Yuka乾杯 (kanpai) — one of the first Japanese words many learners pick up! But do you know exactly when to use it, what it means, and how to use it beyond just “Cheers”?
Rei乾杯 literally means “dry cup” — the idea of drinking your glass all the way dry as a toast. It’s used at parties, dinners, and celebrations just like “Cheers” in English.
| Phrase | Meaning / Use |
|---|---|
| 乾杯！ | Cheers! (toast at a party/dinner) |
| 乾杯しましょう！ | Let’s make a toast! |
| 乾杯の音頭を取る | To lead the toast |
| 一本締め after 乾杯 | Formal clap sequence to close an event |
What Does 乾杯 Mean?
乾 (kan) means “dry” and 杯 (pai) means “cup.” Together: “dry the cup” — a toast where you drain your glass. In modern Japanese, it is used exactly like “Cheers!” — raising glasses together at the start of a meal or celebration.
How to Use It
- 乾杯！— Cheers! (Everyone raises glasses)
- それでは乾杯しましょう！— Well then, let’s make a toast!
- 乾杯の音頭は部長がとります。— The department head will lead the toast.
- 成功を祝って乾杯！— Cheers to our success!
Drinking Culture Context
In Japanese drinking parties (飲み会 / nomikai), the flow is usually: someone gives a short speech → everyone holds up glasses → 乾杯！→ everyone drinks. It is considered polite to wait for 乾杯 before drinking.
Related Expressions
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 乾杯！ | Cheers! |
| 飲み会 | Drinking party / social gathering with drinks |
| 一気飲み | Chugging / drinking in one go |
| お酌する | To pour a drink for someone (polite) |
| 幹事 | Event organizer / person who coordinates the party |
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
In Japan, you should always clink glasses after someone says 乾杯 — not before. Also, at formal business parties, wait for the most senior person to initiate 乾杯 or to be called on before raising your glass. Starting too early can seem impolite.
Quick Quiz
What does 乾杯 literally mean?
Answer: “Dry the cup” — 乾 (dry) + 杯 (cup).
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