There are many different ways to say “cheers” when making a toast in French. Here are some of the most common French toasts and how to use them:
- Santé! / À ta santé / À votre santé
- À la nôtre / À la vôtre / À la tienne
- Tchin tchin!
- Cul sec!
- Levons nos verres
- Trinquer à…
- Buvons !
1. Santé! / À ta santé / À votre santé
Santé! simply means “health!”, À ta santé (pronounced “ah tah sahn-tey”) or À votre santé (pronounced “ah vo-truh sahn-tey”) This is the most common way to say “cheers” in French.
2. À la nôtre / À la vôtre / À la tienne
À la nôtre (pronounced “ah lah noh-truh”) or À la vôtre (pronounced “ah lah vo-truh”) or À la tienne (pronounced “ah lah tyen”). These expressions can be used in both formal and informal contexts. They are often used at a meal or a party, to toast friends and family.
3. Tchin tchin!
Tchin tchin! (pronounced “chin chin”), This is an informal way to say “cheers.” It’s often used at parties or gatherings with friends.
4. Cul sec!
Cul sec! (pronounced “cool sek”). This expression means “bottoms up!” It’s used when you’re toasting by drinking your glass in one go.
5. Levons nos verres
Levons nos verres! (pronounced “leh-voh noh veh-ruh”). This expression is used to invite the people present to toast. It literally means “let’s raise our glasses!”
6. Trinquer à...
Trinquer à… (pronounced “treen-ker ah”). This expression is followed by a toast. For example, you could say “trinquer à l’amour!” (to love) or “trinquer à la santé!” (to health).
7. Buvons !
Buvons! (pronounced “boo-voh”). This expression is used to invite the people present to drink.
Examples
- À ta santé, mon ami! (To your health, my friend!)
- Levons nos verres à la nouvelle année! (Let’s raise our glasses to the new year!)
- Tchin tchin, à la santé de la mariée! (Cheers, to the health of the bride!)
- Cul sec, pour fêter ça! (Bottoms up, to celebrate!)
- Trinquer à l’amour! (To love!)
- Buvons à notre nouvelle amitié! (Let’s drink to our new friendship!)
