Welcome to our guide on how to say “kanpai” in English! “Kanpai” is a commonly used Japanese phrase that translates to “Cheers!” or “Let’s drink!” in English. Whether you’re planning to visit Japan or simply want to impress your Japanese friends, mastering the art of saying “kanpai” in different contexts is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore formal and informal ways to say “kanpai” in English, provide regional variations if necessary, and offer plenty of tips and examples to ensure you become a “kanpai” pro. So, grab your favorite beverage and let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Kanpai”
Saying “kanpai” formally in English can come in handy during business meetings, formal gatherings, or when you want to show respect to your Japanese colleagues or hosts. Here are a few formal alternatives to “kanpai”:
1. “Cheers!”
The most common English equivalent of “kanpai” is certainly “Cheers!” This universal toast is widely understood and accepted around the world. You can confidently raise your glass and say, “Cheers!” in formal settings.
2. “Let’s toast!”
A slightly more formal option is to say, “Let’s toast!” when you want to encourage everyone to raise their glasses and partake in a celebratory drink. This phrase carries a sense of unity and camaraderie.
3. “A toast to [occasion/person]!”
“A toast to our successful partnership!”
“A toast to the birthday girl!”
Another formal way to say “kanpai” is by proposing a toast to a specific occasion or person. This shows thoughtfulness and adds a personal touch to your message.
Informal Ways to Say “Kanpai”
Informal situations call for a more relaxed and casual approach. When among friends or in a laid-back setting, you can use these alternatives to “kanpai” to fit the atmosphere:
1. “Cheers!”
Just like in formal settings, “Cheers!” works perfectly fine in casual situations. It’s a versatile phrase that can suit any social gathering, whether it’s a night out with friends or a cozy dinner at home.
2. “Let’s drink up!”
When you want to encourage everyone to finish their drinks or simply enjoy a night of indulgence, “Let’s drink up!” is a friendly and informal way to invite your companions to keep pace with the merriment.
3. “Bottoms up!”
If you’re in the mood for a quick toast where everyone takes a hearty sip without the formality, “Bottoms up!” is the perfect phrase. It indicates a moment of carefree enjoyment.
Tips for Saying “Kanpai” and Toasting
Now that you know formal and informal ways to say “kanpai” in English, let’s explore some tips to make your toasting experiences even better:
1. Maintain Eye Contact
When saying “kanpai” or any toast, maintaining eye contact while clinking glasses adds sincerity and respect to the occasion.
2. Don’t Cross Arms When Toasting
It is considered bad luck in many cultures to cross arms when toasting. Always make sure your glass is accessible for a clean and joyful cheers.
3. Wait for the Highest Ranking Person
In formal settings, it is polite to wait for the highest-ranking person to begin the toast before taking your first sip. This shows respect for hierarchy and etiquette.
4. Adjust the Strength of Your Clink
If you’re among close friends, you can clink your glasses with a bit of force. In more formal settings, keep the clink gentle to avoid any accidents or spills.
5. Offer a Sincere Response
When someone toasts, it’s customary to respond with a positive remark before taking a sip. It can be a simple “Cheers!” or more thoughtful words like “Here’s to a delightful evening!”
Examples of “Kanpai” in Context
To further illustrate the usage of “kanpai” and its alternatives, here are some example sentences:
- Formal:
- “Let’s all raise our glasses and say, ‘Cheers!’ to celebrate this successful project.”
- “A toast to our esteemed guests who have traveled from afar to join us tonight!”
- Informal:
- “Hey everyone, let’s raise our glasses and have a big ‘Cheers!’ to our friend on their birthday”
- “Bottoms up! Let’s make tonight one to remember!”
Remember, the key is to adapt your choice of phrase based on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the people you are toasting with. So, whether you find yourself at a formal corporate event or enjoying a casual gathering with friends, saying “kanpai” or its English equivalents will ensure you blend in seamlessly and make the most of any celebration. Cheers to that!
