干杯
gānbēi
The Chinese phrase for cheers is 干杯 (gānbēi).
While 干杯 serves as a general toast for cheers, it is specifically used when the speaker intends to finish their entire drink in one go.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 干杯 literally means 'dry cup'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, specifically Hong Kong and Taiwan, the character 乾 is used instead of 干 to say cheers informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to use a more colloquial command to tell someone to finish their drink, you can use the phrase 干了 (gān le).
How do you pronounce it?
gānbēi
When do people say it?
In many Chinese social contexts, saying 干杯 implies a social obligation to drain the glass completely.
Did you know?
- While 干杯 is a common toast, you might also hear people say 走一个 (zǒu yī gè), which literally translates to 'walk one' but functions as an invitation to finish a drink together.
- When drinking with a superior, it is common custom to hold your glass lower than theirs during the toast to demonstrate humility.
- While 干杯 implies draining the glass, people who want to toast without drinking the whole volume often use the phrase 随意 (suíyì), which means 'as you wish'.
Examples in context
- 干杯！Cheers!This example shows how to use 干杯 to say 'Cheers!'Tatoeba #380278 by kellenparker, translation #487006 by human600
- 在这个特殊的场合，让我们一起干杯吧！On this special occasion, let's raise our glasses together and say cheers!
- 为了我们的友谊，让我们举杯共庆！To our friendship, let's raise our glasses and celebrate together!
- 大家一起干杯啦！Let's all raise our glasses and say cheers!
- 我们朋友聚会，大家一起乾杯吧！Let's all say cheers together at our friends' gathering!
- 大家一起干杯吧。Dàjiā yìqǐ gānbēi ba.Let's all toast together.
Example conversation
Two friends are having dinner at a restaurant.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这道菜味道很好。Zhè dào cài wèidào hěn hǎo.This dish tastes great.
- 俊杰 Junjie是的，快来干杯！Shì de, kuài lái gānbēi!Yes, come on, cheers!
- 佳怡 Jiayi干杯！Gānbēi!Cheers!
- 俊杰 Junjie祝你开心！Zhù nǐ kāixīn!I wish you happiness!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
