It’s getting closer and closer to Christmas. Everyone is anticipating time off work and over-eating. One thing is for sure, the celebrations will be rife with glasses clinking and delectable nibbles. Whatever your poison, I’m here to teach you how to say CHEERS! this festive season. I’ve picked some popular languages to learn how to toast in. Bottoms up!
English
Cheers! Cheers in English originally comes from “have good cheer”. Back in Roman times, the raising of glasses was to show respect to the dead and health to the living. Most of the following languages show that their toasts come from versions of “good health” or “health to you”.
German
Prost! Sounds like how it’s spelt. Make sure you maintain eye contact when you clink glasses with each person otherwise you might have to buy the next round.
Dutch
Proost! Similar to German with a longer ‘O’ sound.
Polish
In Poland, they say Na zdrowie! This is pronounced Naz-droh-vee-ay.
Gaelic
If you find yourself in the highlands of Scotland or over in Ireland toast your drinks by saying Sláinte mhaith. This translates as good health and is pronounced: Slan-cha-var.
Spanish
If you fancy a place slightly warmer this Christmas, clink your sangria-filled glasses somewhere in Spain and say Salud! (pronounced: Sa-lood).
Japanese
Somewhere further afield in Japan, they toast enthusiastically by saying 乾杯! Pronounced Ghan-pie, this translate as “dry the glass” and it’s very rude to start drinking before you say cheers.
Italian
Maybe you want to switch out the Christmas turkey for a pasta or pizza combination. Raise that Processo and say Salute! (Sa-loot-e).
French
In France, they say Santré pronounced saan-tay, when they raise their Champagne glasses. This is a shortened version of good health.
If you have any languages to add, comment below and let me know.
I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and are looking forward to a bright new year in 2018! Remember to drink responsibly and look after your mates.
Please note some of the not English alphabet characters were copied from Google Translate. I apologise for any slight inaccuracies in the translation.
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