A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Well done" in Spanish
Say '¡Buen provecho!' to wish diners enjoyment of their meal, like 'bon appétit'.
¡Buen provecho!
BWEN proh-VEH-chohneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
This is what you say to someone who is about to eat or is already eating. It's a polite and common way to wish them a good meal.
Alternatives
- ¡Que aproveche!Slightly more informal, common in Spain.
- ¡Disfruta tu comida!More direct, meaning 'Enjoy your food!'
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'Bien hecho'
'Bien hecho' means 'well done' as in a job completed successfully, not for food.
Pronouncing 'provecho'
The 'v' is soft, almost like a 'b', and the 'ch' is like in 'church'.
A small cultural note
This phrase is very common in Latin America and Spain. It's a polite gesture to acknowledge someone is eating and wish them well.
Frequently asked
When do I say buen provecho?
Say it right before someone starts eating, or if you see them already eating. It's like saying 'enjoy your meal'.
Who do I say buen provecho to?
You can say it to anyone eating, including friends, family, or even strangers at a restaurant. It's a general courtesy.
Is buen provecho formal or informal?
It's generally considered neutral and works in most situations. You can use it with your waiter or with fellow diners.
How do Spanish people say well done?
The most common way to say "well done" in Spanish is "bien hecho." This phrase is widely understood across Spanish-speaking countries.
How do you say well done in Mexico?
In Mexico, like in many other Spanish-speaking regions, "bien hecho" is the standard way to say "well done." You might also hear "qué bien" which means "how good."
How to compliment good work in Spanish?
To compliment good work in Spanish, you can use "bien hecho" for "well done." Other options include "buen trabajo" (good job) or "excelente" (excellent).
How do you say "very well done"?
To say "very well done" in Spanish, you can use "muy bien hecho." You can also say "excelente" for "excellent" or "magnífico" for "magnificent."
