skál
[ˈskauːl]
The Icelandic word for cheers is skál.
skál is used as a toast when drinking, serving the same function as the English word 'cheers'.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word skál literally means 'bowl'.
Did you know?
- The word skál is a cognate of the English word 'shell', as both derive from an ancient root referring to a hollowed-out object.
- In Iceland, when you say skál, you should make eye contact with the person you are toasting before taking a sip.
- While an English speaker might say 'cheers' to mean 'thank you', an Icelander would never use skál in that context.
Examples in context
- Skál!Cheers!This sentence shows how to use skál as a toast.Tatoeba #487106 by Swift, translation #487006 by human600
- Skál á föstudaginn!Cheers to Friday!
Example conversation
Katrín and Jón are having a drink together.
- KatrínHér er drykkurinn. Skál!Here is the drink. Cheers!
- JónTakk, skál!Thanks, cheers!
- KatrínHvernig var dagurinn þinn?How was your day?
- JónHann var mjög góður.It was very good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheers” translations and entries skál, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries skál, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
