乾杯
kanpai[kã̠mpa̠i]
kanpai is the Japanese phrase for 'cheers'.
乾杯 is the standard way to say 'cheers' when making a toast in social or formal settings.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 乾杯 is composed of the characters 乾 (dry) and 杯 (cup/glass), literally meaning 'dry the cup'.
How do you pronounce it?
kanpai
When do people say it?
When saying kanpai, it is customary to raise your glass and make eye contact with others in the group.
Did you know?
- In very formal settings, you should avoid raising your glass higher than the glass of your superiors or elders during the toast.
- While kanpai is the standard toast, you might hear people say otsukaresama first to acknowledge the hard work of the day before starting the drinks.
- Unlike in some European cultures where glasses must clink, it is perfectly acceptable to perform a kanpai without actually touching glasses.
Examples in context
- みんなで乾杯しましょう！Minna de kanpai shimashou!Let's all say kanpai!
- まずは乾杯ですね。Mazu wa kanpai desu ne.First, a kanpai, right?
- 乾杯、お疲れ様でした！Kanpai, otsukaresama deshita!Kanpai, cheers to your hard work!
Example conversation
Himarai and Kenta are starting dinner at a restaurant.
- 健太 Kenta飲み物、全部そろったね。Nomimono, zenbu sorotta ne.All the drinks are here now.
- 陽葵 Himariじゃあ、乾杯しようか！Jaa, kanpai shiyou ka!Well then, shall we toast!
- 健太 Kenta乾杯！Kanpai!Cheers!
- 陽葵 Himari美味しいね。Oishii ne.This tastes great.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 乾杯, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
