How to toast in Italian with "cin cin"

Q: Who says Chin Chin for cheers?

Italians exclaim 'Cin-cin!' as they lift and clink their glasses in a toast while looking each other in the eyes. It is also used in France and sometimes Britain.

Q: Is Chin Chin a greeting?

The Italian word for 'cheers' is 'chin chin,' as you may have guessed if you've heard it before.

Key Takeaways

Cin cin is the traditional Italian toast, inspired by an ancient Cantonese greeting that mimics the sound of clinking glasses.
Other common toasts include alla tua and salute, meaning "to your health" and "cheers," respectively.
When toasting, always make eye contact with others to show respect and connection during the moment.
Avoid toasting with water or using your left arm, as these actions are believed to bring bad luck in Italian culture.
To fully embrace the tradition, raise your glass confidently and say Cin cin! or Salute!.

Stefano's Insights

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Ah, il brindisi italiano! Chi avrebbe mai pensato che 'cin cin' avesse radici cantonesi? Eppure, eccoci qui, con un suono che ricorda il tintinnio dei bicchieri. Prima di 'cin cin', si diceva 'alla tua' o 'salute', che è ancora molto popolare. Ricordo quando, durante una cena in Toscana, ho sbagliato a dire 'alla tua' a un gruppo, e tutti mi hanno corretto con un sorriso: 'alla vostra!' Occhio al contatto visivo quando brindate, è un segno di rispetto. E mai, dico mai, brindare con l'acqua o con il braccio sinistro: porta sfortuna! Quindi, prossima volta che siete in Italia, alzate il bicchiere, guardate negli occhi e dite 'cin cin!' con sicurezza.

Ah, the Italian toast! Who would have thought 'cin cin' had Cantonese roots? Yet, here we are, with a sound reminiscent of clinking glasses. Before 'cin cin', it was 'alla tua' or 'salute', still very popular. I remember during a dinner in Tuscany, I mistakenly said 'alla tua' to a group, and everyone corrected me with a smile: 'alla vostra!' Make eye contact when toasting, it's a sign of respect. And never, I repeat, never toast with water or the left arm: it's bad luck! So, next time you're in Italy, raise your glass, make eye contact, and say 'cin cin!' confidently.

Quick facts

Why do Italians say "cin cin" when toasting?

"Cin cin" originated from the Cantonese greeting "qǐng qǐng," adopted by Europeans and favored by Italians for its resemblance to clinking glasses.

How did the phrase "chin chin" evolve into "cin cin" in Italy?

The Italian pronunciation of "C" influenced the spelling, making "chin chin" become "cin cin" to match their phonetics.

What does "cin cin" symbolize in Italian culture?

"Cin cin" symbolizes celebration and good wishes, embodying the joyful sound of clinking glasses in a toast.

What were traditional Italian toasts before "cin cin"?

Italians used "alla tua" and "alla tua salute" for singular, and "alla vostra" for plural, all meaning "to your health," and "prosit" for good fortune.

How do toasting traditions vary across Italian regions?

Traditions vary; some regions require maintaining eye contact, while others insist on placing the glass back on the table before drinking.

Why might regional variations in toasting etiquette exist in Italy?

These variations likely stem from local customs and cultural nuances, emphasizing the importance of regional identity and social rituals.

What is the significance of "prosit" in Italian toasts?

"Prosit" is a Latin-derived term meaning "may this be helpful," now used as a generic wish for good fortune during toasts.

How can one master the art of toasting in Italy?

Mastery comes through practice and participation in social gatherings, learning the specific customs and rules of each region.

How do Italians differentiate toasts for singular and plural audiences?

Italians use "alla tua" for singular and "alla vostra" for plural, showing their attention to grammatical distinctions in social interactions.

What might be a fun way to learn Italian toasting customs?

Engaging in social events and parties allows you to experience and adapt to regional toasting traditions firsthand, making learning enjoyable.

Audio images

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Ricorda: mai fare tintinnare i bicchieri senza occhi negli occhi!

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Auguri per il tuo nuovo lavoro, cin cin!

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Main Article

How to Toast in Italian

Cin Cin: Meaning

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Apparently, the expressions that Italians say when toasting – Cin Cin – derives from an ancient Cantonese greeting (qǐng qǐng – 请请). Its sound reminded Italians of the sound of clinking glasses, and that’s why they adopted it as a toast.

Cin cin, e che questo sia il primo di tanti successi per te!

Cheers, and may this be the first of many achievements for you!

Other Ways to Toast in Italian

Before adopting cin cin, Italians had other ways to toast, which mostly derived from Latin:

alla tua / alla tua salute: they are both translated as “to your health”. However, if you are addressing a group of people, remember to use the second person plural. This means that you will have to say alla vostra / alla vostra salute
salute: this is the shorter form, used to address all type of interlocutors. In fact, it is the most commonly used.

Che ne dici, ci facciamo una birra? Salute!

What about having a beer? Cheers!

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When toasting in Italy, remember to make eye contact with each person as you clink glasses: this is seen as a sign of respect. Also, never toast with water or the left arm: we think it brings bad luck! I know, many superstitions, but it is the fun part of cultures!

So, raise your glass confidently, look your friends or family in the eyes, and say “Cin cin!” or “Salute!” to fully embrace this beloved Italian tradition.

Key Terms and Concepts

Cin Cin

Cin Cin is the Italian equivalent of 'cheers,' derived from an ancient Cantonese greeting. It mimics the sound of clinking glasses during toasts.

Eye Contact

When toasting in Italy, making eye contact while clinking glasses is crucial for showing respect. Avoiding eye contact during a toast can be seen as disrespectful.

Alla tua / alla tua salute

These Italian phrases mean 'to your health.' They are used to toast, addressing an individual. Use the plural 'alla vostra' for groups.

Salute

A common and abbreviated form of 'to your health' used across different contexts. It is a versatile way to toast in Italian.

Superstitions in Toasting

In Italy, toasting with water or using the left arm is considered bad luck. Cultural superstitions often influence the traditions surrounding toasting.

Test your knowledge in 10 quick questions

Words

cin cincheers

salutehealth

brindisitoast

bicchiereglass

vostrayour (plural)

tuayour (singular)

gruppogroup

occhieyes

acquawater

braccioarm

Phrases

cin cincheers

alla tuato your health

alla saluteto health

alla vostrato your (plural) health

salutehealth

occhi negli occhieye contact

brindisitoast

acquawater

sinistroleft

sfortunabad luck

Sentences

"Cin cin!" è un modo comune per brindare in Italia.

"Cin cin!" is a common way to toast in Italy.

Si dice "alla tua" quando si brinda con una persona.

You say "alla tua" when toasting with one person.

"Alla vostra" si usa quando si brinda con più persone.

"Alla vostra" is used when toasting with multiple people.

È importante mantenere il contatto visivo mentre si brinda.

It's important to maintain eye contact while toasting.

Non brindare mai con l'acqua, porta sfortuna in Italia.

Never toast with water, it's considered bad luck in Italy.

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Answers

FAQs

Who says Chin Chin for cheers?

Italians exclaim "Cin-cin!" as they lift and clink their glasses in a toast while looking each other in the eyes. It is also used in France and sometimes Britain.

What is the origin of the phrase Chin Chin?

Chin Chin appears to be a shortened version of the Cantonese greeting "qing qing." European businessmen adopted this word and transposed it as "chin chin."

Is Chin Chin a greeting?

The Italian word for "cheers" is "chin chin," as you may have guessed if you've heard it before.

Italian word of the day

fiume

Dov’è il fiume più lungo del mondo? È in Sud America.

Where is the longest river in the world? It’s in South America.

Cin Cin: How to Toast in Italian

Key Takeaways

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