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Have you ever wondered how to say “cheers” in different languages? Think of all the situations in which the word “cheers” is used and you’ll quickly realize the versatility of this common expression that spans across cultures and nations.
Whether you’re traveling, studying abroad, or simply making new friends of another culture, being able to say “cheers” in their language shows that you respect their traditions enough to make an effort to learn something new.
Keep reading to learn how to say “cheers” in different languages, 20 to be exact, and use this new vocabulary when you celebrate graduations, milestones at work, weddings, birthdays, holidays, and more!
How Do You Properly Cheers?
When it comes to cheers, there are a few key things to keep in mind – regardless of which language you are “cheers”-ing in.
- Always use a clean glass. This will help to prevent the transfer of bacteria and other contaminants.
- Make sure the glasses are properly sanitized before use. This can be done by soaking them in a solution of bleach and water for at least 20 minutes.
- Be sure to dry the glasses completely before serving.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your next cheers is properly executed.
Later in this post, we’ll tell you about how to stay cheers in dozens of different languages. In the meantime, check out the video below to get an idea of some of the other benefits of taking language lessons (besides making you more charming in the barroom, that is!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBarm_vV8pY
How to Say “Cheers” in Different Languages
If you’re looking to travel the world and want to fit in with the locals, you’ll need to know how to say “cheers” in different languages. Watch this video tutorial series to learn how to say “cheers” in different languages.
From Spanish and French, Chinese to Korean, you’ll be able to toast like a pro in no time!
How to Say “Cheers” in Chinese (Mandarin): 干杯
- Pronounced: Gon-bay
- Meaning: Dry cup
China has an entire drinking etiquette and respect plays a huge role in the society.
How to Say “Cheers” in Russian: На здоровье
- Pronounced: Nah-zda-rov-yeh
- Meaning: To health
If you’ve ever heard about Russians being heavy drinkers, this is not a stereotype but reality!
How to Say “Cheers” in Spanish: Salud
- Pronounced: Sah-lud
- Meaning: Health
People in Spain start to drink very late, but they also party longer than you can imagine!
How to Say “Cheers” in Japanese: 乾杯
- Pronounced: Kan-pie
- Meaning: Dry glass
In Japan, it’s impolite to turn down a drink. If you’re traveling there soon, make sure to try the national drink – Sake!
How to Say “Cheers” in Arabic: في صحتكم
- Pronounced: Fe-sah-ḥe-tek
- Meaning: Good luck
In general, Arabic countries share an under-the-table drinking culture since most religions prohibit the consumption of alcohol.
How to Say “Cheers” in German: Prost
- Pronounced: Prohst
- Meaning: May it be good for you
Did you know that Oktoberfest originated in Germany? If you haven’t been to one of these festivities yet, you’re missing out!
How to Say “Cheers” in Portuguese: Saúde
- Pronounced: Saw-OO-de
- Meaning: Health
Many Portuguese drink slowly and steadily throughout the entire day. It’s not uncommon for the party to start around 3 PM and continue onto an after party.
How to Say “Cheers” in French: Santé
- Pronounced: Sahn-tay
- Meaning: To your health
One bonus about drinking in France – you can find an exquisite glass of local wine for only three euros!
How to Say “Cheers” in Vietnamese: Một hai ba, yo
- Pronounced: Moat hi bah yo
- Meaning: One, two, three, cheers
Vietnam is one of the top countries for beer consumption. Sometimes beer is served with ice and if one person drinks, everyone has to!
How to Say “Cheers” in Korean: 건배
- Pronounced: Gun-beh
- Meaning: Empty glass
Korea is home to some unique hangover cures from soups to spas to specially made beverages.
How to Say “Cheers” in Polish: Na zdrowie
- Pronounced: Naz-droh-vee-ay
- Meaning: To health
Zubrowka is the most famous brand of vodka in Poland. It’s served chilled and in 50 milliliter shots.
SEE ALSO: How to Say “I Love You” in Different Languages
How to Say “Cheers” in Italian: Salute
- Pronounced: Saw-lu-tay
- Meaning: To health
In Italy, an aperitivo is a pre-meal drink similar to our “happy hour.” Its purpose is to stimulate your appetite!
How to Say “Cheers” in Thai: ชนแก้ว
- Pronounced: Chai-yo
- Meaning: Hit glass
Fun fact – In Thailand, alcohol can only be purchased or served between 11 AM to 2 PM, or 5 PM to midnight.
How to Say “Cheers” in Turkish: Şerefe
- Pronounced: Sher-i-feh
- Meaning: Honor
Raki is the national distillated drink in Turkey. Istanbul has an incredible nightlife, but be careful – it’s not cheap!
How to Say “Cheers” in Dutch: Proost
- Pronounced: Prohst
- Meaning: May it be good for you
In Belgium the legal drinking age to drink wine and beer is 16, however the age for spirits is 18!
How to Say “Cheers” in Afrikaans: Gesondheid
- Pronounced: Ge-sund-hate
- Meaning: Health
Have you ever tried Amarula? This creamy liqueur is made from the fruit of African marula trees which surprisingly, elephants also enjoy!
How to Say “Cheers” in Greece: ΥΓΕΙΑ
- Pronounced: Yah-mas
- Meaning: Health
The Greeks love their wine! If you’re traveling there soon, try Retsina. It’s a unique wine that gets its flavor from pine trees.
How to Say “Cheers” in Swedish: Skål
- Pronounced: Skawl
- Meaning: Good health
Alcohol is very expensive in Sweden. There is only one chain store in the country that sells alcohol and it closes at 3 PM on Saturdays!
“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.” – Chinese Proverb
How to Say “Cheers” in Gaelic: Slàinte
Pronounced: slaan-sha
Meaning: good health
In Gaelic, the word for “cheers” is slàinte. It’s pronounced “slaan-sha,” and it can be used as both a toast and a response. When making a toast, you can say slàinte mhath, which means “good health.”
Alternatively, you can use the shorter slàinte when responding to a toast. Whichever way you choose to say it, slàinte is sure to add an extra layer of meaning to your next toast. So next time you raise a glass, be sure to include a hearty slàinte!
How to Say “Cheers” in Ukrainian: Na zdorovya
Pronounced: nah zdoh-ROH-vyah
Meaning: Glory to Ukraine
There are many different ways to say “cheers” in Ukrainian, depending on the situation. For example, if you are raising a glass to make a toast, you would say “Na zdorovya!” (pronounced “nah zdoh-ROH-vyah”). If you are clinking glasses with someone as a sign of goodwill, you would say “Nazdrovi!” (pronounced “nahz-DROH-vee”).
And if you are simply enjoying a drink with friends, you might say “Slava Ukraini!” (pronounced “SLAH-vah u-krah-YEE-nee”), which means “Glory to Ukraine!” No matter which phrase you choose, raising a glass and saying “cheers” is a great way to show your Ukrainian pride.
What Can I Say Instead of Cheers?
If you’d rather stick to English, here are some suggestions for alternative expressions you can use to say “cheers”:
- To your health! – This is a common toast in many cultures and can be used in formal or informal settings.
- All the best! – This is a general well-wishing phrase that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Here’s to (something)! – This expression is often used to express hope or good wishes for a particular event or outcome. For example, you might say “here’s to a successful project” or “here’s to a great new year.”
- Best of luck! – This is another phrase that can be used to wish someone well in an upcoming endeavor.
Congratulations! – You can use this expression to congratulate someone on a recent accomplishment. Alternatively, you can use it as a toast before someone embarks on something new, such as a new job or an important presentation.
How to Say Cheers in Spain, France, Ukraine, Japan – or Anywhere Else You Might Travel!
So, the next time you find yourself in a bar or restaurant in Spain, France, Ukraine, Japan or any other country around the world and want to join in on a cheers with your new friends – remember these simple translations and you’ll be able to take part in the fun!
If you’re looking for more information on how to say cheers (or any other phrase) in another language, consider using Google Translate. It’s not perfect but it can give you a good starting point for sounding like a local wherever your travels might take you. Salud! Santé! Здоров’я! 乾杯！Cheers!
Learning a new language improves your travel experiences, helps you build cross-cultural friendships, and develops an appreciation of other cultures. You’ve made a great start by learning how to say “cheers” in different languages.
Want to learn more useful phrases in the language of your choice? TakeLessons Live offers the chance to try out a variety of languages with access to 300+ online classes. Find out how you can improve your conversational French, Spanish, Korean and more today!
Guest Post Author: Michaela F. from Study Abroad Apartments.
Jessica Dais