What does it mean word for word?
The word santé literally means "health".
Which one should you use?
While santé is a common way to say "cheers", you can use the more complete phrase À votre santé (to your health) or the shortened À la vôtre (to yours) for a more formal tone. For informal settings, you can use À ta santé to say "to your health" to someone you know well or the variation À vot' santé among friends. You may also use the informal expressions Tchin-tchin or Chin-chin.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The informal expressions Tchin-tchin and Chin-chin are popular in many regions of France, including Paris.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of santé is /sɑ̃.te/ and consists of 2 syllables.
When do people say it?
When saying santé during a toast, it is a common custom to maintain eye contact with the person you are clinking glasses with.
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking cultures, failing to look your companion directly in the eyes while saying santé is considered bad luck and can lead to seven years of misfortune in love.
- The phrase Tchin-tchin is occasionally associated with the Chinese word for money, chīn, suggesting a toast to prosperity rather than just health.
- The word santé shares the same Latin root, 'sanitas', as the English word 'sanity', linking the concept of physical health to mental soundness.
Examples in context
- Santé !Cheers!
- À ta santé !To your health!
- Santé à vous deux !Cheers to both of you!
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are clinking glasses at a cafe.
- NathanOn trinque ? Santé !Shall we toast? Cheers!
- ManonOui, santé, Nathan !Yes, cheers, Nathan!
- NathanÀ ta santé, Manon.To your health, Manon.
- ManonMerci, c'est très gentil.Thank you, that is very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry santé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries santé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
