乾杯
kanpaitoast, everyday
When Japanese people raise a glass, they say 乾杯 (kanpai). After a work event you may also hear お疲れ様です (otsukaresama desu), which thanks everyone for their effort. It is also called いただきます (itadakimasu).
Meaning: toast said when raising a drink (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 乾杯 | kanpai | toast, everyday |
| お疲れ様です | otsukaresama desu | after work |
| いただきます | itadakimasu | before eating |
乾杯 (kanpai) is said by the whole table at the same moment, usually after the first round of drinks arrives. Everyone then drinks a little, often beer.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
At a company dinner the most senior person often gives a short speech and leads 乾杯 (kanpai). Younger colleagues wait for that signal before they start drinking.
When do people say it?
It is polite to pour drinks for others and let someone else pour yours. Glasses are usually clinked lightly, and the junior person tilts their glass slightly lower.
Did you know?
- The word 乾杯 (kanpai) is written with characters meaning "dry" and "cup".
Examples in context
- みんな、乾杯！minna, kanpai!Everyone, cheers!
- では、乾杯しましょう。dewa, kanpai shimashō.Well then, let us make a toast.
- お疲れ様です。乾杯！otsukaresama desu. kanpai!Good work today. Cheers!
Example conversation
Takeshi, his coworker Yui and their boss Mr. Sato get their first beers at a restaurant after work.
- Mr. Satoそれでは、乾杯！sore dewa, kanpai!Well then, cheers!
- Takeshi乾杯！kanpai!Cheers!
- 結衣 Yuiお疲れ様です。otsukaresama desu.Thank you for your hard work.
