uzdravlje
Latin
In Bosnian, the English phrase "cheers" can be expressed as uzdravlje, živeli or čin čin.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
Ways to say it
| Bosnian | Note |
|---|---|
| uzdravlje | Latin |
| živeli | Latin |
| čin čin | Latin |
These terms are used as interjections during a toast when drinking. Čin čin mimics the physical sound of the toast itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The word živeli is an optative form of the verb živeti (to live), literally meaning "may you live".
Which one should you use?
Živeli is a more casual and energetic way to toast, frequently used when the toast is directed at a group of people. Čin čin is an onomatopoeic expression that mimics the sound of glasses clinking.
Did you know?
- The word uzdravlje is also used as a response when someone sneezes, functioning exactly like the English word 'bless' in 'god bless you'.
- While English speakers often say 'cheers' to mean 'thank you', in Bosnia, using these toast terms to mean 'thanks' would be confusing.
- Although čin čin mimics the sound of clinking glasses, it is often used in Bosnia even when drinking from a bottle or a cup that makes no sound.
Examples in context
- Pijemo za tvoje zdravlje, uzdravlje!We drink to your health, cheers!
- Podignimo čaše, uzdravlje!Let's raise our glasses, cheers!
Example conversation
Amra and Emir are celebrating a promotion at a restaurant.
- AmraČestitam na novom poslu, Emir!Congratulations on the new job, Emir!
- EmirHvala ti, Amra. Uzdravlje!Thank you, Amra. Cheers!
- AmraUzdravlje!Cheers!
- EmirŽivjeli!Cheers!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheers” translations and entries uzdravlje, živeli, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
