Provecho
What does it mean?
"Provecho" is the small Mexican courtesy that catches foreigners off guard: when you walk past someone eating — in a restaurant, on the street, at home — you say "provecho" as you pass. It's the verbal equivalent of a nod, acknowledging their meal. Mexicans use it constantly and notice when foreigners don't.
How to use it
Universally polite. Say it when arriving at a table where others are already eating, when leaving a restaurant past tables still dining, or when serving a meal yourself. The natural reply is "gracias" or "igualmente" (likewise, if you're also eating).
Example sentences
Enjoy your meal. — Thank you.
Provecho. — Gracias.
Enjoy! — Likewise.
Provecho. — Igualmente.
Hi, enjoy your meal!
¡Buenas, provecho!
Related phrases
More mexico-greetings phrases
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