How to Say ‘Cheers’ in 15 Languages

From “here’s to your health” and “bottoms up” to the ever-classic “cheers,” Americans have no shortage of communal toasting traditions. But with the Rio Games looming, there’s never been a better time to brush up on the traditions of cultures around the world—and particularly how those cultures celebrate over a good drink. Here, learn how to say “cheers” in 15 languages—you’ll be jonesin’ for the games to begin.  

French: Santé! / À votre santé!
Pronounced: sahn-tay / ah la vo-tre sahn-tay
Meaning: “to your health” 

Dutch: proost
Pronounced: prohst
Meaning: “cheers” 

Chinese (Mandarin): 干杯 / gān bēi
Pronounced: gan bay
Meaning: “cheers” 

Czech: na zdravi
Pronounced: naz-drah vi
Meaning: “cheers” 

German: prost / zum wohl
Pronounced: prohst / tsum vohl
Meaning: “cheers” / “to your health” 

Greek: ΥΓΕΙΑ
Pronounced: yamas
Meaning: “to your health”

Irish Gaelic: sláinte
Pronounced: slawn-cha
Meaning: “to your health”

Italian: salute / cin cin
Pronounced: saw-lutay / chin chin
Meaning: “cheers” / “to your health” 

Japanese: 乾杯 / kanpai
Pronounced: kan-pie
Meaning: “cheers” / “empty the glass” 

Polish: na zdrowie
Pronounced: naz-droh-vee-ay
Meaning: “to your health”

Portuguese: saúde
Pronounced: saw-OO-de
Meaning: “to your health”

Spanish: salud
Pronounced: sah-lud
Meaning: “to your health”

Swedish: skål
Pronounced: skawl
Meaning: “cheers”

Hebrew: l'chaim
Pronounced: la-hi-em 
Meaning: “to life” 

Yiddish: sei gesund
Pronounced: say geh-sund 
Meaning: “be healthy”