saúde
/saˈu.d͡ʒi/
In Portuguese, the word for cheers is saúde. If unsure, use saúde. Wiktionary also lists tim tim.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| saúde | /saˈu.d͡ʒi/ (Brazil) /sɐˈu.dɨ/ (Portugal) |
| tim tim | /ˈt͡ʃĩ ˈt͡ʃĩ/ (Brazil) |
The word saúde is the most common and versatile way to make a toast when drinking.
What does it mean word for word?
The word saúde literally means 'health'.
Which one should you use?
While saúde focuses on the wish for health, the expression tim tim is an onomatopoeic expression that mimics the sound of glasses clinking, similar to 'clink clink'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Saúde is the standard way to say cheers. Tim tim is a more informal and playful way to say cheers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Tim tim is an informal expression used in Brazil.
How do you pronounce it?
/saˈu.dʒi/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word saúde is a versatile multipurpose greeting. Beyond making a toast, you can say it to someone who has just sneezed, similar to how English speakers say 'bless you'.
- The root of saúde connects it to the concept of being 'whole'. It stems from the Proto-Indo-European root *solh₂-, which carries the meaning of being 'complete' or 'undamaged'.
- Portuguese speakers may use saúde ironically to comment on someone's poor health or a clumsy accident during a drink.
Examples in context
- Saúde!Cheers!This example shows how to use saúde as a simple toast.Tatoeba #1139460 by vekiano, translation #487006 by human600
- "Você passa o tempo todo nesse computador. Não sai nunca para caminhar. Fica só bebendo café. Que é que o computador está dizendo?" "Saúde!""You spend all your time on that computer. You never go for a walk. You just drink coffee. What is the computer saying?" "Cheers!"This example uses saúde as a humorous response in a conversation.Tatoeba #11020623 by carlosalberto, translation #11020625 by carlosalberto
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Camila are clinking wine glasses at a dinner party.
- RodrigoVamos brindar ao seu novo emprego, Camila.Let's toast to your new job, Camila.
- CamilaMuito obrigada, Rodrigo!Thank you so much, Rodrigo!
- RodrigoSaúde!Cheers!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheers” translations and entries saúde, tim tim, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries saúde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
