Cheers in Japanese - Drinking in Japan Cheers in Japanese Cheers in Japanese Drinking in Japan: Etiquette and How to Survive Kanpai is the way to say cheers in Japanese when drinking in Japan. DAJ / Getty Images By Greg Rodgers Updated January 05, 2016. Whether sharing a drink for business, pleasure, or both, knowing how to say "cheers" in Japanese is essential for enjoying the experience. Drinking in Japan can be a serious affair. Just as real business relationships are formed on golf courses in the West, business is frequently conducted over drinks in social environments throughout Japan. Sessions can go for hours on end. Luckily, Japanese drinking etiquette is simple: never drink alone and always offer a polite cheers! Note: As in any culture, following the lead of your local friends and hosts is always the best bet. Although many of these pointers for drinking in Japan hold true, settings vary and sometimes people adopt more relaxed approaches to make Western guests feel more comfortable. First, see some Japan travel tips for saving money in what is notoriously considered an expensive destination. How to Say Cheers in Japanese The easiest way to say cheers in Japanese is with an enthusiastic kanpai!

continue reading below our video Tips for Taking Better Travel Photos (sounds like "gahn-pie"). Often shouted with enthusiasm, Kanpai translates to "empty cup" or "bottoms up." Tradition once dictated that people were expected to finish their small cup of sake (rice wine) in one shot. Now that beer is more or less the drink of choice, you can certainly get by with just raising your glass and taking a sip each time someone offers a toast. That's a good thing; there may be scores of toasts during any given session! Tip: The correct pronunciation of sake is "sah-keh," not "sak-key" as is often used in the West. Learn how to bow in Japan . Drinking in Japan The number one rule of etiquette to observe when drinking in Japan is to never take a drink alone. Always wait for the group to receive their drinks and for someone to offer a cheers or toast before you raise your glass and take the first drink. Make eye contact with those nearest as you raise your glass, or angle your body and pay attention to whomever is giving the toast. The glass of the most senior person should be slightly higher than yours. Beer is the usual choice for social and business settings in Japan.

Sake coming in a close second although whiskey and bourbon have gained a significant following. Your Japanese cohorts may prefer to drink sake with you just for the experience and to share an important part of the culture. While not a requirement, ordering the same first drink as others in the group is considered extremely polite and makes sharing easier. When drinking in Japan, or in any formal group setting, emphasis is shifted to the group or team as a whole; individuality is often considered rogue and impolite. If you're in a formal setting, this isn't the time to go for your usual cocktail choice -- follow the lead of the group and stick to beer or sake. Today, beer most often accompanies a meal, while sake is enjoyed with appetizers or light fare . If possible, avoid sipping from your glass alone throughout a meal. Japanese drinking sessions are often a marathon; sip water instead and wait for the group to drink. If you do need to sip beer, you don't necessarily have to offer a kompai! each time; you can simply raise your glass and meet eyes with someone. If someone makes eye contact with you and wishes to drink, lift your cup.

Putting your cup back on the table without at least taking a little sip is considered impolite. Japanese Drinking Etiquette It is customary to allow others seated close to pour your drinks from their beer or tokkuri (sake bottle) and you should reciprocate, assuming that you are drinking the same thing. Typically, the younger or lower in status pour for the senior members of the group first. Hierarchies are especially observed during business meetings. Learn more about Japanese business etiquette . When someone is filling your glass or sake cup, show courtesy by holding the glass with both hands and being attentive to their gesture of goodwill. Avoid looking elsewhere or talking to someone else when your glass is being filled. Keep a mental note so that you can return the gesture later -- remember to pour from your own bottle when filling someone's glass! Tip: Women (and men in some settings) often hold a sake cup with both hands. The fingers of the left hand should be resting gently on the bottom of the cup. More Ways to Say Cheers in Japan Although sometimes used as a way to say cheers in Japanese, otsukaresama deshita (translated: "you're tired") is most appropriate in a business context when someone is leaving.

Telling an associate that they are tired is an extremely nice way of saying that they are a hard worker, have given their all, and deserve a drink. Expressions such as these are a part of the practice of giving and saving face . Don't be surprised to hear an occasional shout of banzai! (translated: "to live 10,000 years") as the sake continues to flow late into the night! A Toast to the Olympics Keep your favorite recipes & other stuff in one place, organized how you want. Login or Join to save this now. A Toast to the Olympics Posted on Feb 06, 2014 While you read this story, the Olympics are getting underway. But the games aren’t just about medal counts and bragging rights. The Olympic Village is really a giant global party. And in order to avoid an international incident and foster goodwill among the nations, we’ve put together a guide to drinking cultures and how to say “cheers” in 10 different countries around the world. Russia: Contrary to popular belief, Russians don’t say Na zdorov’ye when they toast.

“They customize their toast each time,” says Darra Goldstein, the Willcox and Harriet Adsit Professor of Russian at Williams College, founding editor of Gastronomica: The Journal of Food and Culture and author of A Taste of Russia: A Cookbook of Russian Hospitality . “Usually it begins ‘To friendship,’ can move on ‘to beautiful women,’ ‘to peace’ (especially during Soviet times). It could also be ‘to your health,’ but that would actually be Za vashe zdorov’ye.” No matter which one you choose, you have to shoot your glass of vodka . “No sipping allowed,” Goldstein says. Italy: Italians have two main ways to say cheers, according to Francesco Lafranconi, executive director of mixology and spirits education at Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada. Cin cin, which is often followed by salute, or just salute, which means “to good health.” “It is a good practice to toast and look each other in the eyes,” he says. “We try never to cross someone when toasting.” Scotland: Besides some Robert Burns poetry, the traditional Scottish toast is “slàinte mhath!” It translates as “to your health” and is pronounced slawn-sha bah.

But don’t be surprised if your host pours you a dram at the door when you leave. The custom, according to Simon Brooking, master ambassador for Laphroaig and Ardmore Scotches, is called “a wee deoch an doris” and serves a valuable purpose: “Chances are the walk or horse-ride home will be a cold, wet one, so you need a little something to warm you up.” Canada: Not surprising, the word for cheers in Canada is, well, “cheers.” “Not very original,” admits Davin de Kergommeaux, author of Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert . But he says you can impress your neighbors to the north by ordering the country’s national cocktail, the Bloody Caesar , which is essentially a Bloody Mary made with the clam-and-tomato-juice mixture Clamato. Ireland: “The Irish wait patiently until the head on their stout has settled into a perfect line of white on black, then they say sláinte and clink glasses,” says Kevin McParland, executive director of Irish Pubs Global an international association for owners and manger of, you guessed it, Irish bars.

However, on the Emerald Isle sláinte is pronounced slightly differently than in Scotland: slant-sha. Sweden: “Cheers is skål in Swedish,” says Per Hermansson, Absolut Vodka ’s global director of sensory strategy—who helps develop the brand’s flavors—and it’s pronounced skoal. “There is an old habit/tradition to look at all around the table and nod politely when the host proposes a toast and says ‘skål.’ After saying ‘skål’ people look at each other again before they put down their glass. This procedure is most common when drinking wine.” And if you do shots of vodka with Swedes, don’t be shocked if everybody starts singing. France: “We say ‘Santé’ but do not seem to be possessed by drinking protocol as elsewhere,” says legendary bartender Colin Field of The Ritz Paris .

“When we toast and clink glasses with someone from another country, we might be a little more careful not to raise the glass higher than that of our guest, but otherwise all the concentration is more upon what is in the glass.” The Netherlands: “The traditional Dutch custom of toasting is to say ‘proost,’ meaning ‘good health to you,’” says Carl Nolet, Jr., executive vice president in the US for Nolet Spirits, which makes Ketel One Vodka and Nolet’s Gin , and has been distilling spirits in Holland for more than 300 years. “When toasting with cocktails or beer, it is customary to look everyone in the eye when you clink glasses as a sign of sincerity.” Japan: The Japanese have made drinking a true art form with a number of sacred traditions. For one, “we like to pour for each other,” says award-winning bartender Kenta Goto . That applies “especially for anyone elder or your boss.” And the common toast is Kanpai, which is pronounced ken-pie. Czech Republic: Over the last few years, Prague has built up an impressive bar scene—and the city boasts a long brewing history.

“The classic tradition is looking everybody in the eye at the same time when you say cheers before drinking,” says Pavla Francová, a bartender at local favorite Bar & Books . And in Czech, the term for cheers is na zdraví, which is pronounced nah-dro-vee. If you order beer, Francová says, “before drinking, people usually bang on the table with their glass.” How to Say "Cheers" | Japanese Lessons - YouTube How to Say "Cheers" | Japanese Lessons Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Feb 27, 2012 Like these Japanese Lessons !!! Check out the official app Watch more How to Learn Japanese videos: How to say "Cheers" in Japanese. Kanpai. Cheers. Kanpai. Let's try it. Kanpai. Kanpai. You can also say "congratulations." Omedetou. Omedetou. Repeat after me again.

Omedetou. Omedetou. And that's how you say "cheers" in Japanese. Category How to say 'cheers' in 50 languages - Matador Network Swahili: Afya! or Maisha marefu! It varies a little based on the country. Rob Nunn Cheers for the great info!!!!! marytrobot the places I’ve been in South America say “salud” but in Spain (castallan speakers) we would always say “chin chin” like “ching” in english without the “g”. Stephen Great list! Only thing, the Korean is 건배 which would really be translated as geon-bae but is pronounced ‘kawn-bae'(eo sound is pronounced ‘aw’ and if ㄱ is at the start of the word, the prounciation tends more towards a ‘k’ sound than a ‘g’). Keep up the good word! Indonesia please 🙂 m Thai speakers wouldn’t say “chok-dee” for a drinking toast. That means “good luck.” You would hear “Chai-yo” as a toast when drinking. The Polish pronunciation guide is a little off.

Na Zdrowie is said more like ‘nahz-droh-vyeh’. Also, you try to make it sound all like one word. senem “şerefe” in Turkish! Go_easter I don’t know which foreigner was first to decide that Russians say “Na Zdorovie” for cheers, but it’s amazing how this misconception continues from one article to the next. We just don’t say it. We don’t. We never do. Get it? 🙂 With this, I’m not sure the other languages are correct, too. Vladimir Just was going to write that. “Na zdorovye” is used like the English “you are welcome,” if ever. This expression is close enough to several common toasts (“budem zdorovy,”, “za vashe zdorovye,”) so it is accepted and understood when foreigners say it, but Russians themselves never use it when toasting. Thanks for letting us Foreigners know 🙂 maniacbum What are you talking about? yes we do say that. i dont know where you grew up or with whom, but we always have said it.

Sure there are new ways of saying it now too, but we always said it and still do. As to the “Vladimir” – Just was going to write that. “Na zdorovye” is used like the English “you are welcome,” if ever. – you need to learn more english or russian, not sure which one you’re lacking. На здоровье is not used like English “you’re welcome”. “На здоровье” is used like “bless you” sometimes. Vladimir Any turn of speech can be rendered incomprehensible, or even worse, misunderstood, if the accent is placed on a wrong syllable. Do I say TER-vih-sex, ter-VIH-sex, or ter-vih-SEX? m7za True, We don’t say ‘Mabuhay’. Mabuhay is either welcome or long live. We just say Cheers or ‘Itaas mo’ (Raise it) Nintendo64 yes we don’t use mabuhay … cheers or toast! Emman Yes, tagay is I think the most appropriate and most common term used when drinking P. Yes, I agree. Cheers is widely-used her in the Phils.

xxxrainxxx is correct, “Mabuhay” means “Long Live” usually it is used to welcome foreigners. If you want the native way of saying cheers, I believe it is “Kampay”. My Uncle said that the term came from the Japanese term “Kan pie” because many of our fore fathers fought during the Japanese occupation here in the Philippines. Hearing the term, they might have adopted, thus the word “Kampay” in a sentence used by my Uncles, they usually say “I-kampay mo!” which means “Raise the glass” and then drinking the whole liquor without a pause. This is actually a nice idea, but I hope the errors can be corrected. 😀 P. Or better yet, the term “Tagay!” would be the most perfect way of saying “Cheers” “Drink to that” or “Raise your glass” Georgina Oglethorpe In Samoan it’s “manuia”. If you’re drinking the traditoinal ‘ava make sure to spill out a little on the ground first. Jwwilson can you tell me what dziekuje means Jtmidwest314 I think you MAY be trying to say Thank you in Polish.

Someone help us out here 🙂 Csb pronounced : yar mat Dustin Steichmann tram phan tram is another vietnamese meaning 100% or drink it all. Koreans also say han chan hae, which means one cup. Suzan “fe sehtak” means in your health not good luck. Sabrine Exactly what I was going to say! We can also say it like this “be sahtek!” which means with your health. H2opolochic213 You should have Farsi on there as well. ‘Salamati’ Sam I’d add a “Be” to it, to make it “Be Salamati” as in To your health Brookswift Don’t say cin cin (chin chin) in Japan, it’s very rude in Japanese. Sasha Airesse teehee 🙂 I can’t help but giggle when Giada says it on her show…It’s cute when she says it…but yes, it’s a totally different meaning in Japan. None And in Arabic we say “نخبك” /No7’bak/ not “fe shtak” Dobrinko7523 in spanish we say….

“a tomar y a mamar que el mundo se va a acabar” that means : “to drink and suck because the world is gonna die” Huisdiervanchia The Gaelic is pronounced “SHEN-ta”, not slawn-cha. Maximilian Andreasson This is definitely not correct..it is much closer to “slawn-cha” than “shen-ta”.. The problem is to write the “-cha” in English, because there is not a way to write it correctly phonetically. The “a” in “-cha” should be pronounced almost like you pronounce the “e” in “cake”. incandescent2 In Scottish Gaelic it’s pronounced slawn-jah, although pretty much nobody actually speaks Gaelic so most will say cheers or, at a push, mispronounce slainte as ‘slanj’ guest pretty good, bad pronunciations though :/ jorge @Juan Segovia, I’m Spanish and never heard that. Don’t use particular expressions from your hometown/area for a general case, you could confuse people.

Maximilian Andreasson Obviously he is just messing around…I’m not sure if you are bad at messing back or just stupid and don’t get it? Cinollozowski In polish it should be [Naz-droh-vee] 😛 Ziz Almost there 😀 Polish version of ‘Cheers’ sounds more like: [Nah- zdrOh-veE(r)] ..that last ‘r’ is supposed to help catch the actual ending of the word in Polish, which comes close to the spelling of the word ‘veer’ as spoken by the British (i.e. without ‘r’ and without the initial stress on ‘ve..’, of course). Capitalised vowels refer to proper stress in Polish. I thought in Thai it suppose to be “chon kew” which is kind of like Kunpie in Japanese. They say it before they drink like cheers 🙂 Yu-liang Kuo na Zdravi¡ como cierra sus notas el filosofo Max. Ronald Langeveld Gesondheid! James Hansbro The phonetic pronunciation in Hawaiian is closer to the actual spelling.

You just need to add an ‘okina before the first “o” and a kahakō above it so it looks like this: ‘ōkole maluna. However in all my years drinking with Hawaiian friends I’ve never heard anyone say this. Jaime Blanco This is fucking awesome Jennifer Williams I think I saw something similar to this on TravelExplosion.com the other day. Very cool and worth printing for keepsake. Nick Dariece Cool list. Must’ve took a while to put it together! If this is all done from ‘top of the head’ knowledge then I’m really impressed. gān bēi In chinese actually means “bottoms up” and to just have a normal cheers is HeJiu which is basically just “drink alcohol” Not that it matters because in china beer is poured into small glasses perfect for BOTTOMS UP! Thanks for the post it’s could be a good reference for future travels. Kia Abhari persian they say “Nush” Spelling & Phonetic Pronunciation same. Kia Abhari persian they say “Nush” Spelling & Phonetic Pronunciation same.

Piyanan Kay Gerndee It should be “Chon Keaw” in Thai 🙂 Amy Frances Furness Fe sahetek Ramin Raminian how in the world you have not persian one? most important country in history and mother of a lot of language. Ramin Raminian how in the world you have not persian one? most important country in history and mother of a lot of language. Boris Krumov It really doesn’t matter after the 12-15-67-78th toast 🙂 Shmuel A. Goldstein BTW, The Yiddish is the same as Hebrew as anyone knows. Zei-Guzunt is usually just an expression of saying, “Be well” when saying goodbye to someone and is not used when saying “cheers”. Chris Green In Zulu, one might say “Poo zimpy-la,” or my favorite, “Oogy Wawa!” Kay Raynera In the Philippines, “Mabuhay” means “hello” and is not used when toasting.

On most occasions, we simply say “cheers.” The closest Filipino word I can think of is “tagay” which literally means “to pour beer/alcohol into one’s glass.” Skarma Gurmet Travel And Explore The Places Of The World Good to know for all travelers! Travel And Explore The Places Of The World Good to know for all travelers! Maximilian Andreasson In Sweden we say “SKÅL!” (The word does not actually mean anything). You drink, look the others in the eye as you would a polar-bear you are just about to slay with your bare hands (yes we do that all the time(national sport)) and then we smash our wooden cups together and drink it all (rinse and repeat until you can’t see or walk straight). the Dewed Abides My Pops told me from whence we were Vikings that it was from drinking (insert drink of choice here) from a conquered warrior’s skull, hence Skål. Kinda like that interpretation. Bao bao In Thai we say Chon- Gjaw.

its mean “raise your glass” Phu Chai Aon in thai cheers is chun-gao, chok-dee has no meaning Yasmeen Some information is wrong there – the Arabic (which is not only in Egypt but all Arabic speaking countries) means to your health not good luck. Also the Greek phonetics for the word Yamas is not written correctly. little lisa Esperanto “Je via sano” BobbyTang My grandfather used to say “diborja” (how I would spell it in english, sounds like die-borjah)… does anyone know what that could mean or which language it is from? I think it is a cheers type toast but could be wrong, anyone know? California John Phonetically ouzi wah wah means cheers in what language? I heard it on the Saturday 1st Look NY TV episode at approx 7:30pm eating a rabbit dish in a restaurant. John at caljohn121645@gmail.com Vagabond In Belgian dutch “proost” is the least used of the many things we say. Santé like the French or, schol, like the Sweeds and Norwegians are much more common.

Mark Pompeo I recently met a girl from France. She told me they say “Chin chin” for cheers, not whatever that word listed here is. Malik International Toasts | Toasts and Toasting Etiquette | Etiquette Scholar Toasts are not appropriate in Muslim societies. Alcohol is prohibited, and you should never request it. If you wish to honor those present, say something such as, "We would like to extend our best wishes to …" Egyptian Toasts Toasts are not common. South African Toasts For a toast, South Africans raise their glasses and say "Cheers!" On less formal occasions, they sometimes clink their glasses together and say "Chin Chin." Asian Toasts Chinese Toasts The host will make the first toast. If it is to you, then you should respond with a toast to your host. Toasting will continue throughout the meal. Touching the other person's glass below the rim is a sign of respect. After the first toast and touching of the glasses, glasses are tapped on the table for the following toasts. Typical toasts are "gan bei" (bottoms up) and "kai pay" (drain your glass).

Toasting, usually with beer, wine or Chinese white liquors, is an important part of Chinese business etiquette. You will often find three glasses on your table: a glass for your drink of choice [toast with this glass], a wine glass, and a shot glass for a liquor called 'maotai' or 'wu liang ye.' The host of a banquet offers the first toast. If you prefer not to drink alcohol, it's perfectly acceptable to toast with a soft drink, glass of juice, or mineral water. Toasts will be proposed throughout the meal. Two popular toasts are 'ganbei' ['bottoms up!'] and 'kai wei' ['starting the appetite!']. Sometimes, the Chinese enjoy testing the ability of a foreigner ['lou wai'] to handle his or her alcohol, especially 'er gua toe', a potent clear alcohol that one might compare to airline fuel. A good practice would be to eat something beforehand. Filipino Toasts A more formal toast would include the traditional "Mabuhay!"—which means "Long life!" Indian Toasts Toasting is not a normal custom in India.

However, in business meals where drinks are served, it is normal for the host to toast by raising the glass and saying 'cheers.' Indonesian Toasts Since 90% of Indonesians are Muslims, alcohol will not be served. If your host happens to be Indonesian of Chinese heritage and not Muslim, alcohol may be served. There is no tradition for toasting with alcohol. Japanese Toasts Typically, toasts are only made at the beginning and end of Japanese parties or drinking and dining sessions, usually by the Japanese host. Foreigners shouldn't feel that they must make a toast in return. On the first drinks, someone will perform a toast, or simply say 'cheers,' which would be 'kampai' in Japanese. Generally the most senior person on the hosting side would have the honors. Malaysian Toasts The only times toasts might be given is when you are with Chinese or Indian hosts. The term "Yam Sing" is often used when everyone drinks at the same time.

Singapore Toasts The most common toast is a simple "Cheers." A common Chinese toast that you might want to learn and use is "Yum seng!" which literally means "Finish drinking!" (Equivalent to the North American toast "Bottoms up!) There is no set protocol observed for making a toast. South Korean Toasts The most common toast is "gonbae," which is the equivalent of "cheers!" If the toast is proposed as "wonshot" (one shot), guests are expected to empty their glasses in one drink. Formal toasts are usually made only by the host. Visitors may offer to pay for the bill, but the host will usually decline the offer. The most common South Korean toast you will hear is 'Gun-bae.' When you raise your glass, be sure to do so with your right hand. To confer extra respect toward the person being toasted, support your right arm with your left hand. Be aware that the minute you drain your glass, it is a cue to your host that you would like a 'refill.' Taiwanese Toasts Toasts are usually made toward an individual. As a visitor, you are likely to be toasted by every person at the table. The toast is to welcome you.

Hold the glass in your right hand and place your left hand under it. Hold the glass up to toast and then hold it up again after drinking the toast. Thai Toasts A popular toast is simply 'Good Luck!' or in Thai 'Chai Yo!' Vietnamese Toasts The occasion may begin with a toast of wine or champagne and will conclude with tea or coffee. A typical toast would be "To your health!" It is always best to allow the Vietnamese host to make the toast. It is most appropriate to suggest that the highest-ranking Vietnamese at the table make the toast, even if the foreign visitor is the host of the evening. Australian and the Pacific Toasts Australian Toasts If you are toasted, return the favor. In Australia, 'Cheers!' is a popular toast. New Zealand Toasts Toasts are informal. People are likely to wish each other good health, to toast to a good business meeting or to imply that the All Blacks (the national rugby team) will win at their next outing. Caribbean Toasts "Salud," which means "health," is a common toast. Puerto Rican Toasts It is not uncommon for hosts to offer a toast for the visitor at the first and the last meals that they share.

In these cases, the visitor should smile graciously and stand with the others if they do so after the toast. Eastern European Toasts Belarusian Toasts It is gracious to learn a few toasts. The most common are na zdo ro vie (to your health) and an ancient Polish toast, sto-lyat (a hundred years) Czech Toasts The most common toast is "Na zdravi!" which means "to your health," upon which each person clicks glasses with everyone at the table. Make eye contact with each person you click glasses with, or you will be considered rude. In Slovak, the toast is - "Na zdravie!" Hungarian Toasts When dining, the man should pour the wine, as it is considered unfeminine for a woman to pour wine. When toasting in Hungary, make eye contact, raise your glass up to eye level, say “Egészségére!” (for your health), take a drink, make eye contact again, and then place the glass back down on the table. The guest of honor usually proposes the first toast which generally salutes the health of the individuals present. At the end of the meal, someone toasts the hosts in appreciation of their hospitality.

An empty glass is immediately refilled so if you do not want more to drink, leave your glass ½ full. Never clink glasses if drinking beer. Polish Toasts Expect frequent toasting throughout the meal. The host offers the first toast. Do not begin drinking until your host has proposed a toast to everyone at the table. If your host stands when proposing a toast, so should you. Toasts are only made with hard liquor (generally vodka). You should reciprocate with your own toast later in the meal. If you propose a toast it is important to maintain eye contact. You may also toast your hosts or the success of the business venture. The most common toast being "Na zdrowia!" (pronounced nah ZDRO-vee-ah, meaning "To your health!"). Alcohol is served in small glasses so you can swallow in one gulp. Russian Toasts Begin eating only after somebody says a toast, even if there is no alcohol on the table [which is almost impossible]. Toasting is a very important part of dining. Toasts are common The host starts and guests reply. Do not drink until the first toast is offered. After a toast, many Russians like to clink their glasses together.

Do not do so if you are drinking something non-alcoholic. Not drinking is a serious handicap to doing business in Russia. It's the way things are done. In all but the most Westernized circles, you will have trouble winning trust if you do not get drunk with your hosts. It's considered a way of breaking down barriers and getting to know the real you. Refusing to drink is unacceptable unless you give a plausible excuse, such as explaining that health or religious reasons prevent you from imbibing. Also you may smile and pretend that you are drinking, to show that you accept the toast and respect those around you. If you feel that you're getting intoxicated, avoid signing anything. Ukrainian Toasts The Ukrainian meal is punctuated with frequent toasts. Everyone at the table will be expected to propose at least one toast during the meal. The host always will make the first toast, usually to everyone's health (bud-mo!). The second toast is usually to welcome the guest or guests of honor, at which point, the third toast is given by the guest. Appropriate toasts include: za vas! (here's to you) and za-ho-spo-da-riv! (here's to our hosts).

Don’t clink glasses during a toast if you aren't drinking alcohol. European Toasts Austrian Toasts Traditionally, the host of the meal or event will initiate proceedings with a toast. Until then, no one should raise a glass. The host will lift his or her glass while making eye contact with the most senior guest and say Prost! The guest of honor should reply with a toast of thanks at the end of the meal or event. Belgian Toasts Wait to see if your host offers a toast before sipping your drink. The guest of honor may also give a toast. Women may offer a toast. It is polite to stand for a toast. The Flemish raise their glasses twice during a toast. The glass is initially raised during the toast and then at the completion of the toast. Raising your glass and saying "Sante" is the typical toast. A toast is always made to the host or to the one who buys the drinks. Dutch Toasts The host gives the first toast. An honored guest should return the toast later in the meal. The Dutch word for "cheers" is proost (rhymes with boast).

Quite often in small gatherings where people actually clink their glasses, it's appropriate to look people in the eye when you clink, but this is not always necessary. Proost! is not so much for wine, but more for beer and soft drinks. For wine, people may say the French Santé or nothing at all, since a friendly exchange of glances with all present while slightly raising the glass in their direction is more important. The toast may then be repeated after the company takes the first sip. Finnish Toasts The host will usually propose a toast to the visitors and to the business relationship. This should be reciprocated with a toast led by the leader of the visiting group. After that, there is no particular protocol, although speeches might be made and further toasts offered. French Toasts "A vote santé" (to your health) or the shorter "Santé!" or "Tchin" (cheers) are standard toasts. Glasses are generally raised as the toast is made and are sometimes clinked together before the first sip is taken. German Toasts The host gives the first toast.

An honored guest should return the toast later in the meal The most common toast with wine is 'Zum Wohl!' ('good health'). The most common toast with beer is 'Prost!' ('good health'). You should always touch all the glasses you can reach at your table when someone makes a toast. When making a toast, it is important to maintain direct eye contact from the time the glass is raised, until it is placed back on the table. If many people are being toasted, make eye contact with each individual around the table as you make the toast. This rule becomes even more important to remember as you move west to east through Germany. Greek Toasts The host gives the first toast. An honored guest should return the toast later in the meal. The most common toast is "to your health", which is "stinygiasou" in informal situations and "eis igían sas" at formal functions. The typical toast in Greece is "ya mas" meaning "to our health." You may also make a toast to your hosts, as well as to a successful business relationship.

Irish Toasts Toasts are usually reserved for occasions among family or friends, such as weddings and birthdays, but it is not uncommon to make an informal toast at a business meal. If you make a toast, keep it short. Italian Toasts The host gives the first toast. An honored guest should return the toast later in the meal. Women may offer a toast. “Salute” [to your health] is a common toast, or, more informally, “cin-cin.” Norwegian Toasts The host makes a small speech and offers the first toast. It is not expected but would be appreciated if you toasted your host, especially if you are invited to a private home. You will generally find that during a dinner party there might be many toasts throughout the evening. At a large dinner party, speeches will take place throughout the evening. People usually stand to make toasts. On such occasions, the person seated to the left of the host will make a takk for maten (thank you for the food) speech. If you find yourself seated to the left of the host in this situation, it is unlikely that they will expect you to know that you should make a toast to thank them for the food.

Business dinners might not include constant toasting. The Norwegian word for cheers is skol. For a formal toast, look into the eyes of the person being toasted and give a slight nod, then sal Skal. Before putting your glass down, meet the other person's eyes and nod. Women may offer toasts. Toasts are made with alcoholic beverages, but not beer. When someone is being toasted, raise your glass, look at the person, take a sip, look at the person again, and then return the glass to the table. Women must put down their glasses first after a toast. Portuguese Toasts Portuguese people will often toast to health, "Saude!" (pronounced sah-ood), or will merely say "Tchin tchin," an onomatopoeic toast replicating the sound of glasses clinking. Spanish Toasts The host gives the first toast. An honored guest should return the toast later in the meal. A typical toast would be "Salud," which means "Good health!" It is acceptable for a woman to make a toast.

Swedish Toasts The most common toast is ' skål', pronounced 'skoal.' Do not consume your drink until the host or hostess has said ' skål '; only then, should you take your glass and raise it. Always wait for the host to say 'welcome' before you can start sipping your wine. The welcome toast will always be said with the wine and not with the aperitif. Wait for the host or hostess to make the first toast; after that, you can propose one. Maintain direct eye contact from the moment the glass is raised to the moment it is placed back down on the table. If many people are being toasted, make eye contact with each individual as you make the toast. Do not begin eating until the host has proceeded to do so. Allow hosts and seniors in rank and age to toast first. After making a toast, the men wait for the women to put their glasses down first. Do this immediately. It can be annoying for men to wait too long for women to put their glasses down. Swiss Toasts When proposing a toast, wait until everyone has been served a drink (whether it is wine or mineral water) and then say, "Prost" (cheers, in German).

The toast in German-speaking Switzerland is prost; in French-speaking Switzerland, it is votre santé or simply santé; in Italian-speaking Switzerland, salute. After your host has proposed a toast, look directly at him or her and respond, preferably in the local language. Then, clink glasses with everyone at the table, or at least those within your reach. Only then may you take your first sip. Middle Eastern Toasts Toasts are not appropriate in a Muslim society. Alcohol is prohibited, and you should never request it. Israeli Toasts The toast "lechaim" (to life) is said whenever alcohol is served. Toasts are only made at formal occasions or sometimes when a contract is signed. It is acceptable to just touch the glass to your lips if you don't wish to swallow the contents. Pakistani Toasts There are no toasts in Pakistan. UAE Toasts Simple, informal toasts involve raising a glass and saying "Cheers." At more formal gatherings, glasses are raised in response to a speech, and a group response is elicited. Central American Toasts Columbian Toasts Allow the host to be the first to make the toast; then you might wish to make one.

Costa Rican Toasts Toasts are made more often than not. Ticos make toasts to their families mostly, for it is the core of their daily lives. Salvadoran Toasts When proposing a toast, people just raise the glass and say, "Salud!" You should always offer your own toast and should say something to the effect that you are pleased to be in El Salvador after hearing so much about it. Then commend the people for treating you in such a family-like manner. At the beginning of a meal, someone says "Buen provecho!" (Enjoy your food!). This is the most common social toast, and while not said as a toast in the strictest sense of the word, it's a must for anyone eating with Salvadorans. Guatemalan Toasts The standard toast is to raise your glass and say, "Salud!" You should always offer your own toast: say how pleased you are to be in Guatemala and commend everyone for treating you in such a family-like manner. Panamanian Toasts Panamanians sometimes say "Salud!" (health) before a drink. Otherwise there are no typical toasts or specific protocols to follow when making toasts.

North American Toasts American Toasts The guest of honor is toasted and should reciprocate by giving a toast of thanks. Simple, informal toasts involve raising a glass and saying "Cheers." At more formal gatherings, glasses are raised in response to a speech, and a group response is elicited. Canadian Toasts Simple, informal toasts involve raising a glass and saying "Cheers." At more formal gatherings, glasses are raised in response to a speech, and a group response is elicited. The host normally offers first toast. Wait until everyone is served wine and a toast is proposed before drinking. it is acceptable for women to propose a toast. In formal situations, the host gives the first toast. An honored guest should return the toast later in the meal. Women may give toasts. If you are invited out to a pub in Canada, please keep in mind that each person is expected to pay for a round of drinks. Neglecting your turn to pay for a round will create a bad impression. Mexican Toasts Only men give toasts. The common toast is Salud! (for health). The most senior host or visitor usually initiates a toast. South American Toasts If you are toasted, return the favor.

In Argentina, 'Salud!' or 'Cheers!' are popular toasts. Bolivian Toasts Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink. The host makes the first toast. The most common toast is "Salud!" When you lift your glass, look at the person being toasted. Chilean Toasts Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink. The host makes the first toast. The most common toast is "Salud!" When you lift your glass, look at the person being toasted. If you are toasted, return the favor. In Chile, 'Salud!' or 'Cheers!' are popular toasts. Before taking the first sip of a drink, you say "salud," which means "to your health," and be sure to look your host in the eyes. If a formal business proposal is being discussed, a toast is made to the success of the future deal, contract or agreement or to the person or company involved. Ecuadorian Toasts Toasts in Ecuador are usually impromptu. The person making the toast stands when proposing the toast and remains standing until all present have had a taste of wine.

If the toast is directed to a visitor, the visitor will be expected to reciprocate. Peruvian Toasts Peruvians say "salud" for a toast, and everyone lifts their glasses and drinks the first sip at the same time. It is rude for a visitor to start drinking alone (for the first drink). Once a business deal has been achieved, the host may make a more formal toast. The guest may respond with a brief speech or may simply smile and thank the host. Venezuelan Toasts Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink. Venezuelans typically toast with the word 'salud'. The host makes the first toast. Toasts are common in Venezuela, and it is not unusual for a host to offer a toast in honor of a visitor. A toast of this kind should be acknowledged with a smile and a cheerful attitude. A visitor should be careful not to drink before the toast or while the toast is being offered, as this may be considered insulting. Read More Invitation Etiquette When do you send out invitations to a dinner party? How long should you give guests to respond? Want invitation formatting tips? Read more in our invitation etiquette section.

Wine Tasting Etiquette Once it is poured into the proper glass, it’s time to evaluate and enjoy the wine. Evaluating wine involves four basic steps – looking, swirling, smelling, and tasting. Step #1 – Look. Holding the wine glass up against a white background, such as a napkin or table cloth, to evaluate its color and clarity. Red wines should range in color from deep purple to brick red. White wines should range in color from lemon gold to golden amber. Step #2 – Swirl. Swirl the wine in your glass to aerate it. Step #3 – Smell. Put your nose in the glass and take a deep breath. Older wines should have subtler aromas than younger ones. Step #4 – Taste. To taste the wine, fill your mouth about ½ full and subtly swish the wine around.

Question: In what country do people say "Kanpai" when making a toast?
Answer: Japan