¡Salud!
everyday, Cuba
In Cuba the normal toast is ¡Salud! ¡Brindemos! means let us make a toast, and ¡Chin chin! is a casual way to clink glasses with friends.
Meaning: toast when raising a glass (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| ¡Salud! | everyday, Cuba |
| ¡Chin chin! | casual |
| ¡Brindemos! | let us toast |
Cubans say ¡Salud! with rum, beer or coffee-hour drinks alike. A host often opens with Brindemos por… and names the people or the occasion.
Which one should you use?
The words of the toast are standard Spanish. What is Cuban is the drink and the company, such as a glass of rum shared among family and neighbors.
When do people say it?
Rum has a long tradition in Cuba, and sharing a drink is a common way to mark a visit.
Did you know?
- The English word cheers has no direct Spanish partner. Spanish speakers use salud, which means health.
Examples in context
- ¡Salud, mi hermano!Cheers, my brother!
- Brindemos por la familia.Let us toast to the family.
- ¡Chin chin, que viva la amistad!Cheers, long live friendship!
Example conversation
Yoandri and his neighbor Caridad toast on a patio in Havana.
- YoandriBrindemos por la familia, Caridad.Let us toast to the family, Caridad.
- Caridad¡Salud, Yoandri!Cheers, Yoandri!
- Yoandri¡Chin chin!Cheers!
