When it comes to toasting and saying “cheers” in French, there are a variety of formal and informal expressions that you can use depending on the situation and the people you’re with. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to say cheers in French slang, as well as provide you with tips and examples to help you navigate the diverse French drinking culture. Let’s raise our glasses and dive into it!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
1. À votre santé: Literally translating to “to your health,” this is the most common and formal way to say cheers in French. It is commonly used in formal settings, such as when celebrating a special occasion or during official events.
Example: During a formal dinner, you would raise your glass and say, “À votre santé!” before taking a sip.
2. Santé: This is a slightly more informal version of “À votre santé” but is still considered a respectful way to toast in French. It translates to “health” and can be used in both formal and semi-formal situations.
Example: When amongst colleagues or friends at a formal gathering, you can say “Santé!” to toast.
Informal Expressions:
1. À la tienne: This informal expression translates to “to yours” and is commonly used among friends or peers. It conveys a sense of camaraderie and is often used in casual settings.
Example: When having a drink with your friends at a bar, you can say “À la tienne” while clinking glasses.
2. Tchin-tchin: This playful expression is often used in social gatherings, parties, or when you want to create a lighthearted atmosphere. It is an onomatopoeic expression mimicking the sound of clinking glasses, and you say it while making eye contact and touching the rim of the glasses together.
Example: In a friendly get-together, you might say “Tchin-tchin!” while clinking glasses with a big smile.
Regional Variations:
While French is spoken throughout France and several French-speaking countries, there are some regional variations when it comes to saying cheers. Here are a few examples:
1. In Quebec:
- Bottoms up: Pronounced as “Kanpai,” this expression is borrowed from Japanese and is commonly said as a cheer in Quebec. It is used to wish everyone a good time before starting to drink.
2. In Provence:
Traditionally, the Provençal dialect has its own way of toasting:
“A vôtre bén” (To your well-being).
Tips for Saying Cheers in French:
1. Eye contact: When toasting, it is customary to make eye contact with everyone you’re toasting with. This gesture shows respect and creates a sense of connection.
2. Clinking glasses: When saying cheers, it is common to gently touch the rim of your glass with others. This tradition is believed to have originated from the idea of spilling a few drops of each other’s drink into your glass to prove it’s not poisoned.
3. Use appropriate expressions: Make sure to choose the right expression based on the level of formality and the relationship you have with the people you’re with.
Now that you are equipped with various ways to say cheers in French slang, you can confidently raise your glass and join in the French drinking culture no matter the occasion or the company. Santé!
