salute
/saˈlu.te/
The English phrase 'salud' (a toast to good health) is translated into Italian as salute.
salute is used as a toast when drinking with others to wish them good health.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /saˈlu.te/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, salute is also the standard word people say to someone who has just sneezed, similar to how English speakers say 'bless you'.
- While salute is the literal word for 'health', it is common to toast with cin cin, which mimics the sound of glasses clinking together.
- It is considered bad luck in Italy to toast without making eye contact with the other person.
Examples in context
- Cin cin!Cheers!
- Facciamo un brindisi, salute!Let's make a toast, cheers!
- Salute a tutti voi!Cheers to all of you!
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are having dinner at a restaurant.
- GiuliaQuesto vino è ottimo, salute!This wine is excellent, cheers!
- LorenzoSalute, Giulia!Cheers, Giulia!
- GiuliaSpero che tu ti diverta stasera.I hope you are having fun tonight.
- LorenzoMi diverto molto, grazie.I'm having a great time, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry salute, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
