Ways to say it
| Egyptian Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| في صحتك | fi sahetak | to a male |
| في صحتك | fi sahetik | to a female |
| صحة | saha | short |
Said to a woman, it becomes fi sahetik. Among friends a shorter صحة (saha) is also used, more like clinking glasses with a quick word than a full toast.
What does it mean word for word?
صحة means 'health', and في صحتك means 'to your health', the same idea behind toasts in many languages.
Which one should you use?
في صحتك is the fuller, warmer version said while raising a glass. صحة alone is quicker and more casual, often just a word thrown in while clinking glasses.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are casual and social. There is no stiffer version, since toasting itself is an informal gesture in Egypt.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending changes with the gender of the person addressed, sahetak to a man and sahetik to a woman, and becomes sahetkom to a group.
How do you pronounce it?
The h in صحتك is a breathy sound made at the back of the throat, distinct from the plain h in English.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because alcohol is less common in Egypt than in some countries, في صحتك is also used as a toast over juice, tea or soft drinks, not only alcoholic ones.
When do people say it?
At Egyptian weddings and celebrations, في صحتك is often shouted loudly along with clapping rather than said quietly over a drink.
Did you know?
- في صحتك is used across much of the Arab world for toasting, but in Egypt it is just as common over juice or hibiscus tea as over any alcoholic drink.
- The short صحة is also what Egyptians say to someone who has just had a haircut or a shower, as a general wish of wellbeing, not only as a toast.
Examples in context
- في صحتكم يا جماعة!fi sahetkom ya gamaa!Cheers, everyone!
- صحة وعافية إن شاء الله.saha w afya inshallah.Cheers and good health, God willing.
- في صحتك على نجاحك الجديد.fi sahetak ala naga hak el-gedeed.Cheers to your new success.
Example conversation
Marwan and his friend Sara raise their glasses of karkade at a celebration.
- Marwanفي صحتك يا سارة، مبروك الترقية.fi sahetik ya Sara, mabrouk et-tar'eya.Cheers, Sara, congratulations on the promotion.
- Saraمتشكرة، في صحتك انت كمان.mitshakkira, fi sahetak ente kaman.Thank you, cheers to you too.
- Marwanصحة!saha!Cheers!
- Saraصحة وعافية!saha w afya!Cheers and good health!
