How to say cheers in different languages this New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is the one night of the year when everyone speaks the same universal language: celebration. Whether you’re clinking champagne flutes in Zurich, sipping sake in Tokyo, or toasting with tequila in Mexico City, there’s one word that brings people together – cheers.

But while the spirit of celebration is shared, the words are as diverse as the languages they come from. If you’ve ever wondered how to say cheers in different languages, you’re already halfway to understanding how language connects cultures, something SwissGlobal’s translation experts know well. Let’s take a tour around the world with 15 ways to say “cheers,” so that you can sound like a local regardless of your travelling destination.

1. Prost! (German)

Literal meaning: “May it be beneficial.”
Origin: From the Latin prosit, meaning “may it be good.”

In Germany, Austria, and across the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, Prost! is a short, snappy toast that is always accompanied by strong eye contact. The custom is so important that failing to make eye contact when you toast is said to bring seven years of bad luck, or worse, bad beer. You might also hear Zum Wohl! in all German-speaking countries, which means “to health.”

In Switzerland, toasting reflects the country’s multilingual soul: in Graubünden, Viva!, probably borrowed from Romansh, is common, while in other regions you’ll likely hear Salute! from Italian influence. The French Santé! can also be heard in some bilingual regions. Whether you’re drinking a crisp Swiss sparkling wine in Zurich or a local beer in Basel, each toast celebrates the same spirit of shared culture and good company.

Learn more about German translation here.

2. Santé! (French)

Literal meaning: “Health!”
Origin: From Old French sanité, meaning “soundness” or “health.”

Leave it to the French to make even toasting sound elegant. Santé! is their way of wishing everyone good health in the year ahead. If you want to sound extra refined, say À votre santé! (“To your health!”) before your first sip of champagne.

In Geneva or Fribourg, Santé! is also the toast of choice, often used at festive dinners or business gatherings. Whether it’s a glass of Swiss Chasselas or French Champagne, the sentiment remains the same: cheers to good health and good company.

Learn more about French translation here.

3. Cin cin! (Italian)

Literal meaning: It doesn’t translate directly. It’s onomatopoeic.
Origin: Borrowed from the Chinese phrase qǐng qǐng, meaning “please please.”

In the eighteenth century, Italian merchants working in China adopted the local custom of saying “qǐng qǐng” when offering a drink. Back in Italy, it became cin cin, mimicking the clinking sound of glasses.

In Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Cin cin! is said with the same joy and warmth as in Milan or Rome. Picture yourself overlooking Lake Lugano with a glass of prosecco rosé in hand; this toast fits perfectly.

Learn more about Italian translation here.

4. Salud! (Spanish)

Literal meaning: “Health.”
Origin: From the Latin salus, meaning “safety” or “well-being.”

Across Spain and Latin America, Salud! is the go-to toast, echoing through family dinners and late-night fiestas. The simplicity of the word captures the heart of the culture: good health, good company, and good food, ideally all at once.

Learn more about Spanish translation here.

5. Skål! (Swedish, Danish, Norwegian)

Literal meaning: “Bowl” or “cup.”
Origin: From Old Norse skálar, meaning “bowl.”

In Viking times, warriors would drink from a communal bowl after battle (and sometimes from their enemies’ skulls). Skål! now simply means “cheers,” shared with warmth and camaraderie across Scandinavia.

6. Na zdraví! (Czech)

Literal meaning: “To health.”
Origin: From the Proto-Slavic root zdravъ, meaning “healthy” or “alive.”

Czechs take their beer seriously, as well as their toasts. When you say Na zdraví! in Prague, make sure to clink glasses with every person at the table, tap the bottom of your glass on the table to let the beer settle, and then take your first sip.

7. Za zdorovye! (Russian)

Literal meaning: “To health.”
Origin: Same root as Czech, zdrav, meaning “health.”

Za zdorovye! is Russia’s version of “cheers,” usually followed by a hearty shot of vodka. But be warned: in Russian tradition, each toast has meaning. The first one is usually to health, the second to family as a sign of respect, the third to love, and after that … well, who’s still counting?

8. Kippis! (Finnish)

Literal meaning: No literal meaning. It’s a toast word.
Origin: Likely from the Swedish skål or the English “hip-hip.”

Finns might not be known for effusiveness, but when they raise a glass, they do it with genuine warmth. Kippis! is short, cheerful and fits perfectly before a sip of something strong to get through the long Finnish winter.

9. Yamas! (Greek)

Literal meaning: “To our health!”
Origin: From yasas (“to your health”) and mas (“our”).

If you’ve ever been to a Greek taverna, you’ve heard Yamas! shouted over clinking glasses and laughter. It’s more than a toast; it’s a wish for collective joy and shared well-being. Perfect for ringing in the new year with friends, old and new.

10. Kanpai! (Japanese)

Literal meaning: “Dry cup.”
Origin: From kan (dry) and pai (cup).

In Japan, Kanpai! signals that everyone can start drinking. The literal translation “dry cup” comes from the idea that your glass should be emptied in one go, a bold start to any celebration. It’s polite to pour for others rather than yourself, as it shows respect and hospitality.

11. Saúde! (Portuguese)

Literal meaning: “Health.”
Origin: From the Latin salus, like the Spanish salud.

Portugal and Brazil share this friendly toast, often accompanied by laughter, music, and a shared meal. Whether it’s port wine or caipirinhas, Saúde! sets the tone for warmth and good vibes. Think of it as a promise that everyone will leave the table happier than they arrived.

12. Sláinte! (Irish Gaelic)

Literal meaning: “Health.”
Origin: From Old Irish slán, meaning “healthy” or “safe.”

Few toasts carry as much heart as Sláinte! It’s the sound of pub laughter in Dublin and fireside stories in Galway. Raise your Guinness, make eye contact, and say it with a smile – you’re now part of an ancient tradition of Irish camaraderie.

13. L’chaim! (Hebrew)

Literal meaning: “To life.”
Origin: From chai (life), a word deeply rooted in Jewish culture.

L’chaim! isn’t about luck or health; it’s about celebrating life itself. Each toast is a reminder to cherish joy, foster connection, and express gratitude. It’s a beautiful sentiment for New Year’s Eve, when the world turns a page, and life feels new again.

14. Gesondheid! (Afrikaans)

Literal meaning: “Health!”
Origin: From the Dutch gezondheid, meaning “good health” or “soundness.”

In South Africa, Gesondheid! is the classic way to say “cheers” in Afrikaans. It rolls easily off the tongue and captures the easygoing warmth of South African gatherings. You’ll hear it at braais, weddings, and New Year’s Eve parties from Cape Town to Pretoria.

15. Cheers! (English)

Literal meaning: From the Old French chiere, meaning “face” or “expression,” later evolving to signify goodwill and happiness.
Origin: The word “cheer” originally referred to facial expression or mood. By the eighteenth century, it had come to mean encouragement or celebration, hence the modern “cheers!” when raising a glass.

In English-speaking countries, Cheers! is the universal toast, simple and friendly, whether you’re clinking pints in London or raising cocktails in New York. It’s versatile enough for every occasion, from a casual pub night to a New Year’s Eve party. More than a word, it’s a wish for joy, connection, and good company – the perfect way to end the year on a bright note.

Fun fact

In Switzerland, toasting etiquette is almost an art form. Always look each person in the eye when clinking glasses, never cross your arms, and take at least a sip after the toast. Leaving your drink untouched after saying Prost, Santé, or Cin cin! is considered bad manners.

***

Learning how to say cheers in different languages is a perfect reminder that words carry culture, meaning, and connection, much like professional translation. At SwissGlobal, we believe that true communication goes beyond words, bridging people and cultures with precision and understanding.

So, from the SwissGlobal team to you: Happy New Year!