건배
geonbae[kʌ̹nbɛ]
The English phrase "cheers" translates to Korean as 건배 (geonbae).
The term 건배 is used specifically for making a toast when drinking alcohol.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 건배 literally means "dry cup".
How do you pronounce it?
geonbae
When do people say it?
In many social settings in Korea, it is common to omit the word 건배 entirely and simply raise your glass to signal a toast.
Did you know?
- In Korea, there is a custom called 술잔 돌리기 where the same glass is passed around the group for a collective 건배, rather than everyone using their own glass.
- Because 건배 is a Sino-Korean word, it is a linguistic 'cousin' to the Japanese 'kanpai' and the Chinese 'ganbei', as all three use the same characters for 'dry cup'.
- When drinking with someone older or of higher social status, your 'cheers' should be accompanied by the etiquette of turning your head away to sip your drink.
Examples in context
- 건배!Cheers!This is useful for seeing how to say a simple toast using 건배.Tatoeba #5269435 by Sudajaengi, translation #487006 by human600
- 우리 다 같이 건배해요.uri da gatchi geonbaehaeyo.Let's all make a toast together.
- 자, 다들 건배 합시다!ja, dadeul geonbae hapsida!Now, let's all toast!
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are having a drink at a restaurant.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 건배!Minji ssi, geonbae!Minji, cheers!
- 민지 Min-ji좋아요, 건배!joayo, geonbae!Okay, cheers!
- 지훈 Ji-hun맛있는 술이에요.masinneun sulieyo.This drink is delicious.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 정말 맛있어요.ne, jeongmal masisseoyo.Yes, it is really tasty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheers” translations and entries 건배, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 건배, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
