sláinte
/ˈsˠl̪ˠɑːnʲtʲə/
The Irish word for "cheers" is sláinte.
sláinte is used as a toast when drinking, serving the same purpose as the English "cheers" or "to your health".
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word sláinte literally means "health".
Which one should you use?
While sláinte is the standard toast, you can also use sláinte mór to wish someone "great health" during a toast. Additionally, the informal phrase Sláinte Mhaith means "Good health".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsˠl̪ˠɑːnʲtʲə/
Did you know?
- The word sláinte shares an ancient root with the English word 'salvation', as both stem from the idea of being 'whole' or 'healthy'.
- When responding to sláinte, it is traditional to make eye contact with each person you are drinking with to show sincerity and trust.
- While 'cheers' in English is often used as a casual 'thank you' or 'goodbye', using sláinte in this way in Ireland would be considered a mistake.
Examples in context
- Sláinte agat!Cheers to you!
Example conversation
Two friends are raising their glasses at a pub.
- OisínSláinte, Saoirse!Cheers, Saoirse!
- SaoirseSláinte, Oisín!Cheers, Oisín!
- OisínSláinte mhaith!Good health!
- SaoirseSláinte!Cheers!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheers” translations and entries sláinte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sláinte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
