The act of sharing a drink with the locals when traveling is one of the best moments that's worth remembering. But the catch is, do you know how to say cheers in different languages? You must learn to say "cheers" in more than one language with your new friends. That way you will have a great time together and memories to remember. For instance, when you are in Spanish-speaking countries, how do you say cheers in Spanish?
The History of Toasting Drinks
The ancient Egyptians initially did toasting. It was also done by the ancient Chinese and the Greeks. Evidence suggests that people have been drinking alcohol for thousands of years. Following suit, the practice of 'toasting' and clinking glasses together has been there for so long that its roots are hazy.
Besides, there are several debated beliefs, the most prevalent being that the sound of 'clinking' was used to keep off bad spirits. Another belief about cheer is; the contents of glasses would pour into the cup of the other, demonstrating that neither was poisoned. Regardless, individuals worldwide continue to drink and toast with one another. The toast most frequently translates to 'good health,' which we all need after a few too many.
How Do You Say Cheers in Spanish?
We say; Salud
Pronounced as Sah-lud
Translation: "Health"
Though you may have been aware that most Spanish-speaking countries like raising their glasses to cheery "Salud!" it appears that the phrase is popular for more than a celebratory toast. Besides, the Spanish translation for "Salud" means "health," so you can use it to wish others good health and prosperity, meaning you are as likely to hear it after a sneeze as you're to welcome the New year.
According to the popular Spanish English dictionary, here are examples of cheer words in Mexican Spanish.
- Un brindis para el cumpleañero. - ¡Salud!
- A toast to the birthday boy. - Cheers!
Also, here are some funny toasts you can use at your next shindig.
- "Que vivas durante todos los días de tu vida."
- "May you continue to live all the days of your life."
- "Todo el mundo debería creer en algo. Yo creo que debemos tomar otra copa."
- "Everyone should believe in something. We should have another drink."
- "Arriba, abajo, al centro y adentro."
- "Up, down, towards the center, and down the hatch."
How to Say Cheers in Other Different Languages
1. Cheers in German: Prost
Pronounced as Prohst
Translation: "Cheers"
If you have ever spent time in Germany, you have probably heard the phrase "Prost" loud and clear. Prost is one of the most common cheers in German-speaking nations, and saying it before a beer.
2. Cheers in French: Santé! / À votre santé!
Pronounced as Sahn-tay / Ah vo-tre sahn-tay
Translation: "To your health."
If you want to raise a toast in France, whether you are seated next to a stranger or your boss at the bar, you shout "Santé!" which translates to "health." But, of course, you can also say "à votre santé!" which is a more formal way of saying "to your health," which is acceptable in both official and casual circumstances.
3. Cheers in Portuguese: Saúde
Pronounced as Saw-OO-de
Translation: Health
Similar to the Mexican Spanish word for cheer, "Salud!" and the French word for cheer, "Santé!" the Portuguese prefer to toast each other's health with "Saúde!" rather than "cheers." Therefore, the next time you are preparing to have a cachaça in Brazil, remember to say "Saúde" beforehand.
4. Cheers in Swedish: Skål
Pronounced as Skawl
Translation: "Cheers"
To adapt to the proper Swedish social etiquette, you should not only say "skål" (i.e., "cheers") before toasting and drinking your beer, but you should also look everyone in your party straight in the eye—both before and after you take a drink.
5. Cheers in Greek: Υγεία / Yamas
Pronounced as Ya-Mas
Translation: "Health"
If you ever want to toast someone in Greece, you should know that it's usual to clink your glasses and say "Yamas." The word translates to "health" and, like the toasting customs of neighboring European nations, is a means to wish your drinking friends good health and prosperity.
6. Cheers in Afrikaans: Gesondheid
Pronounced as Ge-sund-hate
Translation: "Health"
Though the phrase "cheers" is often used in English-speaking regions of South Africa, the Afrikaans-speaking community has its toasting expression: "Gesondheid." The term translates to "health" and sounds eerily similar to the German word for "health" ("gesundheit"), which is not unexpected since the Afrikaans language has a Dutch origin.
7. Cheers in Japanese: 乾杯 / Kanpai
Pronounced as Kan-pie
Translation: "Cheers" or "Empty the glass" or "Dry Cup."
An enthusiastic "kanpai!" (empty cup) isn't simply a joyous way to cheer in Japan; it's also a valued pre-drinking practice. Therefore, whether it's New Year's Eve or not, don't drink a beer (or sake) in Japan until everyone at your table has exclaimed, "Kan-pie!" But for water, there's no problem.
8. Cheers in Korean: 건배 / Geonbae
Pronounced as Gun-bae
Translation: "Empty glass."
The term (or geonbae) means "empty glass" in Korean, which is similar to the American expression "bottoms up." Although the term indicates that you should consume the entirety of your drink after toasting, this is not the case.
9. Cheers in Chinese (Mandarin): 干杯 / Gānbēi
Pronounced as Gan-bay
Translation: "Cheers" or "dry cup."
The popular method to celebrate in China is to say "gānbēi," which translates exactly to "dry cup," and which sounds similar to the go-to toast of the Koreans and Japanese.
10. Cheers in Czech: Na zdravi
Pronounced as Naz-drah vi
Translation: "to your health."
If you go to the Czech and want to celebrate the event with your Czech friends, there are a few cheers requirements. Before you may begin to celebrate your beverage, establish eye contact with everyone at the table and say, "Na zdravi!"
