How to Say Cheers in Chinese
Learn how to say cheers in Mandarin Chinese. '干杯' (Gānbēi) means 'dry the cup' — and traditionally means finishing your drink. Pronunciation guide + Chinese toasting etiquette.
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Quick answer
To say cheers in Mandarin Chinese, say '干杯' (Gānbēi, gan-bay) — literally 'dry the cup,' meaning 'bottoms up!' Traditionally it really does mean finishing your drink in one go. If you want to sip rather than down it, say '随意' (Suíyì — 'as you please'). Chinese toasting has rich etiquette around respect and glass height.
干杯
/gan-bay/ — Chinese
How to Say Cheers in Chinese
When it’s time to raise a glass in China, Gānbēi is your word — but it comes with a literal meaning (“dry the cup”) and toasting customs worth knowing before you say it.
The Toast: Gānbēi
干杯 — Gānbēi — pronounced gan-bay
Literally “dry the cup” — i.e., “bottoms up!” Both syllables stay high and level (1st tone).
Copy the Phrase
The Chinese word for “cheers” is 干杯 (Gānbēi, gan-bay).
”Dry the Cup” — Take It Literally?
Traditionally, yes — Gānbēi (干杯) means finishing your drink in one go. At formal banquets and business dinners, when someone toasts Gānbēi, you may be expected to empty your glass.
If you’d rather sip and pace yourself, say:
随意 (Suíyì, sway-ee) — “as you please / at your leisure”
This signals you’ll drink at your own pace — a polite, graceful alternative to bottoms-up.
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 干杯 | Gānbēi | Dry the cup / bottoms up |
| 随意 | Suíyì | As you please (sip at your pace) |
Chinese Toasting Etiquette
Toasting in China — especially at banquets and business dinners — carries real cultural weight:
- Hold your glass lower than a senior/respected person’s when you clink — a sign of respect and humility
- Use both hands (or support your glass with the other hand) when toasting elders
- The host typically makes the first toast
- Gānbēi may mean emptying your glass; suíyì lets you sip
- It’s polite to toast others individually around the table
The Lower-Glass Custom
Holding your glass lower than the other person’s when clinking shows respect — you do it when toasting someone older, more senior, or whom you wish to honor. People may even playfully “compete” to lower their glass the most as a show of mutual respect. A small gesture with big cultural significance.
Toasting to Something
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 为我们的友谊干杯 | Wèi wǒmen de yǒuyì gānbēi | Cheers to our friendship |
| 为健康干杯 | Wèi jiànkāng gānbēi | To health |
| 祝你… | Zhù nǐ… | Wishing you… |
Use 为…干杯 (wèi… gānbēi) = “cheers to…” + the occasion.
Pronunciation Recap
- Gānbēi — “gan-bay” (both high flat 1st tone)
- Suíyì — “sway-ee”
- Wèi… — “way…” (4th tone)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Gānbēi?
'干杯' (Gānbēi) is pronounced 'gan-bay.' 'Gān' = gan (rhymes with 'gone'), high flat 1st tone. 'Bēi' = bay, also high flat 1st tone. So both syllables stay high and level: 'GAN-BAY.' It's easy to say and a fun, energetic word to shout at a celebration.
Does Gānbēi mean you have to finish your drink?
Traditionally, yes! '干杯' (Gānbēi) literally means 'dry the cup' — so it's a call to finish your drink in one go, like 'bottoms up!' At formal Chinese banquets and business dinners, when someone toasts 'Gānbēi,' you're often expected to empty your glass. If you'd rather just sip, say '随意' (Suíyì — 'as you please / at your leisure'), which signals you'll drink at your own pace.
What does Suíyì mean in toasting?
'随意' (Suíyì, sway-ee) means 'as you please' or 'at your own discretion.' In a drinking context, it's the polite alternative to 'gānbēi' — instead of downing your glass, you sip as much as you like. If a host says 'suíyì,' it's gracious (you needn't empty your glass); if you want to pace yourself, you can respond with 'suíyì.' It lets you toast without committing to bottoms-up.
What is Chinese toasting etiquette?
Chinese toasting (especially at banquets/business dinners) has important etiquette: (1) When clinking glasses with someone senior/respected, hold your glass LOWER than theirs as a sign of respect. (2) Use both hands or support your glass with your other hand when toasting elders. (3) The host typically makes the first toast. (4) 'Gānbēi' may mean emptying your glass. (5) It's polite to toast others individually around the table. These customs show respect and are central to Chinese social/business dining.
Why hold your glass lower when toasting in China?
Holding your glass lower than the other person's when you clink is a sign of respect and humility in Chinese culture — you do it when toasting someone older, more senior, or whom you wish to honor. The person of higher status holds theirs higher. People may playfully 'compete' to lower their glass the most as a show of mutual respect. It's a small gesture with real cultural significance at the dinner table.