While in Germany, I was asked what Americans say before a meal. I wasn't really sure of an answer so i said "Bon Appetit I guess." They thought that was very funny.
I am from India. I am constantly asked what people say in Hindi /Indian languages for "bon appetit" or "cheers". Nothing. You just start eating / drinking without greeting / waiting for anyone else. :P
Well in a more formal context, you might say "Enjoy your meal" (that's how Google translates it) but I always thought this was such a weak translation of "Bon appétit" etc. Definitely a pet peeve of mine in English. Cheers!
In Japan they say "Itadakimasu", which literally means "I humbly receive". It's a way of giving thanks for the food. Sometimes everyone around the table will say it in unison before eating.
Nice job! I have discovered your comics a couple of months ago and I love reading them. This one is actually one of my favorites. By the way, in Portuguese we usually say "Bom Apetite". Keep up the good work, I'm already a fan!
The Dutch say "Eet smakelijk" or "Smakelijk eten", both meaning "eat tastefully". Sometimes abbreviated to "Smakelijk". We also use: "Aanvallen" (Attack), "Stapelen" (Stack), "Tast toe" (Dig in, freely translated), "Prettige maaltijd" (gratifying meal), "Geniet ervan" (Enjoy it), "Moge het u wel bekomen" (May it be good to you), "Eet smakeloos" (Eat tastlessly) or even the german word "Mahlzeit!" (litt. meal!) and many other...
When calling people for dinner: "TROOPS!" Or, if one of my sisters isn't around, "Time to get our munch on." To quote Chef John of Allrecipes.com, "And as always, enjoy."
That's a great one. You know, you've commented a few times - it would be amazing to get comics from the expat in Korea's perspective. Have you considered submitting ideas to the suggestion box? It's at the bottom of every page. Would be great, think about it!
My father would occasionally lead with "On with the motley!" or "Let battle commence!".
ReplyDelete"Every man for himself!"
DeleteWhile in Germany, I was asked what Americans say before a meal. I wasn't really sure of an answer so i said "Bon Appetit I guess." They thought that was very funny.
ReplyDeletein indonesiano si dice "selamat makan"
ReplyDeleteI am from India. I am constantly asked what people say in Hindi /Indian languages for "bon appetit" or "cheers". Nothing. You just start eating / drinking without greeting / waiting for anyone else. :P
ReplyDeleteThen you'll have no problems in the USA!
DeleteIn Russian, the г (g) sound in приятного is pronounced as a "v", so it's "priyatnovo".
ReplyDeleteNice, thanks for the tip. I'll be sure to change it.
Deletewhy not "priyatnava apitita" then?
DeleteI think it was not supposed to be a transcription :)
A frenchman once asked me what english people say before a meal - i told him we don't have our own phrase because English food is so bad ;)
ReplyDelete"Let's get this over with"
DeleteDamn you beat me here ;)
DeleteI wanted to say that english are realists about their food and dont say good appetite before a meal. :P
Well in a more formal context, you might say "Enjoy your meal" (that's how Google translates it) but I always thought this was such a weak translation of "Bon appétit" etc.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a pet peeve of mine in English. Cheers!
Yes, "enjoy your meal" is possible, but it sounds like something you'd hear in a restaurant. Or simply "enjoy". Usually we borrow the French phrase.
DeleteFor when the foods ready you can say "grubs up". I think my dad used to say "get stuck in".
I personally love the colloquial "Hau/Haut rein!" :D No talk of enjoying your meal, just giving the firing order
ReplyDeleteHence, the joke, "What's the Chinese for 'bon appétit'? 'Lang zu'!"
DeleteThe Chinese say "慢慢吃", which literally means "eat slowly". If you eat slowly, you can enjoy the food.
ReplyDeletePolish is the easiest language - only one word, "Smacznego" ;)
ReplyDeleteHm, I'm not sure that's the easiest. That's a daunting consonant-to-vowel ratio...
DeleteIn Japan they say "Itadakimasu", which literally means "I humbly receive". It's a way of giving thanks for the food. Sometimes everyone around the table will say it in unison before eating.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your comics yesterday, but I love 'em already. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteNice job!
ReplyDeleteI have discovered your comics a couple of months ago and I love reading them. This one is actually one of my favorites. By the way, in Portuguese we usually say "Bom Apetite".
Keep up the good work, I'm already a fan!
Thank you! Glad you like 'em. Obrigado, and all that.
DeleteDig in!
ReplyDeleteThe Dutch say "Eet smakelijk" or "Smakelijk eten", both meaning "eat tastefully". Sometimes abbreviated to "Smakelijk". We also use: "Aanvallen" (Attack), "Stapelen" (Stack), "Tast toe" (Dig in, freely translated), "Prettige maaltijd" (gratifying meal), "Geniet ervan" (Enjoy it), "Moge het u wel bekomen" (May it be good to you), "Eet smakeloos" (Eat tastlessly) or even the german word "Mahlzeit!" (litt. meal!) and many other...
ReplyDeleteHoly crap. They don't mess around with good meal wishes, those Dutch, do they?
DeleteWhen calling people for dinner: "TROOPS!"
ReplyDeleteOr, if one of my sisters isn't around, "Time to get our munch on."
To quote Chef John of Allrecipes.com, "And as always, enjoy."
In Korea,we've got 맛있게 드세요, which translates to 'eat deliciously'~
ReplyDeleteThat's a great one. You know, you've commented a few times - it would be amazing to get comics from the expat in Korea's perspective. Have you considered submitting ideas to the suggestion box? It's at the bottom of every page. Would be great, think about it!
DeleteA common Aussie phrase before a meal: "2, 4, 6, 8, bog in, don't wait!"
ReplyDelete"Dig in" is also used in the place of "bog in" or just by itself.