There’s a universal moment that unites friends, families, and strangers alike — the clinking of glasses and a shared word of joy.
When I first joined a dinner in Seoul, I noticed how everyone paused before sipping their drink. Then, someone raised their glass high and said “건배!” (Geonbae!) — their faces glowing with laughter. That one word wasn’t just a toast; it was a connection, a celebration of togetherness.
Learning how to say cheers in Korean is more than mastering a phrase — it’s stepping into a culture that treasures respect, friendship, and joy. Across the world, every culture has its own version of “cheers,” each carrying the same warmth and meaning: to life, to love, and to shared happiness.
🌍 Table of Toasts Around the World
| Language | Word/Phrase for “Cheers” | Cultural Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Korean | 건배 (Geonbae) | Means “empty the glass!”; used in formal and casual gatherings alike. |
| English | Cheers! | Universal toast symbolizing friendship and good vibes. |
| French | Santé! | Means “to health”; said with eye contact for good luck. |
| Spanish | Salud! | Also means “health,” reflecting gratitude and vitality. |
| Italian | Cin Cin! | Derived from Chinese, symbolizing celebration and connection. |
| German | Prost! | A strong and joyful toast; always with firm eye contact. |
| Japanese | Kanpai! (乾杯) | Literally “empty the cup”; emphasizes shared enjoyment. |
| Mandarin (Chinese) | Gānbēi (干杯) | Means “dry the glass”; often used in formal banquets. |
| Turkish | Şerefe! | Means “to honor”; toasting is often an elegant gesture. |
| Russian | Za zdorovye! (За здоровье!) | “To your health”; often followed by deep conversations. |
| Greek | Yamas! (Γειά μας) | Means “to our health,” reflecting friendship and celebration. |
| Arabic | Fi saḥitak! (في صحتك) | “To your health,” though not always alcohol-related. |
| Swedish | Skål! | Rooted in Viking tradition, meaning “bowl” or “cup.” |
| Polish | Na zdrowie! | Literally “to health”; used for both sneezes and toasts! |
| Portuguese | Saúde! | A joyful, health-based toast used across Portugal and Brazil. |
🇰🇷 How to Say Cheers in Korean
The Korean word for “cheers” is 건배 (Geonbae) — pronounced gun-bae.
Literally translated, it means “empty the glass.” But its deeper meaning lies in togetherness — a promise to share joy, respect, and the moment itself.
In Korea, drinking culture is intertwined with etiquette. When saying Geonbae, you:
- Hold your glass with both hands if toasting with elders.
- Avoid drinking before the senior person drinks first.
- Make eye contact — it shows sincerity and respect.
So when you raise your glass and say “건배!”, you’re not just celebrating — you’re honoring the people around you.
🇪🇺 How to Say Cheers in European Languages
Europe’s toasts blend elegance, joy, and centuries of social tradition:
- France — Santé! A toast to good health and good company.
- Spain — Salud! Often shouted in cheerful gatherings with music and laughter.
- Italy — Cin Cin! Lighthearted and melodic, used between friends.
- Germany — Prost! A strong expression of camaraderie — always with eye contact.
- Greece — Yamas! “To our health!” usually followed by clinking and dancing.
- Sweden — Skål! Rooted in Viking culture — a symbolic sharing of trust.
Across Europe, saying “cheers” means more than drinking — it’s a celebration of shared life and respect.
🌏 How to Say Cheers in Asian Languages
Asia’s toasts are steeped in symbolism and hospitality:
- Japan — Kanpai (乾杯): Literally “empty the cup”; expressing unity.
- China — Gānbēi (干杯): Same literal meaning as Korean Geonbae — an invitation to drink together.
- Thailand — Chok dee! (โชคดี): Means “good luck!”
- Vietnam — Một, hai, ba, dô! (“One, two, three, cheers!”) lively and fun.
- India — Cheers! / Shubhkamnayein: English influences dominate urban toasts.
- Turkey — Şerefe! Meaning “to honor,” combining joy with dignity.
- Indonesia — Bersulang! Means “to toast” or “to raise a glass.”
- Philippines — Tagay! A friendly invitation to share a drink.
Asian toasts often balance respect and joy, blending cultural courtesy with togetherness.
🌍 How to Say Cheers in African Languages
African toasts are rich with meaning and community spirit:
- Swahili — Afya! Means “to health”; echoes across East Africa.
- Zulu — Impilo! “To life and health”; a celebration of resilience.
- Yoruba — Ayo ni o! Means “let there be joy!”
- Amharic — Le tenay! Literally “to health.”
- Hausa — Lafiya! Meaning “to wellness.”
- Shona — Utano! Another “to health” toast — simple and sincere.
- Akan — Nante yie! “Go well!” used for blessings and farewells too.
- Berber — Azul fell-awen! A rare phrase for good fortune.
- Somali — Nabad! Means “peace”; said even in non-alcoholic gatherings.
Across Africa, cheers is about life, joy, and togetherness — not just the drink.
🌺 How to Say Cheers in Indigenous & Island Languages
Island and Indigenous cultures toast to nature, love, and connection:
- Hawaiian — Aloha! Used in celebrations to express love and gratitude.
- Maori — Kia ora! “Be healthy”; a versatile greeting and toast.
- Samoan — Manuia! Means “good fortune.”
- Tahitian — Ia ora na! “May you live”; often spoken at feasts.
- Fijian — Bula! Symbolizes life and happiness.
- Cherokee — Osiyo! Used as a greeting and toast of welcome.
- Inuit — Piqpagit! Means “to life” or “to joy.”
- Haitian Creole — À santé! Derived from French, used in joyful gatherings.
- Tagalog — Mabuhay! Means “long live!” said with pride and happiness.
- Guaraní — Avy’a! Means “I’m happy!” — a true expression of joy.
Each toast reflects the soul of its people — love, respect, and unity in celebration.
💬 Cultural Insights: The Meaning of a Toast
From Korean Geonbae to French Santé, every toast carries the same human wish: to connect.
The act of raising a glass predates written history — from ancient Greece’s Dionysian feasts to Korean soju rituals, it symbolizes trust, peace, and unity.
In Korea, Geonbae bridges generations — young and old, family and business partners — proving that respect and joy can coexist beautifully.
🏮 Proverbs About Toasting Around the World
- Korean: “A drink shared is a friendship strengthened.”
- French: “To your health — and may it last forever.”
- Russian: “A toast without vodka is like a song without melody.”
- Japanese: “The sake cup knows no enemies.”
- Turkish: “Drink to honor, not to forget.”
Across cultures, the toast is a bridge — between past and present, people and peace.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What does “Geonbae” mean in Korean?
It literally means “empty the glass,” but symbolizes unity and shared celebration.
Q2: How do you pronounce Geonbae?
Pronounced gun-bae — short and cheerful.
Q3: Is it rude to drink before saying Geonbae?
Yes, in Korean culture, you wait until someone leads the toast — often a senior.
Q4: What is the Korean equivalent of “cheers”?
The direct translation is 건배 (Geonbae) — similar in meaning to the Japanese Kanpai or Chinese Ganbei.
Q5: Do Koreans always drink alcohol when saying Geonbae?
Not necessarily. It can be said with any beverage to celebrate togetherness.
❤️ Conclusion: The Universal Toast of Joy
Whether it’s Geonbae, Santé, Skål, or Aloha, each toast carries the same heartfelt wish — to celebrate life, health, and connection.
So next time you raise your glass, remember: you’re taking part in a timeless human tradition that transcends borders.
🥂 Now it’s your turn:
How do you say “cheers” in your language? Drop your version below and let’s raise a virtual glass to global friendship!
