When it comes to celebrating or toasting to a special occasion, knowing how to say “cheers” in different languages adds a touch of cultural appreciation and creates a sense of camaraderie. Whether you’re traveling the world or simply want to impress your international friends, being equipped with a repertoire of cheers from different parts of the globe can come in handy. This guide will walk you through formal and informal ways to say “cheers” in various languages, providing you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
1. English
In English-speaking countries, “cheers” is a common way to toast and express good wishes. It is suitable for both formal and informal occasions.
Examples:
“Cheers to a successful event!” (Formal)
“Hey, cheers mate!” (Informal)
2. French
In French, “cheers” can be translated as “santé,” which means health. It is widely used in France and other Francophone countries.
Examples:
“Santé à la nouvelle année!” (Formal) – “Cheers to the new year!”
“Santé, mon ami!” (Informal) – “Cheers, my friend!”
3. Spanish
The Spanish language offers a variety of ways to say “cheers,” depending on the country and the occasion.
Examples:
“Salud” (Formal) or “¡Salud!” (Informal) – Both mean “cheers” and “to your health.”
“¡Brindemos por el éxito!” (Formal) – “Let’s toast to success!”
“¡Arriba, abajo, al centro, adentro!” (Informal) – A popular chant while toasting, meaning “Up, down, to the center, and cheers!”
4. German
In Germany, “cheers” is commonly expressed as “Prost” or “Zum Wohl,” both meaning “to your health.”
Examples:
“Prost zum Geburtstag!” (Formal) – “Cheers to your birthday!”
“Zum Wohl, meine Freunde!” (Informal) – “To your health, my friends!”
5. Italian
Italians have their own way of toasting, often using the phrase “Salute” to wish good health.
Examples:
“Salute alla felicità!” (Formal) – “Cheers to happiness!”
“Salute, ragazzi!” (Informal) – “Cheers, guys!”
6. Portuguese
In Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil and Portugal, the word “cheers” can be translated as “Saúde,” meaning health.
Examples:
“Saúde e felicidade!” (Formal) – “Cheers and happiness!”
“Vamos brindar à amizade!” (Informal) – “Let’s toast to friendship!”
7. Japanese
Japanese toasting etiquette is an important cultural aspect, and they have a specific phrase for saying “cheers.”
Examples:
“Kanpai!” (Informal) – The most common Japanese toast, meaning “cheers” or “dry your glass.”
8. Russian
In Russia, toasting is an integral part of every celebration, and the word “cheers” can be translated as “на здоровье” (na zdorovie), meaning “to your health.”
Examples:
“На здоровье!” (Formal and informal) – “Cheers!”
9. Chinese
Chinese culture has its own way of toasting, involving specific customs and phrases.
Examples:
“干杯” (Gānbēi) (Informal) – The most common Chinese toast, meaning “empty the glass” or “bottoms up.”
10. Swedish
In Sweden, “cheers” is commonly expressed as “Skål,” meaning “bowl.” It is used for toasting and celebrating.
Examples:
“Skål på födelsedagen!” (Formal) – “Cheers to your birthday!”
“Skål, mina vänner!” (Informal) – “Cheers, my friends!”
Conclusion
With this guide, you now have a diverse collection of ways to say “cheers” in various languages, whether it’s for formal occasions, casual gatherings, or simply impressing your international friends. Remember to adapt the level of formality based on the situation and the cultural norms of the country you are in. So, go ahead, raise your glass, and toast to new experiences, friendships, and a more connected world!
