건배
geonbae[kʌ̹nbɛ]
In Korean, "cheers when drinking" is expressed as 건배 (geonbae).
건배 is an exclamation used to express good wishes before drinking alcohol with others. It can mean "empty the glass" and is a common expression for toasts used in formal occasions and corporate gatherings. Alternatively, the phrase 위하여! is often used as a substitute for cheers during toasts to express a wish for success or health, translating to "for [something/someone]".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
건배 is the standard way to say "cheers" and is appropriate for most social settings, including formal ones.
How do you pronounce it?
geonbae
When do people say it?
When saying 건배 in a social setting, it is common practice to clink your glass slightly lower than the glass of a person older than you or of higher social status as a sign of respect. It is also considered polite to hold your glass with both hands when someone proposes a toast, especially if you are younger or of lower social status. Additionally, it is considered polite to fill the glasses of others rather than refilling your own glass.
Did you know?
- The phrase 건배 is a Sino-Korean word shared with Chinese 干杯 and Japanese 乾杯, reflecting a historical cultural exchange regarding drinking customs in East Asia.
- When drinking with a superior, a common gesture involves covering your mouth with one hand or a napkin while taking the sip after the 건배 is called.
- Depending on the group, you might hear a 'modified' 건배 where people create their own acronyms based on the syllables to express specific wishes for the company or friends.
Examples in context
- 자, 건배합시다!ja, geonbaehapsida!Now, let's toast!
- 친구들과 건배를 했어요.chingudeulgwa geonbaereul haesseoyo.I made a toast with my friends.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are having a drink at a restaurant.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨, 우리 건배해요!Subin-ssi, uri geonbaehaeyo!Subin, let's cheers!
- 수빈 Su-bin좋아요, 건배!joayo, geonbae!Good, cheers!
- 지훈 Ji-hun오늘 정말 즐거워요.oneul jeongmal jeulgeowoyo.I'm having a great time today.
- 수빈 Su-bin저도 그래요, 지훈 씨.jeodo geuraeyo, Jihoon-ssi.Me too, Jihoon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 건배, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 건배, CC BY-SA 4.0.
