Santé !
standard, toast
When drinking, French speakers say Santé !, which means "health". It is the standard toast for any drink and any company. It is also called Tchin-tchin ! and À la tienne !
Meaning: toast (interjection)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Santé ! | standard, toast |
| Tchin-tchin ! | informal |
| À la tienne ! | informal, singular |
À la tienne ! is "to yours" and is said to one friend, while À la vôtre ! is for a person you address as vous or for a group. Tchin-tchin ! is a playful toast, usually said while clinking glasses.
How do you pronounce it?
Santé is pronounced "sahn-TAY".
When do people say it?
French custom says to look the other person in the eye as you clink, and not to cross arms with others at the table.
Did you know?
- The word santé is also said to someone who sneezes in some regions, but the usual reply to a sneeze is À vos souhaits.
Examples in context
- Santé, tout le monde !Cheers, everyone!
- À la tienne, Marie !Cheers, Marie!
- À la vôtre !Cheers to you!
Example conversation
Friends Paul and Anne raise their glasses at a dinner in Bordeaux.
- PaulSanté !Cheers!
- AnneÀ la tienne !Cheers to you!
- PaulCe vin est excellent.This wine is excellent.
- AnneIl vient de la région.It comes from this region.
