In Korean culture, toasting and saying “cheers” is a common practice, especially during social gatherings with friends and celebrations like birthdays. Knowing how to properly say this word in Korean can enhance your experience whether you’re dining with friends, attending a celebration, or participating in a traditional Korean event.
1. 건배 (Geonbae)
Pronunciation: [geon-bae]
Emphasize the first syllable slightly, and make sure the “bae” sounds soft.
Usage: “건배” (Geonbae) is the most commonly used term for “cheers” in Korean. It is used in both casual and formal settings when making a toast. The term is suitable for various occasions, from casual dinners to formal banquets.
Example Sentences:
- During a party: “오늘 밤은 즐겁게 보내요! 건배!” — “Let’s have a great time tonight! Cheers!”
- At a wedding reception: “신랑과 신부의 행복을 위하여, 건배!” — “To the happiness of the bride and groom, cheers!”
2. 위하여 (Wihayeo)
Pronunciation: [wi-ha-yeo]
Usage: “위하여” (Wihayeo) translates to “for” and is often used in formal toasts, especially when dedicating a toast to someone or something. It is less common in casual settings but adds a touch of formality.
Example Sentences:
- Toasting to success: “우리의 성공을 위하여! 위하여!” — “To our success! Cheers!”
- At a business dinner: “우리의 협력을 위하여! 위하여!” — “To our collaboration! Cheers!”
3. 짠 (Jjan)
Pronunciation: [jjan]
Pronounce this word quickly and with a light tone, similar to the English “cheers.”
Usage: “짠” (Jjan) is a more informal way of saying “cheers” and is often used among friends or in casual settings. It is equivalent to the English “cheers” used in informal contexts.
Example Sentences:
- At a casual dinner: “다 같이 짠!” — “Let’s all cheers!”
- With friends: “이건 정말 훌륭해! 짠!” — “This is really great! Cheers!”
4. 축배 (Chukbae)
Pronunciation: [chuk-bae]
Keep the syllables distinct and clear.
Usage: “축배” (Chukbae) is a term used specifically for a celebratory toast, often used during significant events like promotions, anniversaries, or achievements. It has a formal tone and is suitable for special occasions.
Example Sentences:
- At a graduation party: “졸업을 축하하며, 축배를 들겠습니다!” — “Celebrating graduation, let’s make a celebratory toast!”
- During a milestone event: “이번 성과를 축하하며, 축배!” — “To celebrate this achievement, cheers!”
Example Scenarios
Here are some practical examples of using these phrases in different contexts:
At a Social Gathering:
- Casual Dinner with Friends: “음식이 맛있어요! 짠!” — “The food is delicious! Cheers!”
- Celebrating a Friend’s Achievement: “축하해요! 위하여!” — “Congratulations! Cheers!”
At a Formal Event:
- Wedding Reception: “신랑과 신부의 건강과 행복을 위하여, 건배!” — “To the health and happiness of the bride and groom, cheers!”
- Business Banquet: “우리의 성공적인 협력을 위해, 축배를!” — “To our successful collaboration, cheers!”
During a Celebration:
- Graduation Party: “졸업을 축하합니다. 축배!” — “Congratulations on your graduation. Cheers!”
- Promotion Celebration: “새로운 직책을 축하하며, 건배!” — “To celebrate your new position, cheers!”
Showing respect while drinking in Korea
In Korean culture, the act of toasting is more than just a formality; it carries significant cultural meaning. Here are some insights into the cultural context of toasting in Korea:
Wait for the Higher-Ranking Person to Start the Toast
During formal toasts, such as at business meetings or official events, it is important to respect hierarchy. The elder or higher-ranking person typically starts the toast, and others follow suit.
Holding the Glass
When toasting with an elder or superior, it is customary to hold the glass with both hands as a sign of respect.
Eye Contact
Like in other parts of the world, maintain eye contact while toasting to show sincerity and respect.
Turn Away From Elders and Superiors
In formal settings, it is polite to turn your head slightly away from the elder when taking a sip of your drink.
Enjoy a drink in Korea with all the right phrases
Sharing a drink with friends, family and colleagues in Korea can be a delightful way to connect with others and take part in social and cultural traditions.
By understanding and using the appropriate phrases for different contexts, you can enhance your interactions and show respect in both formal and informal settings. Practice these expressions and use them confidently to enrich your Korean language skills and enjoy meaningful connections with others.