στην υγειά μας
stin ygeiá mas
The English phrase "prost" is expressed in Greek as στην υγειά μας (stin ygeiá mas).
στην υγειά μας is the standard phrase used when clinking glasses during a toast in Greece.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase translates literally to "to the health our".
Which one should you use?
While στην υγειά μας means "to our health" (inclusive of the speaker), στην υγειά σας is used to toast others specifically, meaning "to your health".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the feminine definite article στην because the noun υγειά is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
stin ygeiá mas
Did you know?
- While clinking glasses for στην υγειά μας, Greeks generally avoid toasting with water. Doing so is traditionally considered bad luck or a sign of a poor omen.
- The noun υγειά has a history that stretches back to Ancient Greek, where the concept of 'hugíeia' was personified as a goddess of health.
- Depending on the region, some Greeks may add όμορφα to the toast, wishing that the health be 'beautiful'. This adds a layer of aesthetic wellness to the physical health implied by υγειά.
Examples in context
- Στην υγειά μας!Stin ygeia mas!To our health!
- Πάντα στην υγειά μας.Panta stin ygeia mas.Always to our health.
Example conversation
Two friends are having a glass of wine at a cafe.
- Ελένη EleniΣτην υγειά μας, Δημήτρη!Stin ygeia mas, Dimitri!To our health, Dimitris!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣτην υγειά μας, Ελένη!Stin ygeia mas, Eleni!To our health, Eleni!
- Ελένη EleniΝα είμαστε πάντα έτσι καλά.Na eimaste panta etsi kala.May we always be this well.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΦυσικά!Fysika!Of course!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries στην, υγειά, CC BY-SA 4.0.
