Ways to say it
| Lebanese Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| كاسك | kasak | to a man, lifting a glass |
| صحتين | sahtein | two healths, over food or drink |
| في صحتك | fi sahtak | to your health |
صحتين (sahtein), 'two healths', is said just as often, over wine, arak or a shared meal. في صحتك (fi sahtak), 'to your health', works the same way and is understood everywhere in the Arab world.
What does it mean word for word?
كاسك names the glass itself and invites the other person to lift theirs with you. صحتين doubles صحة, 'health', to wish it twice over, a pattern Lebanese Arabic also uses for food.
Which one should you use?
كاسك is specific to raising a drink. صحتين is broader and covers both drinking and eating. في صحتك is the most universal and neutral of the three.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
All three are warm and sociable, fitting a casual dinner, a wedding toast or a night out with friends.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Lebanon's wine and arak culture gives كاسك a natural place at the table, more so than in Gulf countries where public drinking is less common.
How does it change in a sentence?
كاسك is said with a different final vowel when toasting a woman, and becomes كاسكم (kaskum) when toasting a group.
How do you pronounce it?
The ك at the end of كاسك is a plain k, and the whole word is said brightly, almost like a short cheer itself.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Assuming صحتين is only for toasting drinks is a mistake. Lebanese speakers also say it to someone who has just finished eating, regardless of alcohol.
When do people say it?
Lebanon's strong wine and arak tradition means toasting customs, including clinking glasses while saying كاسك, are a visible part of social meals.
Did you know?
- صحتين, literally 'two healths', is said to someone who has just eaten as often as to someone drinking, making it broader than كاسك.
- Arak, an anise-flavoured spirit central to Lebanese dining, is traditionally diluted with water and ice, turning the clear liquid milky white before any toast is raised.
Examples in context
- كاسك، هالنبيذ كتير طيب.kasak, hal-nabeedh kteer tayyib.Cheers, this wine is really good.
- صحتين على العشاء.sahtein ala il-asha.Cheers, enjoy the dinner.
- في صحتكم يا شباب!fi sahtkum ya shabab!Cheers, everyone!
Example conversation
Maya and Rami raise a toast with arak at a family gathering in Beirut.
- Mayaكاسك يا رامي!kasak ya Rami!Cheers, Rami!
- Ramiكاسك، صحتين على المازة.kasak, sahtein ala il-mazeh.Cheers, enjoy the mezze.
- Mayaهالعرق قوي شوي.hal-arak awi shway.This arak is a bit strong.
- Ramiهيه، بس بيروح منيح مع الأكل.heeh, bas biruh mnih ma' il-akl.Yeah, but it goes down well with the food.
