How to Say Cheers in Italian
Celebrations are an important part of every culture.
In English, we say ‘cheers’ to celebrate good health and wish further good health and happiness to your companions. We usually say it when we’re toasting.
In French we say ‘à votre santé !’ and in Japanese, we say ‘Kampai’.
But how do we say cheers in Italian?
The most popular way of saying cheers in Italian is ‘cin cin!‘ (pronounced as ‘chin chin’), but of course, it’s not the only one.
We can also say ‘salute!‘, which literally means “health,” and it makes sense since we wish for good health.
The complete version is “alla nostra salute“, which means “to our health”.
If you would like to make a toast, you would say, ”fare un brindisi“.
Cin Cin – Cheers
If you find yourself at an Italian party, you will definitely hear this phrase.
This one was put together based on a Chinese saying, and it used to mean ‘hello.’
In time though, its meaning changed, and now people use it with a different purpose.
It’s believed that this is happening because of the sound glasses make when clinked, so now, it means ‘cheers!’
Sometimes, ‘cin cin‘ is followed by ‘alla tua salute‘, meaning ‘as to your health.’
Keep in mind that ‘alla tua‘ without ‘salute‘ is perfectly acceptable, too, as the meaning is implied.
Allora, cin cin ragazzi, alla vostra (salute)!
Well, cheers, guys; here’s to your good health!
Alla Nostra –To us
We can also say ‘beviamo alla nostra!‘ in formal and informal situations. It literally means ‘Let’s drink to us!’.
We can use it in common situations such as office parties, graduations, or to celebrate after sporting events!
Alternatively, you can use the shortened version ‘alla nostra!‘, meaning ‘here’s to us!’.
If you want to say ‘here’s to you!’ you can say ‘alla vostra!‘ or ‘alla tua!‘ if you’re talking to a single person.
What does salute mean in Italian?
‘Salute‘ in Italian is a formal way of saying cheers in Italian and is often confused with ‘saluti’, which means ‘greetings.’ You can use ‘salute’ in almost any formal environment.
Just so you know, you can also say ‘salute’ when someone sneezes, wishing them good health, or after someone did something impressive for themselves, like walking 10 miles in an hour.
Salute literally means “health”.
Here’re some examples:
Franco non è in buone condizioni di salute.
Franco is not healthy/not in good condition.
Sei il ritratto della salute!
You are the portrait of health!
Ti trovo in salute.
I find you in good health.
Sono stata male, ma adesso sono in buona salute.
I have been sick, but now I am well/in good health.
Vostra altezza goda di buona salute e pace.
May Your Highness enjoy good health and peace.
Cheers in Italian at weddings
As Italians like to party, you may find yourself at an Italian wedding, and of course, you may want to know what to say.
Here are some common phrases you can use:
Congratulazioni!
Congratulations!
You can say congratulazioni directly to the newlyweds.
Congratulazioni agli sposi!
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
This phrase can be used before or after a toast, and it’s supposed to congratulate the new couple.
Vi auguro il meglio.
I wish you the very best.
Possa il vostro amore vivere per sempre.
May your love life forever.
Possa la vostra gioia durare cento anni.
May your joy last a hundred years.
This is one of the most beautiful ways to say cheers in Italian to the new bride and groom. It’s pretty formal, though.
Per cent’anni.
For a hundred years.
At the beginning of a toast, the best man usually says this phrase, and the guests repeat it after him.
Viva l’amore!
Long live love!
This one is not especially used at weddings, but you can use it anytime you feel like expressing the power of love.
Facciamo un brindisi!
Let’s make a toast!
Propongo un brindisi!
I propose a toast!
Vorrei fare un brindisi!
I would like to make a toast!
If you are preparing to make a toast, you can use any of the three phrases above to draw everyone’s attention.
They can be used in both formal and informal situations, and it’s always great to make a toast.
More cool Italian expressions
Celebrations are always incredible, and Italian people know them better than anyone.
Now that you know how to say cheers in Italian, it’s time for a party!
Also, learn these Italian expressions:
Still translating in your head? Wanna speak Italian for real? Check out Stefano's courses to think directly in Italian and become fluent fast!
2 Responses
E’ possibile. 😛
Hi, it is not possible to make sounds for all phrases?
Franco non è in buone condizioni di salute.
Franco is not healthy/not in good condition.
Sei il ritratto della salute!
You are the portrait of health!
Ti trovo in salute.
I find you in good health.
Sono stata male, ma adesso sono in buona salute.
I have been sick, but now I am well/in good health.