How to Say “cheers” in Korean
건배
geonbae
/kʌn.bɛ/
everyday"Geonbae" literally translates to "dry glass." It's the most common and straightforward way to say "cheers" in Korean. You say it right before taking a drink with others, usually while clinking glasses.
자, 다 같이 건배!
Ja, da gachi geonbae!
Okay, everyone, cheers!
Other Ways to Say It
You'd yell "Wihayeo!" at a company dinner or during a team celebration after a successful project. It adds extra enthusiasm and a sense of camaraderie. It's a bit more lively than a simple "geonbae."
이번 프로젝트 성공을 위하여! 위하여!
Ibeon peurojekteu seonggongeul wihayeo! Wihayeo!
To the success of this project! Wihayeo!
"Jjan!" is a super casual and cute way to say cheers, often used amongst close friends or younger people. It’s kind of like the sound of glasses clinking. Picture a group of college students drinking soju; this is what they'd say.
오늘 너무 재밌었어! 짠!
Oneul neomu jaemisseosseo! Jjan!
Today was so fun! Cheers!
"Eolssu!" is a traditional Korean exclamation of excitement or encouragement, somewhat like a rhythmic cheer. While not *exactly* "cheers," it can be used in a drinking context to hype up the atmosphere, especially when accompanied by traditional Korean music or dance. Imagine at a Korean folk festival, drinking makgeolli.
자, 술 한잔 받으시오! 얼쑤!
Ja, sul hanjan badeusio! Eolssu!
Come on, have a drink! Eolssu!
A Native Speaker’s Guide
As a Korean speaker, the concept of "cheers" is a fascinating one because it highlights our emphasis on collectivism and shared experiences, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. We don't usually drink alone; it's almost always a social activity, and the act of saying "cheers" (or one of its variations) reinforces that bond. The different ways to say it reflect different levels of formality and enthusiasm.
I remember once when a friend from America tried to say "cheers" in Korean at a company dinner. He attempted to use a very literal translation he found online, something like "chookbae" (축배), which is more akin to "a celebratory toast." It wasn't *wrong*, per se, but it sounded incredibly awkward and formal, like he was giving a wedding speech instead of just having a drink with colleagues. Everyone politely smiled, but you could tell they were a little confused by his stiff delivery. The atmosphere became briefly stilted. Someone eventually said, "Just say 'geonbae'!" and everyone relaxed.
Personally, I usually use "geonbae" in most situations. It's simple, effective, and universally understood. If I'm with very close friends, I might throw in a "jjan!" for fun. "Wihayeo!" is reserved for more boisterous occasions. As for regional differences, I haven't noticed a significant variation in how "cheers" is expressed across different regions of Korea. However, the *frequency* of saying cheers might vary depending on the drinking culture of a specific group or company. Some workplaces are known for their non-stop "geonbae" sessions, while others are more relaxed.
The one thing I wish every language learner knew about saying "cheers" in Korean is that it's less about the specific word you use and more about the spirit of camaraderie and connection you convey. It's about raising your glass with a smile and sharing a moment with the people around you. Don't overthink it; just be present and enjoy the company!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
"Chookbae" sounds overly formal and celebratory for a simple dinner. People might think you're about to make a grand announcement or give a speech, which would be out of place and maybe a little funny.
In Korean drinking culture, it's polite to offer a "cheers" when someone pours you a drink and to reciprocate by pouring them a drink and offering a "cheers" in return. Not doing so can be seen as impolite or uninterested.
"Konbae" is simply the wrong pronunciation. It's close enough that people will understand what you mean, but it will sound a bit strange, like a child mispronouncing a word. People will likely correct you, maybe with a smile.
It's considered a bit rude to initiate the "cheers" if someone's glass is empty or they're not ready to drink. It's a small thing, but it shows you're paying attention and being considerate of others.
Related Expressions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce 건배?
건배 is pronounced as "geon-bae." The "geon" sounds similar to "gun" but with a softer "g" sound, and "bae" rhymes with "bay."
Is it rude to not clink glasses in Korea?
It's not necessarily considered rude to *not* clink glasses, especially if you're older or of higher status than the person you're drinking with. However, it's generally considered polite to at least raise your glass in acknowledgement when others are clinking. If you are younger, clinking your glass *slightly* lower than the elders shows respect.
What does 위하여 mean?
"Wihayeo" literally means "for the sake of" or "in order to." When used as a "cheers," it expresses a wish or toast for something good to happen, like a project's success or someone's happiness. It adds extra enthusiasm to the toast.
Is it okay to say cheers to someone older than me in Korean?
Yes, it's perfectly okay to say "geonbae," "wihayeo," or "jjan" to someone older than you. Just be mindful of your body language – holding your glass slightly lower when clinking glasses with someone older shows respect. Using "geonbae" is always a safe bet.
What's the difference between 건배 and 위하여?
While both are used as "cheers," "geonbae" is a general term for "cheers" or "toast," while "wihayeo" is more like "to [something]!" It's expressing a wish or dedication to something specific. "Geonbae" is more universal.
What do Koreans say when they drink soju?
Besides the standard "geonbae" or "jjan", Koreans often don't say anything specific *every* time they drink soju. It depends on the situation. There might be a toast to a specific event, or they might simply raise their glass in acknowledgement before drinking. But saying "geonbae" is always appropriate.
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