saúde
/saˈu.d͡ʒi/
The phrase "cheers when drinking" in Portuguese is saúde.
saúde is an expression used as a toast when people clink glasses before drinking together.
What does it mean word for word?
saúde literally means "health".
Which one should you use?
While saúde is a standard way to toast, you may also hear the onomatopoeic expressions Tchim-tchim or Tim-tim, which are used to mimic the sound of glasses clinking together.
How do you pronounce it?
/saˈu.dʒi/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, it is widely considered bad luck to toast with water. Doing so is thought to bring misfortune or even lead to a period of bad luck in your romantic life.
- The word saúde is also used by doctors or bystanders as an interjection when someone sneezes, similar to saying 'Bless you' in English.
- The toast saúde shares an ancient root with the English word 'salute', which is why both languages use concepts of physical well-being to express good wishes.
Examples in context
- Vamos brindar à nossa amizade! Saúde!Let's toast to our friendship! Cheers!
- Tchim-tchim! Feliz aniversário!Cheers! Happy birthday!
- Saúde!Cheers!
- Um brinde à sua saúde.A toast to your health.
- Vamos brindar, saúde!Let's toast, cheers!
Example conversation
A couple clinks glasses at a dinner party.
- RodrigoVamos celebrar, Mariana!Let's celebrate, Mariana!
- MarianaSim! Saúde, Rodrigo!Yes! Cheers, Rodrigo!
- RodrigoSaúde a todos nós.Cheers to all of us.
- MarianaUm brinde!A toast!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry saúde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries saúde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
