How to Say “Cheers” in Chinese
Greetings and politeness · HSK 3
"Cheers" in Chinese is 干杯 (gān bēi). 干杯 (gānbēi, "dry glass") is the Chinese toasting call and historically meant "drain your glass"; older Chinese drinking culture expected a full drain, though modern use accepts sips. Cultural etiquette: clink the base of your glass lower than the senior person's at the table as a sign of respect.
Primary translation
干杯
gān bēi
Traditional: 乾杯
When to use it
干杯 (gānbēi, "dry glass") is the Chinese toasting call and historically meant "drain your glass"; older Chinese drinking culture expected a full drain, though modern use accepts sips. Cultural etiquette: clink the base of your glass lower than the senior person's at the table as a sign of respect. 随意 (suíyì, "as you like") is the escape hatch if you do not want to drain. Short toasts: 为了友谊 (to friendship), 干！ (drink!).
Example sentences
干杯，为了我们的合作！
Gānbēi, wèile wǒmen de hézuò!
Cheers, to our cooperation!
我随意，你干杯。
Wǒ suíyì, nǐ gānbēi.
I will sip, you drain.
再来一杯！
Zài lái yì bēi!
One more drink!