جام
jām/d͡ʒɑːm/
The English phrase "cheers" (meaning a toast when drinking) can be expressed in Urdu as جام (jām). Wiktionary also lists سَلام (salām).
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
Ways to say it
| Urdu | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| جام | jām | /d͡ʒɑːm/ (Standard, Urdu) |
| سَلام | salām |
What does it mean word for word?
The word جام literally means 'cup' or 'glass'.
Which one should you use?
سَلام is an alternative form provided in this context.
How do you pronounce it?
jām
Did you know?
- The word جام is a linguistic traveler that moved from Sanskrit into Persian before finding its way into Urdu. It traces back to the Sanskrit word jambu, which originally referred to a fruit.
- In traditional Urdu poetry, the جام is frequently paired with the ساقی, the wine-bearer who serves the drink to the guests.
- The term سَلام is a versatile word that means 'peace' or 'salutation'. Using it in a toast shifts the tone from a simple 'cheers' to a more formal wish for well-being and peace upon the drinkers.
Examples in context
- یہ جام تمہاری صحت کے نام۔yeh jaam tumhari sehat ke naam.This cup is for your health.
Example conversation
Ali and Sarah are celebrating a promotion with drinks.
- علی Aliہماری کامیابی کے لیے، جام!Hamari kamyabi ke liye, jaam!Cheers to our success!
- سارہ Saraشکریہ علی، جام!Shukriya Ali, jaam!Thank you Ali, cheers!
- علی Aliیہ بہت خوشی کی بات ہے۔Yeh bohat khushi ki baat hai.This is a matter of great joy.
- سارہ Saraہاں، میں بہت خوش ہوں۔Haan, mein bohat khush hoon.Yes, I am very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheers” translations and entries جام, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries جام, CC BY-SA 4.0.
