잘 먹겠습니다

Jal meokgetseumnida

Said before eating, especially when someone prepared or provided the meal. It carries appreciation as well as anticipation.

What does it mean?

잘 먹겠습니다 is said just before eating. It literally means something like “I will eat well,” but it carries gratitude for the meal and the person who prepared or provided it.

How it sounds

A: 음식 나왔습니다. B: 잘 먹겠습니다!

When do Koreans use it?

You may say it before a meal at home, when someone treats you, or when food has been prepared for you.

A small nuance

There is no perfect one-line English equivalent. It is closer to “thank you for the meal; I’ll enjoy it” than simply “bon appétit.”