What to Say Before You Sip in 15 Countries—and What It Says About Us
By the time you lift your glass in a foreign country, the toast has likely already begun. A quiet clink in a Tokyo izakaya, a raucous “¡Salud!” in a Madrid tapas bar, or a hearty “Na zdraví!” in a Czech beer hall—saying “cheers” is more than just a prelude to drinking. It’s a ritual, a cultural handshake, and a window into the soul of a place.
From clinking champagne coupes in Paris to downing rakija in a Serbian mountain hut, this is your globe-trotting guide to raising a glass the right way—and what each toast reveals about the people who say it.
🇯🇵 Japan:
Kanpai (乾杯)
Translation: “Empty the cup”
Vibe: Respectful, rhythmic, collective
In Japan, toasting is as precise as a tea ceremony. You wait for the host or the eldest person to initiate the kanpai, raise your glass slightly lower than theirs as a sign of respect, and make eye contact. The glass tap is subtle—usually not too loud. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about harmony.
“Even at after-work izakayas, the first kanpai sets the tone,” says Takumi Endo, a sake bar owner in Kyoto. “You don’t drink before it. Ever.”
🇮🇸 Iceland:
Skál
Translation: “Bowl” or “Skull,” depending on who you ask
Vibe: Stoic yet spirited
In Viking times, the word skál may have referred to the bowl-like shape of drinking vessels—or a more macabre legend claims it came from drinking from the skulls of enemies. Today, it’s simply a hearty way to bond over brennivín (black death schnapps) or local craft beer.
“You don’t toast too often in Iceland,” laughs Guðrun Svala, a Reykjavik bartender. “But when we do, it’s with meaning.”
🇪🇸 Spain:
¡Salud!
Translation: “Health!”
Vibe: Joyful, communal, often followed by dancing
In Spain, a toast is just the beginning of a long night. Whether you’re drinking Rioja in Seville or gin and tonics in Barcelona, ¡Salud! is said loudly, with clinks from every corner of the table—often several times per meal.
Pro tip: Look each person in the eye when clinking, or risk seven years of bad sex (so say the Spanish). You’ve been warned.
🇩🇪 Germany:
Prost!
Translation: “May it be good for you”
Vibe: Direct, disciplined, a little intense
Prost is serious business in Germany. There’s even a protocol: look directly into your toasting partner’s eyes, clink firmly (but not aggressively), and always with the rim—not the side—of the glass.
“It’s like a contract,” says Klaus Müller, a beer hall regular in Munich. “You’re saying: I see you. I respect you. Now let’s drink.”
🇫🇷 France:
À votre santé!
Translation: “To your health”
Vibe: Elegant, restrained, lightly flirtatious
The French love a good toast—but with class. Expect phrases like À votre santé or the casual Tchin-tchin, often said with a knowing smile and just a gentle clink. And yes, eye contact is obligatoire.
🇧🇷 Brazil:
Saúde!
Translation: “Health!”
Vibe: Warm, celebratory, spontaneous
In Brazil, Saúde! is shouted across beach bars and churrascarias, often followed by a hug or a samba beat. It’s less about formality, more about connection—and the caipirinha in your hand.
“We toast for everything,” says Mariana Costa from São Paulo. “A birthday, a new job, a beautiful sunset.”
🇷🇺 Russia:
Na zdoróvye (На здоровье)
Translation: “To health!” (though not actually a common toast in Russian)
Vibe: Strong, slow, meaningful
Contrary to Hollywood myths, most Russians toast with Za zdoróvye or Budem zdorovy—but rarely Na zdoróvye. The toasts are often long, poetic, and involve downing vodka in one go.
“A real Russian toast tells a story,” says Yevgeny, a driver in St. Petersburg. “Then you drink. Then maybe you sing.”
🇮🇹 Italy:
Cin cin!
Translation: An onomatopoeia for clinking glasses
Vibe: Light, charming, effortless
In Italy, it’s less about the exact phrase and more about the mood. Cin cin! is fun, easy, and often accompanied by gestures, laughter, and flowing prosecco. La dolce vita, in a glass.
🇹🇭 Thailand:
Chai yo! (ไชโย)
Translation: “Victory!” or “Cheers!”
Vibe: Uplifting and energetic
In Thailand, a toast often comes with a group cheer—Chai yo!—shouted together, especially during celebrations. It’s less formal than in the West but carries great energy.
🇬🇷 Greece:
Yamas (Γεια μας)
Translation: “To our health”
Vibe: Friendly, passionate
Say it loudly, say it often—especially with ouzo or raki in hand. Yamas! is as Greek as feta, and every meal feels incomplete without it.
🇹🇷 Turkey:
Şerefe
Translation: “To honor”
Vibe: Soulful and proud
Raki, the national spirit of Turkey, isn’t sipped without first saying Şerefe. It’s an act of respect and a nod to tradition, often followed by mezze and long, lingering dinners.
🇻🇳 Vietnam:
Một, hai, ba… dzô!
Translation: “One, two, three… cheers!”
Vibe: Rowdy and rhythmic
Dzô! is shouted loudly and often in Vietnamese gatherings, especially with beer. Expect to toast multiple times, especially in social dinners where every round deserves recognition.
🌍 Why It Matters
Toasting is universal, but it’s also deeply personal. In each clink, we express gratitude, hope, love, and—sometimes—a desire for a good story.
So wherever you travel, learn the local toast. Say it right. Make eye contact. Smile. Because few words travel further than cheers.
