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What do Russians say to someone who is about to eat?

Приятного аппетита (priyatnogo appetita) is bon appetit.

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  1. За ваше здоровье (za vashe zdorovye)
  2. Спокойной ночи (spokoynoy nochi)
  3. Приятного аппетита (priyatnogo appetita) ✔

Why: Приятного аппетита wishes someone a pleasant appetite. За ваше здоровье is a toast with drinks, and спокойной ночи is good night.

Huh, didn't know that: Wiktionary says it is used far more than the English 'bon appetit', almost reflexively.

The dad joke
Priyatnogo appetita is said so often it is almost part of the soup.
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References

Answer: Приятного аппетита (priyatnogo appetita). Приятного аппетита wishes someone a pleasant appetite. За ваше здоровье is a toast with drinks, and спокойной ночи is good night.

  1. Wiktionary: приятного аппетита en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B0%D0%BF%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B0
    bon appétit. Used much more commonly than the English equivalent
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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