na zdrowie
/na‿ˈzdrɔ.vjɛ/
The Polish phrase for "to your health" is na zdrowie.
na zdrowie is a phrase used when making a toast. It is also used as a common response to someone sneezing, equivalent to "bless you" in English.
Meaning: phrase used when making a toast (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition 'na' (to/for) and the noun 'zdrowie' (health).
Which one should you use?
While na zdrowie is the standard toast, it is more equivalent to "to your health" than the English "Cheers!", which is often used more casually.
How do you pronounce it?
/na‿ˈzdrɔ.vjɛ/. The phrase has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Poland, it is common for the people making the toast to look each other in the eyes while saying na zdrowie. Avoiding eye contact during a toast can be seen as distrustful or impolite.
- Drinking culture in Poland often involves multiple rounds of na zdrowie. It is customary to finish the entire glass of vodka after the toast is made rather than taking small sips.
- If you are traveling in other Slavic countries like Czechia or Slovakia, you will find very similar versions like na zdraví or na zdravie. The phrase is part of a shared linguistic heritage across Central Europe.
Examples in context
- Za zdrowie Państwa, moi drodzy goście!To your health, dear guests!
- Na zdrowie!To your health!
- Wznoszę toast: na zdrowie!I raise a toast: to your health!
- Wszyscy krzyknęli: na zdrowie!Everyone shouted: to your health!
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Piotr are at a celebratory dinner party.
- AgnieszkaPiotrze, na zdrowie!Piotr, to your health!
- PiotrDziękuję, Agnieszko. Na zdrowie!Thank you, Agnieszka. To your health!
- AgnieszkaCzy chcesz jeszcze trochę wina?Do you want a little more wine?
- PiotrTak, bardzo dziękuję.Yes, thank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “to your health” translations and entries na zdrowie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries na, na zdrowie, zdrowie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
