Where Does "Cheers" Come From?
Saying cheers in different languages is, in fact, an extension of one of humanity's oldest and most enjoyable traditions. Raising a glass and wishing good health to friends is one of those warm rituals passed down from generation to generation. But how did this expression come about?
The origins of this expression, which we have been using for a long time, trace back to the Old French word chiere, meaning "face" or "head." In the 18th century, it was used as a way to express happiness and courage.
Today the expression is entirely symbolic, so routine, in fact, that when drinks are placed on the table, you are expected to raise your glass before taking your first sip, lock eyes with those around you, and clink your glasses together while saying cheers. We see this no matter which civilized corner of the world we visit. How alike we really are, all of us as people of this world, isn't it?
But why do we clink glasses together? The answer to this question is at least as interesting as the question itself. Some historians trace the origins of this ritual back to ancient times, when it was very common to poison drinks.
Clinking glasses together forcefully caused the drinks to mix with one another, so anyone who had added poison to someone else's drink would automatically poison themselves as well. An extremely practical yet equally dramatic way to build trust! According to another view, the sound produced by the clinking glasses was meant to drive away devils and evil spirits.
Both theories reveal that the tradition of raising a glass goes far beyond a mere gesture of politeness. It is a ritual with deep cultural roots.
As for the word "cheers" in Turkish "şerefe" this word is of Arabic origin and carries the meanings of "honor, glory, dignity." So when we Turks raise our glasses, we are actually drinking to each other's honor and dignity. Quite a noble tradition, isn't it?
A similar depth of meaning can be found in many of the world's languages; as you will discover below, the vast majority of these expressions refer to concepts such as health, long life, or honor.
Cheers in Different Languages: 20 Languages in One Place
Every country has its own unique way of raising a glass: Cheers, salud, na zdravi, and many more. Whether you're planning a trip abroad or hosting foreign guests, our infographic below is just what you need. After all, 20 languages is no small number!
You can find the most comprehensive collection of ways to say cheers in different languages in the infographic below. Seeing all the languages at a glance also makes memorizing them quite a bit easier:
This list, spanning from English to Japanese, German to Portuguese, will both entertain you and make you look quite sophisticated at your next trip or international celebration. Saying cheers in the local language is one of the easiest ways to instantly win people's hearts in whatever country you visit!
Let's take a closer look at a few of these 20 languages, because there is truly a fascinating cultural story behind each one. For example, "Prost" in German is derived from the Latin word prosit, meaning "may it be beneficial" or "may it do good." Germans take eye contact very seriously when raising their glasses; clinking glasses without looking into the other person's eyes can be considered quite rude in Germany. There are even those who believe it brings seven years of bad luck!
"Salud" in Spanish directly means "health." The same root appears in the Italian expression Salute. In Mediterranean cultures, dinner table rituals and toasting ceremonies can be extremely long and heartfelt; you might witness glasses being raised dozens of times in a single evening. For them, the table is at the very center of coming together, sharing troubles, and celebrating life.
In Japanese, "Kanpai" (乾杯) literally means "empty cup" essentially a call to "bottoms up!" The toasting ritual in Japan is tied to extremely strict rules of etiquette; especially at business dinners, it is expected that drinks are poured for everyone in order from oldest to youngest, and pouring your own drink is not looked upon favorably.
"Za zdorovye" (за здоровье), used in Russian and many Slavic languages, also means "to health." The importance Russians place on the toasting ceremony has reached legendary proportions; accompanied by long, heartfelt, and literary speeches, this ritual can sometimes last even longer than the main course.
"Santé" in French also means "health". The French use this word both when raising a glass and after someone sneezes. What a versatile language, isn't it? And add to that the romance of clinking a wine glass with a French friend in Paris!
These examples make one thing abundantly clear: people all around the world, when they say cheers to one another, are really saying the same thing: "be healthy, live well, I am happy to be with you." The differences in language do not change this fundamental human sentiment one bit.
For those who want to learn more cultural information about cheers in different languages, Wikipedia's "Toast (honor)" page is a great starting point. Also, Babbel's cheers guide offers practical pronunciation tips.
Bonus Languages: Greek, Serbian, and Macedonian
In addition to our infographic, we as the 2hbn family have a few bonus languages to share with you. Because 20 languages just isn't enough, we always want more!
- 🇬🇷 Cheers in Greek: Στην υγειά σας - Stin ygeiá sas
- 🇷🇸 Cheers in Serbian: Живели - Živeli
- 🇲🇰 Cheers in Macedonian: на здравје - na zdravje
As you can see, in Balkan languages, wishes of health and well-being are at the very heart of raising a glass. It's no coincidence that the majority of cheers expressions in different languages are rooted in the words for "health" or "life."
Let's unpack the Greek expression Stin ygeiá sas a little further: it means exactly "to your health" and can be used in both formal and casual settings. Greeks also commonly use a shorter and more cheerful version when raising their glasses "Yamas!" which again carries the same meaning of "to our health." Being able to raise a glass of ouzo and say "Yamas!" while watching the sunset on a Greek island... isn't that reason enough to travel the world?
The Serbian Živeli means "live, long live". A truly life-embracing, exuberant, and heartfelt expression. In Balkan cultures, the dining table tradition is extraordinarily vibrant and colorful; a celebration without music, dancing, and long toasting speeches is simply unimaginable. The Macedonian na zdravje draws from the same Slavic roots while carrying the distinctive warmth of this small region.
All of these examples remind us once again: the Balkans, though home to different languages and cultures, unite at the table. And the moment of clinking glasses is perhaps one of those rare occasions when all those differences melt away most beautifully.
If you're curious about the connections between language and culture, be sure to check out our culture articles as well. There's plenty of other colorful content waiting for you!
Conclusion: The Whole World Drinks from the Same Glass
Learning to say cheers in different languages is, in essence, becoming part of those rare and beautiful moments where humanity finds common ground. Regardless of language, religion, or culture, people all over the world raise their glasses, look into each other's eyes, and wish one another well. How wonderful is that?
Just think about it: being able to say "Kanpai!" at a business dinner in Japan, shouting "Salud!" with Spanish friends at a bar in Barcelona, or clinking glasses with a "Yamas!" at a taverna in Athens.
Each of these transforms the moment from an ordinary drink break into a far more meaningful memory. People genuinely appreciate it when they see someone making the effort to speak their language; time and again, we've witnessed how a small gesture can open the biggest of doors.
Perhaps the most valuable "gift" you can carry in your pocket while traveling is exactly this: a few words in the local language and a direct path straight to people's hearts.
What's more, this list is made up of some of the easiest practical knowledge to memorize. "Kanpai," "Prost," "Santé," "Salud.". Once you hear them, they latch onto a mental hook and stay there. We strongly recommend saving this infographic as a screenshot on your phone before your next trip. Who knows, in what corner of the world, through what happy coincidence, will you raise a glass and say "Prost!" to a new friend?
For those who drink like the Irish, we've got good news for you too: be sure to check out our 10 Irish Inventions infographic. Who knows, you might even find the Irish toasting tradition in there. 😄
And of course, as always, a word from the 2hbn family: "Drink responsibly." 🥂
