How to say “Cheers” in Korean
- 건배geonbae
Cheers
"Cheers" in Korean is 건배 (geonbae), the standard toast when people raise their glasses. Among friends you will also hear 짠 (jjan), the sound of glasses clinking.
Ways to say it
| Korean | Level | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 건배 geonbae | Any | The standard toast. Works at a dinner with friends, a family meal, or a company party. |
| 짠 jjan | Casual | A playful "clink!" used with friends. People say 짠 하자 (let's clink) or just 짠. |
| 원샷 wonsyat | Casual | From English "one shot": finish your glass in one go, like "bottoms up." |
| 위하여 wihayeo | Any | "To...!" Someone says a toast like 우리의 건강을 (to our health) and everyone shouts 위하여. Very common at work dinners. |
Examples
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Raising your glass at dinner with friends
Clinking glasses with a close friend
A friend dares the table to finish their drinks
Tips
When drinking with someone older, turn your head slightly away from them as you drink. It is a small sign of respect.
Do not pour your own drink. Pour for others, and hold the bottle with two hands (or one hand supporting your wrist) when pouring for an elder.
Nobody has to drink if they do not want to. Saying 저는 술 못 마셔요 (I can't drink) is a normal, polite way to pass.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 건배 and 짠?
건배 is the standard word for a toast and fits any setting. 짠 is the casual "clink" sound, used mostly among friends.
What do Koreans shout at company dinners?
Often one person makes a short toast and everyone replies 위하여 (wihayeo), meaning "to that!" 건배 is also common.