Gathering with friends and loved ones, clinking glasses, and saying “cheers” is a universal tradition to celebrate and share good times. If you’re looking to impress your Spanish-speaking friends or expand your language and cultural knowledge, it’s important to know how to say “cheers” in Spanish. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of expressing this toast. So, grab a drink and let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say Cheers in Spanish:
When it comes to formal settings, it’s vital to use the appropriate language and etiquette. Here are some formal ways to toast in Spanish:
a) ¡Salud!
As you raise your glass, say “¡Salud!” (pronounced sah-LOOD). This popular and widely used phrase literally translates to “health” in English and is the Spanish equivalent of “Cheers!”
Example:
At a formal dinner, Juan raised his glass and said, “¡Salud! Que tengan todos una excelente velada” (Cheers! May you all have a wonderful evening).
b) Por un brindis exitoso
If you want to wish for a successful toast, the phrase “Por un brindis exitoso” (pronounced por oon BREEN-dis ex-ee-TOH-soh) is a great option. It conveys your desire for a prosperous or triumphant celebration.
Example:
The CEO raised his glass and said, “Por un brindis exitoso en honor a nuestros logros” (For a successful toast in honor of our achievements).
2. Informal and Everyday Ways to Say Cheers in Spanish:
In casual and everyday situations, the tone is often less formal. Here are some commonly used informal expressions to cheer with your friends:
a) ¡Salud y amor y tiempo para disfrutarlo!
This lively phrase, pronounced sah-LOOD ee ah-MOHR ee TEE-em-po pah-rah dees-fru-tahr-loh, translates to “Health, love, and time to enjoy it!” It reflects your desire for good health and happiness.
Example:
During a casual gathering, Maria raised her glass and enthusiastically exclaimed, “¡Salud y amor y tiempo para disfrutarlo! ¡Salud!” (Health, love, and time to enjoy it! Cheers!)
b) ¡A brindar por nosotros!
When you want to toast specifically for your group or circle of friends, you can say “¡A brindar por nosotros!” (pronounced ah BREEN-dar por noh-SOH-tros), which means “Let’s toast to us!” It adds a sense of camaraderie to the celebration.
Example:
As the group of friends raised their glasses, they cheered, “¡A brindar por nosotros! ¡Que nunca nos falte la alegría!” (Let’s toast to us! May we never lack joy!)
3. Bonus Regional Variations:
Spanish is widely spoken across various countries, and there can be slight regional differences in the way “cheers” is expressed. Here are two examples of popular regional variations:
a) ¡Salud y pesetas!
In Spain, “¡Salud y pesetas!” (pronounced sah-LOOD ee pe-SE-tas) is a traditional way to toast. It combines “salud” (health) with “pesetas” (the previous Spanish currency) to wish for prosperity.
Example:
While enjoying drinks at a Spanish tapas bar, the locals raised their glasses and shouted, “¡Salud y pesetas! ¡Por un buen futuro!” (Cheers and wealth! To a bright future!)
b) ¡Salud, amor y pesetas, y tiempo para gastarlas!
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, “¡Salud, amor y pesetas, y tiempo para gastarlas!” (pronounced sah-LOOD, ah-MOHR ee pe-SE-tas, ee TEE-em-po pah-ra gas-TAR-las) is a common toast. It emphasizes health, love, wealth, and time to spend it all.
Example:
At a festive Mexican celebration, the group clinked glasses and jovially said, “¡Salud, amor y pesetas, y tiempo para gastarlas! ¡Salud!” (Health, love, wealth, and time to spend it all! Cheers!)
Now, armed with these various ways to say “cheers” in Spanish, you can confidently raise your glass in any situation and impress your Spanish-speaking friends. Whether it’s formal or informal, toast with joy and appreciation as you embrace the rich cultural traditions that surround enjoying a drink with loved ones.
Remember, the most important thing is to celebrate the moment and enjoy the company of those around you. ¡Salud!
