Quick answer
“Cheers” in Chinese is 干杯 (gānbēi)
How to Say “Cheers” in Chinese
The most natural Chinese way to say “cheers” is 干杯 (gānbēi). Use it whenever you raise a glass with friends or at a dinner. For a relaxed toast among close friends, people also say 走一个 (zǒu yí gè), and when toasting someone specific in a formal setting, 敬你一杯 (jìng nǐ yì bēi) is the polite choice.
Common phrases
干杯！为…干杯敬你一杯走一个干了
How to use it
- 干杯 (gānbēi) literally means “dry the glass,” but in everyday toasts it's simply “cheers” and you don't have to finish your drink. If someone really wants you to drain it, they'll say 干了 (gān le) or 干到底 (gān dàodǐ).
- Use 走一个 (zǒu yí gè) with close friends. It's the relaxed, fun way to say “let's down one.” At a business dinner or with elders, switch to 敬你一杯 (jìng nǐ yì bēi) when you want to toast that person specifically.
- In British English, “cheers” is often used to mean “thanks” — for example, when someone passes you the salt. In that situation, say 谢谢 (xièxie) in Chinese, not 干杯.
- When someone toasts you, you can simply say 干杯 back, nod, or add 随意 (suíyì) to show you're only taking a small sip.
Example sentences
干杯！
gānbēi!
Cheers!
The basic, all-purpose toast. Raise your glass and say it confidently.
来，走一个！
lái, zǒu yí gè!
Come on, let's do one!
Very casual and playful. 走一个 literally means “do one (drink)” and is common among friends.
我敬你一杯。
wǒ jìng nǐ yì bēi.
I'd like to propose a toast to you.
More formal and respectful. Use this when toasting a specific person, like an elder or a host.
干杯！祝你生日快乐！
gānbēi! zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè!
Cheers! Happy birthday!
干杯 works in celebrations too; you can combine it naturally with well wishes.
随意啊，别干杯。
suíyì a, bié gānbēi.
Drink as you like, no need to finish it.
If you don't want to force anyone to drink, 随意 (suíyì) means “as you like.”
Common mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 干杯 |
干杯！ | 干杯 is a complete toast on its own. Unlike “cheers you” or “cheers, mate,” you never add a direct object like 你 after it — the glass is already part of the phrase. |
| Unnatural | Natural | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 我 |
我敬你一杯 | English speakers may want to say “I cheers to you,” but 干杯 doesn't fit that “to you” structure naturally. To toast a specific person, use the polite phrase 敬你一杯 (jìng nǐ yì bēi). |
FAQ
- How do you say “cheers” in Chinese?The standard phrase is 干杯 (gānbēi), pronounced “gahn-bay.” Just raise your glass and say it. Even though it literally means “dry the glass,” in most everyday situations it simply means “cheers” and you don't have to finish your drink.
- What's the difference between 干杯 and 走一个?干杯 (gānbēi) works in any situation, formal or casual. 走一个 (zǒu yí gè) is a playful toast used among friends and often means “let's do one” or “bottoms up.” For a more formal toast to a specific person, use 敬你一杯 (jìng nǐ yì bēi).
- Does “cheers” in British English mean the same as 干杯?Not always. In the UK, “cheers” can mean “thanks” or “bye,” as when someone hands you something. In that context the Chinese equivalent is 谢谢 (xièxie). Save 干杯 (gānbēi) for actual drinking toasts.