乾杯
kanpai[kã̠mpa̠i]
The English phrase "cheers" is translated into Japanese as 乾杯 (kanpai).
The phrase 乾杯 is used specifically as a toast when drinking alcohol or during a formal celebratory toast.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 乾杯 literally means "dry cup", implying the act of drinking the cup dry.
When do people say it?
When saying 乾杯, it is customary to clink glasses with others, though in very formal settings one might avoid clinking if the other person's glass is of higher quality. You can also use お疲れ様です instead of or in addition to 乾杯 to show gratitude and respect for hard work.
Did you know?
- During a toast with a superior, you should aim to clink your glass at a lower level than theirs to show respect.
- Unlike in many Western cultures, it is common to pour drinks for others rather than yourself during a session of 乾杯, as self-pouring is often seen as selfish.
- The character 杯 in 乾杯 refers to a cup or a measure of volume, which is also used in many traditional Japanese-style measuring units.
Examples in context
- 乾杯！Cheers!Tatoeba #184053 by bunbuku, translation #487006 by human600
- さあ、乾杯しましょう！saa, kanpai shimashou!Now, let's toast!
- みんなで乾杯！minna de kanpai!A toast with everyone!
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are at a restaurant celebrating a promotion.
- 健太 Kenta昇進おめでとう、乾杯！shoushin omedetou, kanpai!Congratulations on your promotion, cheers!
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、健太さん。arigatou, kenta-san.Thank you, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaまずはビールで乾杯だね。mazu wa biiru de kanpai dane.Let's toast with beer first.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、乾杯！hai, kanpai!Yes, cheers!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 乾杯, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
