This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Raising a glass is not just a moment of celebration, but a small ritual that holds symbolic meaning in all cultures. Almost every nation has its own word or phrase that accompanies this gesture — a wish for health, happiness, or unity.
In Ukraine, the most famous word is “Budmo!” (from “to be”). The response is “Hey!”, which means “yes, let’s be!”. This is a wish for life, good health, and shared prosperity. Sometimes Ukrainians also say “Za zdorov’ya!”, “Na shchastya!”, “Shchob nam velylosya!” or the more humorous “Shchob ne vpal!”. In rural areas, you might hear toasts like “Shchob shche sto rokiv pyty y ne spytysya!” — with humor, but with good wishes.
In Poland, the most common phrase is “Na zdrowie!”, which literally means “For health!”. In the Czech Republic — “Na zdraví!”, and in Slovakia — “Na zdravie!”. A similar wish can be heard in Lithuania (“Į sveikatą!”) and Latvia (“Priekā!”).
Germans say “Prost!” during a toast or more ceremoniously “Zum Wohl!” — “To your health!”. In France, they shout “Santé!” (“Health!”), in Italy — “Salute!”, and in Spain — “¡Salud!” — all of which share a common Latin root and the same meaning: a wish for health.
In English-speaking countries, the most common word is “Cheers!”, which comes from the Old English chiere (“joy”, “mood”). It means not only “let’s be”, but also “thank you”, “hooray” or simply a sign of goodwill. In Scotland, you might hear the more traditional “Slàinte!” — the Gaelic form of the same wish “To your health!”.
In Japan, before drinking, they say “Kanpai!” (乾杯) — literally “dry glass”, meaning “drink to the bottom”. In China — “Gān bēi!” (干杯), which has the same meaning. In Korea, they say “Geonbae!”, also meaning “to health” or “drink to the end”.
Despite different languages and cultures, the meaning of these toasts is universal: to wish goodness, unity, and joy. All these words are a way to show that this moment is shared, and the table and glasses unite people.
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