Sláinte!
toast, everyday
The Irish word for "cheers" is Sláinte!, which means "health". Say Sláinte mhaith! for "good health".
Meaning: toast when drinking (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Irish | Note |
|---|---|
| Sláinte! | toast, everyday |
| Sláinte mhaith! | toast, warmer |
Sláinte is said as glasses are raised, in pubs, at dinners and at celebrations.
How do you pronounce it?
Sláinte sounds close to "SLAWN-cha" in most of Ireland.
When do people say it?
The word is used in English across Ireland too, so you will hear it as a toast even when nothing else is said in Irish.
Did you know?
- Sláinte comes from slán, meaning "healthy" or "safe", the same root as the goodbye word slán.
Examples in context
- Sláinte mhaith, a chairde!Good health, friends!
- Sláinte agus bainigí taitneamh as!Cheers and enjoy it!
Example conversation
Niamh and Seán raise their glasses at a pub in Galway.
- NiamhSláinte!Cheers!
- SeánSláinte mhaith!Good health!
- NiamhGo raibh maith agat.Thank you.
