Breakdown of Приятного аппетита!
приятного аппетита
enjoy your meal
Questions & Answers about Приятного аппетита!
This lesson is about imperative verbs (commands). Why isn't there an imperative verb for "enjoy" in this sentence?
Because Russian doesn't use a verb here! While the English translation uses the command "Enjoy," the Russian phrase literally means "[I wish you a] pleasant appetite." It is just a set phrase you memorize without using an imperative verb.
Why do the words end in -ого and -а instead of being in their basic dictionary forms?
They are in the genitive case. In Russian, when you wish someone well, it secretly implies the phrase "I wish you..." (Я желаю вам...). The thing you are wishing for takes the genitive case. The "I wish you" part is usually dropped, leaving just приятного аппетита.
Is the г in приятного pronounced like a "g"?
No, it is pronounced like a "v". The ending -ого on adjectives is a special rule in Russian where the г makes a "v" sound. So, the word is pronounced roughly like "pri-YAT-na-va".
Do I need to change this phrase if I am speaking to multiple people or someone I address formally with вы?
No, приятного аппетита stays exactly the same regardless of who you are talking to. Since it doesn't contain a verb or a pronoun, you don't have to worry about matching it to formal or informal speech.
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