Say ‘Cheers’ in 21 Totally different Languages To Have a good time Life’s Moments
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If one phrase might characterize all the enjoyment of a celebration, it could be “Cheers!” Almost each tradition around the globe has a phrase and ritual for celebrating the nice instances of their household and group. Whether or not you’re hoisting a glass of Prosecco, sake, or spicy masala chai, learn to want good well being and congratulations in 21 totally different languages.
The right way to say ‘Cheers’ in numerous languages
The spirit of “Cheers!” is ideal for any occasion in most international locations, whether or not it’s a chic wedding ceremony in Tuscany or a sudden sneeze in Warsaw. Participate in particular (and on a regular basis) moments the world over while you uncover learn how to say “cheers” in numerous languages.
Language | “Cheers” | Pronunciation |
Arabic | في صحتك (Fi sihetak) | FEE suh HAH-tek |
Dutch | Proost! | prohst |
Filipino (Tagalog) | Tagay! | tah-GAYE |
French | À ta santé! | ah TAH sahn-TEH |
German | Zum Wohl! | tsoom VOHL |
Greek | Στην υγειά σας! (Stin ygeiá mas!) | stin-ee-YAH-sahs |
Farsi (Persian) | به سلامتی (Bah salameti!) | BEH sah-law-meh-TEE |
Hebrew | לחיים (L’chaim!) | le-KHAH-eem |
Hindi | अच्छी सेहत के लिए (Achchhee sehat ke lie!) | ah-CHEY svas-TEH keh lee-eh |
Italian | Salute! | sah-LOO-teh |
Japanese | 乾杯! (Kanpai!) | kahn-PAHY |
Korean | 건배! (Geonbae!) | GAHN-baye |
Mandarin Chinese language | 干杯 (Gānbēi) | gahn-BAYE |
Polish | Na zdrowie! | nahz DROHV-ee-ey |
Portuguese | Saúde! | sah-OOH-jhee |
Russian | За ваше здоровье! (Za vashe zdorov’ye!) | zah VASH-ehz doh-ROHV-yeh |
Spanish | ¡Salud! | sah-LOOD |
Swedish | Skål! | skohl |
Turkish | Şerefe! | sheh-REH-feh |
Vietnamese | Chúc Sức Khoẻ! | CHOOK suhk KWAY |
When to say ‘Cheers’ in different international locations and cultures

Holding up a glass and consuming to somebody’s good well being is a ritual that transcends regional boundaries. Be taught extra about how and when to say “cheers” in numerous languages, together with cultural customs (and drinks!) in varied international locations.
‘Cheers’ in Arabic: Fi sihtak! (في صحتك)
Should you’re attending an Islamic celebration like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the most typical option to say “Cheers!” is Fi sihtak! (to your well being). You might also hear the extra casual sahha or yallah (Let’s go), relying the place you’re.
And what do you drink throughout these toasts? Whereas many Arabic-speaking international locations and Islamic customs forbid consuming alcohol, you possibly can toast with shai (tea) or a preferred apricot drink referred to as qamar al-din.
‘Cheers’ in Dutch: Proost!
Whether or not you’re within the Netherlands celebrating Dankdag (Thanksgiving), Påske (Easter) or Koningsdag (celebration of King Willem-Alexander), Proost is the way in which to toast. It means “Might it’s good” and is the proper option to want your fellow celebrants properly. You may as well say Santé, which needs good well being.
The right way to toast within the Netherlands? Clink glasses whereas wanting folks within the eye and luxuriate in a glass of Dutch beer served in small vaasjes (vases) or fluitjes (flutes)!
‘Cheers’ in Filipino: Tagay!
The Filipino phrase Tagay means “Bottoms up,” which is often an invite to empty the glass in entrance of you. However within the Philippines, Tagay usually refers back to the apply of passing a drink round a circle, letting everybody drink from the identical glass.
It’s possible you’ll end up wishing others Tagay at in style Filipino festivals, together with the Ati-Atihan Competition held within the third week of January, or social gatherings referred to as Inuman Periods (consuming classes). Take pleasure in scrumptious lambanog, a candy coconut liquor, or tuba, a Filipino palm wine, at these particular events.
‘Cheers’ in French: À ta santé!
À ta santé means “to your well being” in French. Should you’re fortunate sufficient to toast a celebration on a French vacation like Bastille Day, you’ll end up immersed in a tradition the place food and drinks all the time matches how particular the occasion is.
Because the birthplace of bubbly champagne and a number of the best wines on the planet, France is a perfect place to toast with a glass in your hand—even when there isn’t a vacation developing on the calendar!
‘Cheers’ in German: Zum Wohl!
For formal events in Germany, zum Wohl (to your well being) is the right option to say “Cheers!” However for casual gatherings of associates at a German beer backyard or summer season Riesling celebrations, you’re prone to hear Prost as an alternative.
And in case you occur to be in Germany throughout Oktoberfest, name out Ein Prosit together with your subsequent spherical (and attempt to be taught the lyrics to the consuming tune “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit”)!
‘Cheers’ in Greek: Stin ygeiá mas! (Στην υγειά σας)
Anybody who’s been to a Greek celebration is aware of that each pleasure and ouzo (Greek liqueur) circulate freely. You’ll hear calls of Stin ygeiá mas, or the much less formal Yamas, whether or not you’re invited to Orthodox Easter (referred to as Pascha), a birthday celebration, or dinner with Greek family and friends.
And talking of ouzo (the anise-flavored spirit that usually accompanies Greek toasts), be happy to name out Opa! (Hurray!) together with your drink, together with extra formal greetings and properly needs.
‘Cheers’ in Farsi: Bah salameti! (به سلامتی)
Alcoholic drinks are banned in Iran and lots of different Farsi and Persian-speaking international locations, so your glass is extra prone to comprise chai (tea) or doogh (a yogurt drink). However it doesn’t matter what you’re consuming on events like Nowruz, the Persian New Yr, you’re prone to hear calls of ah salameti (to good well being)!
Since Persian tradition so extremely values hospitality and group, you’ll additionally hear Bah salameti over meals, informal visits, and on a regular basis greetings. It’s a pleasant option to want one good well being alongside a extra conventional greeting.
‘Cheers’ in Hebrew: L’chaim! (לחיים)
Even in case you’ve by no means attended a Jewish celebration or traveled to Israel, you’ll have heard the Hebrew phrase for “Cheers”: L’chaim! It means “To life!” This phrase is just like different languages’ needs for good well being and fortune. Mazel Tov is one other toast used for luck or congratulations.
You’ll probably hear these phrases throughout Jewish celebrations like Rosh Hashanah and Purim earlier than taking a sip of wine or limonana, the nationwide drink of Israel.
‘Cheers’ in Hindi: Achchhee sehat ke lie! (अच्छी सेहत के लिए )
With a bustling wine and spirits scene, road festivals, and a lot of cultural celebrations, India is a spot the place you’ll have to know learn how to make a toast. The commonest phrase is Achchhee sehat ke lie (for good well being), although you might also hear the much less formal Burrah and even simply the English “Cheers!”
Take pleasure in a glass of Indian whisky as you toast your fellow celebrants or go for non-alcoholic choices like masala chai or lassi. In some Indian cultures, the primary drink is poured for an ancestor to pay respect to those that have handed.
‘Cheers’ in Italian: Salute!
You’ve discovered your self at a feast in Italy, and it’s time to make un brindisi (a toast). Elevate your glass of Prosecco and need everybody Salute! Should you’re in a much less formal crowd, you possibly can say a noi (to us) or cin cin (“clink clink,” a phrase with Chinese language origin).
Whether or not you’ve arrived to have fun the Ferragosto celebration in August or get pleasure from Italian Christmas traditions, you’ll need to apply right Italian toasting traditions. By no means toast with water, because it’s dangerous luck, and don’t cross your arms. Make eye contact with each particular person as you clink their glass. All the time faucet the desk together with your glass earlier than you drink for good luck going ahead!
‘Cheers’ in Japanese: Kanpai! (乾杯!)
Kanpai means “dry cup,” which is an correct illustration of how your glass ought to take care of this Japanese toast. Have a good time with this phrase and a glass of Japanese rice wine (referred to as sake) at any event in Japan, akin to Shōgatsu (Japanese New Yr).
Historically, Japanese celebrants present respect by ready for elders on the gathering to make the toast. Should you’re celebrating somebody’s accomplishment, contemplate toasting with the phrase omedetou (congratulations) as properly.
‘Cheers’ in Korean: Geonbae! (건배!)
Although you’ll discover many toast-worthy events in Korean tradition, the most well-liked is Chuseok, a harvest pageant in South Korea (also called Korean Thanksgiving). Geonbae is the most typical option to say “Cheers” in Korean, although jjan is a extra casual option to have fun a toast.
Opposite to Italy, Korean custom suggests that you just don’t make eye contact whilst you elevate your glass, which can be full of soju, Korea’s nationwide alcoholic drink. You may also fill a glass with makgeolli, a Korean rice wine that’s frequent at particular events.
‘Cheers’ in Latin: Prosit!
Latin could also be thought-about a useless language, nevertheless it’s recognized to indicate up in sudden locations (and phrases). Actually “Might it profit,” the Latin toast Prosit appears quite a bit just like the German Prost and Dutch Proost. And there’s purpose for that, as German and Dutch toasts come straight from this in style Latin phrase!
Different in style Latin toasts embrace Esto perpetua (Be thou perpetual) and Propino tibi salutem (I drink to your well being). Hold these nice phrases alive as you hoist a glass of wine in any nation!
‘Cheers’ in Mandarin Chinese language: Gānbēi! (干杯)
Gānbēi! That’s the most well-liked option to say “Cheers!” while you’re in China, whether or not you’re celebrating the Mid-Autumn Competition of Zhōngqiū Jié or the Lunar New Yr. You may as well use the extra casual Suiyi in case you’re toasting amongst associates.
Once you’re making a toast in China, you’ll probably make it with a small glass of baijiu, a preferred Chinese language liquor just like vodka. Should you’re toasting to somebody older or extra senior than you, decrease your glass to “clink” the rim of theirs in respect.
‘Cheers’ in Polish: Na zdrowie!
Na zdrowie is the most typical option to say “Cheers” in Poland, nevertheless it’s not the one manner. Relying on the formality of the event, you might also hear Sto lat (100 years) or Człowiek nie wielbłąd, pić musi (Man is just not a camel, he should drink)!
Polish vodka usually accompanies a Polish toast, whether or not it’s at Boże Narodzenie (Christmas) or Wielkanoc (Easter). Simply keep in mind to drink your vodka slowly and refuse a second glass earlier than accepting, as each are thought-about well mannered etiquette at Polish gatherings and celebrations.
‘Cheers’ in Portuguese: Saúde!
Elevating um brinde (a toast) is all the time a particular second, whether or not you’re celebrating Dia de Portugal in Lisbon or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Saúde is the right option to say “Cheers” in each Portugal and Brazil, although you might also hear tchin-tchin (clink, clink) or à nossa (to us) at Portuguese celebrations.
In Portugal, you’re prone to toast with a glass of port wine or Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur. Brazilians want to make their toasts with a cocktail made with cachaça (sugarcane spirit), just like the caipirinha, Brazil’s nationwide drink.
‘Cheers’ in Russian: Za vashe zdorov’ye! (За ваше здоровье)
Russia has as some ways to say “Cheers” as they’ve kinds of vodka. Say “Cheers” in Russian by elevating a glass to the phrase Za vashe zdorov’ye (to your well being) or Na pososhok (One for the street). Relying on the place you’re celebrating, you might also hear toasts like Budem (We’ll) or Davayte vsegda naslazhdat’sya zhizn’yu, kak etim bokalom vina (Might we all the time get pleasure from life like this glass of wine).
Although vodka is most definitely to fill your glass throughout a Russian toast, you might also get pleasure from
wine or honey-based medovukha as you would like the room Za vashe zdorov’ye!
‘Cheers’ in Spanish: ¡Salud!
The one phrase you have to say “Cheers” in Spanish is Salud (Well being)! Whether or not you’re celebrating one of many many festivals in Spain or having fun with Mexican celebrations all year long, you’re certain to Salud any time somebody raises their glass. You might also hear a number of totally different toasts, akin to chinchín (clink, clink) or arriba, abajo, al centro, y pa’ dentro (up, down, middle, and in) full with hand gestures.
In Spain, you’re prone to toast with wine or cava (Spanish glowing wine), whereas Mexican tequila or cerveza (beer) is the drink of alternative in North America. In Spanish-speaking international locations close to the Caribbean Sea, you’ll toast with piña colada or a glass of rum.
‘Cheers’ in Swedish: Skål!
Celebrating Swedish summertime festivals like Midsommar is a good event to want somebody Skål! Look your companions within the eye earlier than taking a fast drink of flavored vodka, like Snaps or Aquavit, and benefit from the festivities round you.
For casual get togethers, get pleasure from conventional Swedish consuming songs, akin to Helan Går (The entire one goes down) or a snapsvisa, which comes earlier than taking your first drink of Swedish Snaps of the evening.
‘Cheers’ in Turkish: Şerefe!
Once you name out Şerefe in Türkiye or at a Turkish celebration, you’re toasting “To honor!” Should you’re having an exquisite time at your gathering, you may also say En Kötü Günümüz Böyle Olsun (Might our worst day be like this)!
Typically, Turkish toasts are accompanied with a glass of anise-based Rakı, the nationwide drink of Turkey. However you may as well toast with Turkish wine or Turkish tea, relying on the event.
‘Cheers’ in Vietnamese: Chúc Sức Khoẻ!
For formal, respectful toasts in Vietnam, name out Chúc Sức Khoẻ (good well being) as you elevate a glass of rice wine. However in case you’re toasting with a gaggle of associates, you’ll have to know Dzô, which isn’t an precise Vietnamese phrase however a preferred option to say “Cheers!”
For the true Vietnamese toasting expertise, take part a chant of Một, Hai, Ba, Dzô! (One, two, three, cheers!) You may as well announce Trăm Phần Trăm (100%) to point you’re going to drink every thing in your glass.
Say ‘Cheers’ to studying a brand new language at this time
Wherever your travels or life adventures take you, studying a brand new language presents new alternatives. When you’ve completed saying “Cheers,” put together for a winter vacation overseas and learn how to say “Merry Christmas” in numerous languages. Or in case you’re ringing within the New Yr with bilingual associates, be taught learn how to say “Glad New Yr!”