乾杯
kanpai[kã̠mpa̠i]
乾杯 (kanpai) is the Japanese way to say cheers.
The phrase 乾杯 is the most common and universal way to say cheers in Japanese. It is used specifically for making a toast when drinking alcohol or during formal celebratory toasts.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 乾杯 literally means 'dry cup', which implies the act of drinking a cup dry.
How do you pronounce it?
kanpai
When do people say it?
When making a toast in Japan, it is common practice to raise your glass and wait for everyone to say 乾杯 before drinking.
Did you know?
- In a formal setting, you should avoid clinking your glass directly against a superior's glass. Instead, aim to touch the rim of your glass slightly lower than theirs to show respect.
- In certain traditional contexts, rather than shouting 乾杯, people might use the phrase お疲れ様でした ('Thank you for your hard work') to toast the end of a workday.
- Unlike in some European cultures, there is no strict requirement to maintain eye contact while saying 乾杯. The focus is more on the collective harmony of the group than on the individual connection.
Examples in context
- 乾杯！Cheers!This is useful for seeing how to use 乾杯 as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #184053 by bunbuku, translation #487006 by human600
- みんなで乾杯しましょう！Minna de kanpai shimashou!Let's all make a toast!
- お祝いに乾杯！Oiwai ni kanpai!A toast to the celebration!
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are celebrating a promotion at a restaurant.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、昇進おめでとう！Kenta-san, shoushin omedetou!Congratulations on your promotion, Kenta!
- 健太 Kentaありがとう、美咲さん。Arigatou, Misaki-san.Thank you, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiさあ、乾杯しましょう！Saa, kanpai shimashou!Come on, let's toast!
- 健太 Kenta乾杯！Kanpai!Cheers!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 乾杯, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
