Cheers! The simple act of raising a glass and toasting with friends is a universal way to celebrate and show appreciation. Whether you find yourself in the heart of Europe or the vast deserts of Africa, the phrase “cheers” is oftentimes the first word you’ll need to know to make a toast. In this guide, we’ll take you on a linguistic journey around the world, exploring how to say cheers in various countries and delving into formal and informal variations. So, grab a drink, sit back, and let’s explore the wonderful world of toasting customs!
Table of Contents
Europe
France
In France, the formal way to say cheers is “à votre santé” (pronounced: ah vo-treh sahn-tey), which translates to “to your health.” If you’re among close friends, a more informal toast could be “tchin-tchin” (pronounced: chin-chin).
Germany
German toasts often revolve around “Prost” (pronounced: prohst), which means “cheers.” In formal situations, you might hear “Zum Wohl” (pronounced: tsum vohl), which translates to “to your health.”
Italy
Italians commonly say “salute” (pronounced: sah-loo-teh) when toasting. This word means “health” and is used in both formal and informal settings.
Africa
South Africa
When toasting in South Africa, you can use the Afrikaans word “gesondheid” (pronounced: ge-sund-hate), which means “health.” English speakers commonly say “cheers” as well.
Nigeria
In Nigeria, the formal way to say cheers is “na gode” (pronounced: nah goh-deh), a Hausa expression meaning “thank you.” Informally, you might hear “aya wa” (pronounced: ah-yah wah) among friends, which translates to “our life.”
Egypt
Egyptians typically use the Arabic phrase “fee sihetak” (pronounced: fee seh-het-ak) to toast; it means “to your health” and is considered both formal and informal.
Asia
Japan
In Japan, saying “kampai” (pronounced: kahm-pie) is the customary way to toast. It works in both formal and informal settings and is often accompanied by eye contact when clinking glasses.
China
Mandarin speakers in China often say “干杯” (pronounced: gan bay), which means “dry cup,” similar to the English “bottoms up!” The phrase can be used formally and informally across the country.
India
In India, toasts differ between regions. However, a common Hindi phrase is “शान्ति” (pronounced: shahn-tee), meaning “peace,” which can be used in various formal and informal situations.
North and South America
Canada
Both English and French are official languages in Canada. In English-speaking areas, you can use “cheers” as a general toast. French speakers often say “santé” (pronounced: sahn-tay), which means “health.”
Brazil
In Brazil, saying “saúde” (pronounced: sah-oo-gee) is the most common way to toast. It means “health” in Portuguese and is used in both formal and informal contexts.
Mexico
In Mexico, people typically say “¡Salud!” (pronounced: sah-lood), which translates to “health.” It is widely used in all types of toasts, from casual gatherings to formal events.
Conclusion
Wherever you find yourself in the world, learning how to say cheers in different countries can be a fun and inclusive way to connect with locals and immerse yourself in their culture. Remember, a genuine toast brings people closer, so don’t be afraid to raise your glass and say “cheers!” using the appropriate local phrase. From the formal elegance of France to the lively toasting traditions in Mexico, there’s a word or phrase for every occasion. So, the next time you’re raising your glass, do it the local way!
“Toasting is a universal language that bridges cultures and creates memorable moments. Let’s celebrate diversity and say cheers in every corner of the world!” – Unknown
