How to Say
The Most Common Ways to Say "Cheers" Around the World

Sharing a toast has been a universal gesture for celebrating joy, friendship, and life's special moments across cultures.

Whether it's raising a glass at a wedding, birthday, or casual gathering, saying "Cheers" is a tradition observed around the globe. While the word "Cheers" is commonly used in English, every language has its own way of toasting to health and happiness.

In this article, we’ll explore how to say "Cheers" in 15 of the world’s most spoken languages, providing the pronunciation to help you practice for your next international toast.

How to Say "Cheers" in 15 Popular Languages

1. **Mandarin Chinese (中文 - Zhōngwén)**

- **Word**: 干杯 (gān bēi)

- **Pronunciation**: Gahn bay

- **Meaning**: "Dry the cup"

2. **Spanish (Español)**

- **Word**: Salud

- **Pronunciation**: Sah-lood

- **Meaning**: "Health"

3. **Hindi (हिन्दी - Hindī)**

- **Word**: चीयर्स (Chīyars) or (खुश रहो - Khush raho)

- **Pronunciation**: Chee-yarz / Khoosh rah-ho

- **Meaning**: "Cheers" or "Stay happy"

4. **Arabic (العربية - Al-‘Arabīyah)**

- **Word**: في صحتك (fī ṣiḥḥatik)

- **Pronunciation**: Fee seh-hah-teck

- **Meaning**: "To your health"

5. **Bengali (বাংলা - Bāṅlā)**

- **Word**: তোমার স্বাস্থ্যর জন্য (tōmār sbāsthẏēra jan'ya)

- **Pronunciation**: To-mar shwas-tho-r jon-yo

- **Meaning**: "To your health"

6. **Portuguese (Português)**

- **Word**: Saúde

- **Pronunciation**: Sah-oo-deh

- **Meaning**: "Health"

7. **Russian (Русский - Russkiy)**

- **Word**: За здоровье (Za zdorov'ye)

- **Pronunciation**: Zah zdah-rohv-yeh

- **Meaning**: "To health"

8. **Japanese (日本語 - Nihongo)**

- **Word**: 乾杯 (Kanpai)

- **Pronunciation**: Kahn-pie

- **Meaning**: "Empty the cup"

9. **Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ - Panjābī)**

- **Word**: ਖ਼ੁਸ਼ ਰਹੋ (Khush raho)

- **Pronunciation**: Khoosh rah-ho

- **Meaning**: "Stay happy"

10. **German (Deutsch)**

- **Word**: Prost

- **Pronunciation**: Prohst

- **Meaning**: "Cheers"

11. **Javanese (ꦧꦱꦗꦮ - Basa Jawa)**

- **Word**: Sugeng rawuh

- **Pronunciation**: Soo-geng rah-wuh

- **Meaning**: "Welcome" (Used as a toast in informal settings)

12. **Korean (한국어 - Hanguk-eo)**

- **Word**: 건배 (Geonbae)

- **Pronunciation**: Gun-bae

- **Meaning**: "Empty the cup"

13. **French (Français)**

- **Word**: Santé

- **Pronunciation**: Sahn-tay

- **Meaning**: "Health"

14. **Telugu (తెలుగు - Telugu)**

- **Word**: ఆరోగ్యంగా ఉండండి (Ārōgyaṅgā uṇḍaṇḍi)

- **Pronunciation**: Ah-row-gyah-gah oon-dahn-dee

- **Meaning**: "Be healthy"

15. **Italian (Italiano)**

- **Word**: Salute

- **Pronunciation**: Sah-loo-teh

- **Meaning**: "Health"

Conclusion

No matter where you find yourself in the world, raising a glass and offering a toast is a meaningful tradition that bridges cultures and languages. Now, with the phrases and pronunciations listed above, you can participate in toasts with friends from different countries, enhancing your connections through shared celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**1. What does the word "Cheers" mean?**

"Cheers" is an expression used when making a toast, symbolizing goodwill, happiness, and often good health. It can also mean expressing gratitude or celebration.

**2. How do I pronounce "Cheers" in Japanese?**

The word for "Cheers" in Japanese is "Kanpai," pronounced as "Kahn-pie," meaning "empty the cup."

**3. Is saying "Cheers" a universal tradition?**

Yes, most cultures have a form of toasting, though the word used and the exact traditions may vary. The act of toasting typically involves wishing good fortune, health, or happiness.

**4. Can I use "Cheers" in any situation?**

"Cheers" is often used in informal or celebratory contexts. However, it’s always a good idea to observe local customs to ensure the toast is appropriate for the occasion.

**5. Are there any specific gestures involved in toasting in different cultures?**

Yes, some cultures have specific gestures, such as making eye contact while toasting in Germany or lightly clinking glasses in France. In other cultures, like Japan and Korea, the person of lower rank may hold their glass lower when toasting with a senior.

With these new phrases in your vocabulary, you'll be ready to join in on toasts and celebrations wherever you go!

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