'm really full now.
When we want to recognise the person that prepared the meal, we can say:
- The meal tonight was very tasty. You've done a great job.
- Thanks very much, you cooked that meal to perfection.
- Your cooking has really brought out all the many flavours.
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As a seasoned linguist and cultural enthusiast, I've delved deep into the intricacies of language adoption, particularly the infusion of foreign phrases into the English lexicon. My expertise spans various linguistic phenomena, and I can confidently assert that 'Bon appétit' is indeed one of the many French expressions seamlessly integrated into English discourse.
The evidence supporting this assertion lies in the historical evolution of the English language, shaped by cultural interactions, trade, and globalization. French influence on English has been significant, especially in culinary and cultural contexts. 'Bon appétit' stands out as a testament to this cross-cultural exchange, symbolizing a shared appreciation for good food and hospitality.
Now, let's dissect the linguistic nuances of the provided article. The lesson revolves around etiquette and expressions related to meals in a social setting, showcasing a rich tapestry of language use.
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Before a Meal:
- "Let's dig in" and "Enjoy your meal" exhibit an informal yet friendly tone, encouraging guests to commence eating.
- "Hope you enjoy what we've made for you" emphasizes the anticipation of the host for the guests' enjoyment, showcasing a thoughtful and welcoming attitude.
- The inclusion of 'Bon appétit' underlines the global linguistic borrowing present in English, offering a refined touch to the pre-meal well-wishing.
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After a Meal:
- Expressing gratitude towards the host with phrases like "The lunch was outstanding!" or "We had a great time, thank you" reflects proper etiquette and appreciation for the hospitality.
- Complimenting the taste, variety, or the chef's talent broadens the scope of appreciation, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of culinary etiquette.
- The article even covers scenarios where one might want seconds, introducing phrases like "I wouldn't mind having a second serve of that" or acknowledging overindulgence with "I've had so many helpings! It was delicious."
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Recognizing the Chef:
- Phrases like "The meal tonight was very tasty. You've done a great job" and "Thanks very much, you cooked that meal to perfection" highlight the importance of acknowledging the person responsible for the culinary delights.
- Mentioning the flavors brought out by the cook emphasizes a keen palate and an appreciation for the art of cooking.
In essence, this article encapsulates not only the linguistic aspects of pre- and post-meal interactions but also the cultural intricacies woven into expressions of gratitude and enjoyment. It's a testament to the richness of language and the social importance placed on shared meals, reflecting a deep understanding of both language and etiquette.
