There’s a moment of magic when glasses clink together. A burst of laughter. Eyes meet. A word echoes that turns a simple drink into a shared memory.
The first time I heard “Prost!” in a lively Munich beer garden, I was surrounded by strangers — yet felt instantly at home. That’s the power of a toast: it bridges differences and celebrates togetherness.
Learning how to say cheers in German isn’t just about language — it’s about culture. It’s about understanding how the simple act of raising a glass can symbolize joy, respect, and unity.
Let’s raise our virtual glass and explore how the world celebrates friendship — starting with Germany’s iconic “Prost.”
🗺️ Table of Toasts Around the World
| Language | Word/Phrase for “Cheers” | Cultural Insight |
|---|---|---|
| German | Prost! | Short, energetic, and joyful. Often used with eye contact — symbolizes respect and camaraderie. |
| English | Cheers! | Common across English-speaking countries — casual, friendly, and universal. |
| French | Santé! | Means “health”; always polite and classy. |
| Spanish | Salud! | Also means “health”; said with passion and smiles. |
| Italian | Cin cin! | Fun and musical; inspired by the sound of clinking glasses. |
| Portuguese | Saúde! | “Health” — reflects Southern Europe’s warmth and hospitality. |
| Swedish | Skål! | Rooted in Viking traditions; often shouted with enthusiasm. |
| Polish | Na zdrowie! | “To your health”; used for both sneezes and toasts. |
| Czech | Na zdraví! | A hearty toast shared in pubs and family gatherings. |
| Japanese | Kanpai! | “Empty your cup”; emphasizes shared experience. |
| Mandarin (Chinese) | Gānbēi (干杯) | Literally “dry cup”; symbolizes respect. |
| Russian | Za zdorovye! (За здоровье!) | “To health”; often accompanied by storytelling. |
| Greek | Yamas! (Γειά μας!) | “To our health”; full of energy and joy. |
| Turkish | Şerefe! | Means “to honor”; a toast to respect and friendship. |
| Swahili | Afya! | “Health”; cheerful and communal in East Africa. |
🇩🇪 How Do You Say Cheers in German?
In German, the word for “cheers” is “Prost!” (pronounced prohst).
It’s short, powerful, and full of energy — just like the spirit of a good celebration.
🥂 Cultural Insight
When Germans say Prost, they don’t just shout it and sip — there’s etiquette involved:
- Make direct eye contact with everyone at the table.
- Clink glasses gently, never cross arms while toasting.
- Take a sip right after saying “Prost!” — skipping this step is bad luck!
“Prost” originates from the Latin “prosit,” meaning “may it be beneficial.” Over centuries, it became a symbol of fellowship and good wishes in German-speaking countries.
Other related phrases include:
- “Zum Wohl!” — “To your health!” (used in more formal settings)
- “Auf uns!” — “To us!” (used among close friends or teams)
So next time you’re in Germany, don’t just raise your glass — raise your spirit. Prost!
🇪🇺 Cheers Across Europe
Europe celebrates with passion, etiquette, and pride.
Each toast reveals something unique about its culture:
- France — Santé! Polite, refined, often with wine and elegance.
- Italy — Cin cin! Joyful and musical, echoing laughter and warmth.
- Spain — Salud! Expressive and heartfelt — no toast without a smile.
- United Kingdom — Cheers! Used both in bars and everyday conversations.
- Sweden — Skål! Rooted in Norse rituals of honor and unity.
- Poland — Na zdrowie! Deeply traditional, expressing goodwill and respect.
Europe’s toasts celebrate health, friendship, and shared humanity — each “cheers” a story of centuries-old customs.
🌏 Cheers in Asian Languages
From sake to tea, Asia’s toasts are rich in symbolism and respect.
- Japan — Kanpai (乾杯): “Empty the cup”; emphasizes shared trust.
- China — Gānbēi (干杯): “Dry glass”; often used in formal banquets.
- Korea — Geonbae (건배): “Empty your cup”; a symbol of brotherhood.
- India — Cheers / Badhai ho! A modern adaptation of Western culture.
- Thailand — Chok dee! (โชคดี) “Good luck”; often said before a drink.
- Vietnam — Một, hai, ba, dzô! “One, two, three, go!” full of enthusiasm.
- Turkey — Şerefe! “To honor”; warm and respectful.
- Arabic — Fi sihhatik! (في صحتك) “To your health”; used across Arab cultures.
Asian toasts often go beyond drinking — they celebrate life, respect, and community.
🌍 Cheers in African Languages
Africa’s celebrations are full of rhythm, music, and togetherness.
- Swahili — Afya! Means “health”; said joyfully with shared laughter.
- Zulu — Impilo! Also “to health”; part of communal festivities.
- Yoruba — Oge re! A cheerful toast in Nigeria’s social gatherings.
- Amharic — Le’tena! “To your health” in Ethiopia.
- Akan — Nkɔsoɔ! Means “progress”; used during success celebrations.
- Shona — Hupenyu! “To life”; used in family gatherings.
Across Africa, every toast is about togetherness. It’s not just drinking — it’s celebrating community.
🌺 Cheers from Island & Indigenous Cultures
- Hawaiian — Aloha! Beyond a greeting — it also embodies joy and gratitude.
- Maori — Kia ora! Means “be well”; used as both greeting and toast.
- Samoan — Manuia! “Good fortune!”; said with excitement.
- Fijian — Bula! “Life!”; one of the most joyful toasts in the world.
- Cherokee — Osda! Means “good” or “happy”; a celebration of positivity.
- Tahitian — Ia ora na! “May you live”; both poetic and life-affirming.
Island greetings and toasts always connect deeply to life, nature, and community — reminding us that celebration is a sacred act of gratitude.
💬 Cultural Insights: The Evolution of “Cheers”
The act of toasting dates back thousands of years. Ancient Romans raised cups of wine and said “prosit” — “may it be beneficial.” Medieval Europeans clinked glasses to show trust (the sound was believed to scare away evil spirits).
Over time, “cheers” became a word of goodwill across cultures — from Prost in Germany to Kanpai in Japan and Salud in Spain.
Today, the gesture is universal — a way to say “We are together.”
🌸 Proverbs and Sayings About Toasting
- German: “Trinken ist seliger als Predigen.” — “Drinking is more blessed than preaching.”
- Italian: “Buon vino fa buon sangue.” — “Good wine makes good blood.”
- Spanish: “Con pan y vino se anda el camino.” — “With bread and wine, the road is easier.”
- English: “Here’s to health, wealth, and happiness.”
- Russian: “Bez stakana, drug, ty ne tovarishch.” — “Without a glass, my friend, you’re no companion.”
Across languages, toasting is more than a ritual — it’s a celebration of life itself.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What does “Prost” mean in German?
It means “cheers” and originates from the Latin prosit, meaning “may it be beneficial.”
Q2: How do you pronounce “Prost”?
It’s pronounced prohst — short and sharp.
Q3: Are there other ways to say cheers in German?
Yes! “Zum Wohl!” (to your health) and “Auf uns!” (to us) are also common.
Q4: Is there etiquette for saying cheers in Germany?
Yes — always make eye contact, clink gently, and take a sip right after.
Q5: Why do people clink glasses?
Historically, it symbolized trust and unity — proof that no one’s drink was poisoned!
❤️ Conclusion: A Universal Toast to Connection
Whether you shout Prost, Salud, Kanpai, or Cheers, the message is the same — I celebrate with you.
The German word “Prost” captures what we all crave: connection, friendship, and the joy of shared moments.
So next time you raise your glass, don’t just toast — make it meaningful.
Prost! 🍻
💬 Call to Action
How do you say cheers in your language?
Share your favorite toast in the comments below and let’s create a worldwide celebration of friendship and unity! 🌍✨
