Cin cin!
everyday, toast
In Italian you say Cin cin! when you clink glasses. Salute! is the other common toast and means "health". It is also called Alla salute!
Meaning: toast when drinking (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| Cin cin! | everyday, toast |
| Salute! | toast |
| Alla salute! | toast |
Both toasts work with friends, family and at dinner parties. Italians usually look the other person in the eye as the glasses touch.
Which one should you use?
Cin cin imitates the sound of the glasses. Salute and alla salute wish good health and also work with water or coffee-free occasions like a formal speech.
How do you pronounce it?
Cin cin sounds like "chin chin", with the soft "ch" of "chair".
Did you know?
- Italians write the toast as two words, cin cin, though it is often spelled "chin chin" by visitors.
Examples in context
- Cin cin a tutti!Cheers to everyone!
- Salute, e buon compleanno!Cheers, and happy birthday!
- Alla salute!To your health!
Example conversation
Elena, Paolo and Anna toast with prosecco at a dinner in Verona.
- ElenaCin cin!Cheers!
- PaoloCin cin, Elena!Cheers, Elena!
- AnnaSalute a tutti!Health to all!
