How to say "Cheers" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "Cheers" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
건배
geonbae
Literally: Empty the cup.
When to use it
Glasses up. The literal meaning is drain your glass, which tells you something about how it was originally meant.
Polite form
- 건배하시죠geonbaehasijyoUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 위하여wihayeo= To us / here's to itLiterally for the sake of. Older and more formal, common at company dinners.
- 짠jjan= ClinkThe sound of glasses meeting, used as the toast itself among friends.
- 원샷wonsyat= One shot / down itFrom the English. You are allowed to decline.
In a sentence
- 자, 건배!ja, geonbae!Alright, cheers!
- 우리 만남을 위하여!uri mannameul wihayeo!Here's to our meeting!
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
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