乾杯
kanpai[kã̠mpa̠i]
乾杯 (kanpai) is the Japanese way to say cheers.
乾杯 is used specifically for a formal or group toast when drinking alcohol.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term literally means 'dry cup', implying the act of emptying one's glass.
How do you pronounce it?
kanpai
When do people say it?
When making a toast in Japan, it is common practice to wait until everyone has been served their drink before saying 乾杯.
Did you know?
- Japanese culture has a specific concept called nomication, a portmanteau of nomu meaning 'to drink' and 'communication', where 乾杯 serves as the social icebreaker.
- In formal Japanese drinking settings, it is polite to hold your glass lower than the glass of a superior or elder when saying 乾杯.
- While 乾杯 literally means 'dry cup', modern Japanese drinkers rarely actually drain their entire glass in one go unless it is a very informal party.
Examples in context
- 乾杯！Cheers!This example shows how to use 乾杯 for a simple toast.Tatoeba #184053 by bunbuku, translation #487006 by human600
- さあ、乾杯しましょう！Saa, kanpai shimashou!Now, let's toast!
- みんなで乾杯！Minna de kanpai!Cheers, everyone!
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are starting their meal at a restaurant.
- 蓮 Ren飲み物全部揃ったね。乾杯！Nomimono zenbu sorotta ne. Kanpai!Everyone has their drinks. Cheers!
- 結衣 Yui乾杯！Kanpai!Cheers!
- 蓮 Renこのビール、すごく美味しいよ。Kono biiru, sugoku oishii yo.This beer is really delicious.
- 結衣 Yui本当だね。最高！Hontou da ne. Saikou!You're right. It's great!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 乾杯, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
