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Questions & Answers about Bom apetite a todos!
Why do we say Bom apetite instead of translating "enjoy your meal"?
In Portuguese, you do not use a verb like "enjoy" for this greeting. Instead, you literally wish someone a "good appetite" (bom apetite). This is the standard cultural phrase used right before people start eating.
Why is the preposition a used before todos?
The preposition a translates to "to". You are literally saying "Good appetite to everyone". English drops the "to" in this expression, but Portuguese requires it to show who is receiving the good wish.
Does todos always mean "everyone"?
Why isn't there a word like os after todos?
When todos means "everyone" in general, it stands alone and does not need a definite article. You only add os if you are specifying "all the" of a specific noun, such as a todos os convidados (to all the guests).