Peru, a land of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, is known for its warm and welcoming locals. Whether you’re in the bustling city of Lima, exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, or enjoying the coastal beauty of Paracas, it’s important to know how to toast and express your gratitude with a heartfelt “cheers!” in Peru. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say cheers in Peru, providing you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations.
Formal Ways to Say Cheers in Peru
When you find yourself in a formal setting, such as a business dinner or an official event, you may want to use more polite and formal phrases to say cheers. Here are a few options:
- Salud – This is the most common way to say cheers in Peru. It directly translates to “health” and is a simple and respectful way to toast.
- A su salud – This phrase is used to specifically toast to someone’s health or well-being. It translates to “to your health” and is a polite and gracious gesture.
- Por su éxito – If you want to toast to someone’s success, you can use this phrase, which means “to your success.” It shows respect and admiration for the person you are toasting.
Informal Ways to Say Cheers in Peru
When you are among friends or in a casual setting, you can use more informal and colloquial phrases to say cheers in Peru. Here are a few examples:
- Salud y vida – This phrase translates to “health and life” and is a common way to toast among friends. It expresses the wish for good health and a joyful life for everyone present.
- ¡Arriba, abajo, al centro y adentro! – This fun and energetic phrase literally mean “up, down, center, and inside.” It is often chanted as everyone raises their glass, clinks them together, and takes a sip.
- ¡Salud y amor! – If you want to express your wishes for health and love, this phrase is perfect. It means “health and love” and is a lovely sentiment to share with your loved ones.
Regional Variations
While the formal and informal ways to say cheers we’ve mentioned earlier are widely used throughout Peru, there are a few regional variations worth noting:
1. Cusco
In Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, locals often say “¡Sumaq kausay!” when raising their glasses. This translates to “good life” and reflects the regional Quechuan influence.
2. Arequipa
In Arequipa, a city known for its colonial architecture and picturesque landscape, you may hear locals say “¡Jallalla!” while toasting. This Aymara word is used to express joy, celebration, and respect.
3. Puno
Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, is famous for its lively festivals and traditional music. In this region, it’s common to say “¡Arriba, abajo, al centro y pa’ dentro!” as a vibrant and playful way of toasting.
Tips for Toasting in Peru
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when raising your glass and saying cheers in Peru:
- Make eye contact – When clinking glasses and saying cheers, it’s customary to make eye contact with the people you are toasting. It shows respect and sincerity.
- Use your right hand – In Peruvian culture, the right hand is considered the clean and respectful hand. When toasting, always use your right hand to raise your glass.
- Take small sips – While toasting, it’s common to take small sips rather than finishing the entire drink in one go. Enjoy the moment and the company.
Example: As the glasses clinked together, Maria looked into her friends’ eyes and said, “¡Salud y vida!” They all took small sips of their Pisco Sours, relishing the flavors and the warmth of their friendship.
Now that you have a guide on how to say cheers in Peru, you’ll be well-prepared to toast to new experiences, lasting friendships, and memorable moments. Whether you choose a formal phrase like “salud” or an informal one like “¡Arriba, abajo, al centro y adentro!” remember to raise your glass with warmth and genuine appreciation for the incredible country of Peru.
Note: If you’d like to learn more about Peruvian culture, including traditional foods, customs, and places to visit, feel free to explore our other guides that offer a glimpse into this enchanting country!
