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How to say “Cheers” in Spanish

One word for the toast, plus the small piece of etiquette that goes with it.

Quick answer

¡Salud!

the everyday version

¡Chinchín!

the alternative — see below for when

Which one to use

¡Salud! literally means “health” and is what you say as glasses meet. The same word also answers a sneeze, so context does the work.

When you clink, look the other person in the eyes while you say it. Many Spaniards treat looking away as careless, and the rule is repeated as a half-joke about years of bad luck. Clink with each person individually rather than reaching across the table. ¡Chinchín! imitates the sound of the glasses and is lighter and more playful.

All the versions

¡Salud!Cheers! — the standard toast.
¡Chinchín!Cheers! — playful, imitates the clink.
¡Salud y buena compañía!To your health and good company!
Un brindis por Ana.A toast to Ana.
¡Arriba, abajo, al centro y adentro!Up, down, middle, and down it goes! — a group drinking chant.

Where you are matters

<b>¡Salud!</b> is universal; in Mexico <b>¡salud!</b> is often followed by the chant above, and in Argentina <b>¡chinchín!</b> turns up as well.

Check yourself

What should you do while saying “¡Salud!” and clinking glasses?

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