How to Say Cheers in Italian - The Proper Italian Salute!

 

Italy is known for its love of wine. This culture has been embraced by the rest of the world, and now it would be unusual to attend a party where wine was not served. This is especially true for formal settings. The idea of clicking glasses before partaking in wine and other drinks is based on two factors. 

1. It is an expression of oneness when in a celebration. It shows that the emotions are mutual, and the feelings are shared.
2. Saying cheers allows you to enjoy a drink with all your senses. You can see, feel, taste the clicking of glasses allows you to hear it.

 

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How to Say Cheers in Italian

There are numerous ways to say cheers in Italian. The words you use are determined by the context. Let’s take a look at the most common situations.

 

Meaning of “Auguri”

You can translate auguri as “Best Wishes.” It is pronounced [au.ˈɡu.ri] in the IPA transcription.

This can be used in a variety of settings, especially those that are characterized by congratulatory messages such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, and anniversaries. This word can also be incorporated into songs in such settings.

 

Common Italian Wedding Toasts

 

You can incorporate the following phrases into your wedding day toast or speech.

 

1. Congratulazioni agli sposi – Congratulations to the newlyweds

This is meant for weddings and can be used at the end of a toast or as a standing toast on its own. Some of the common phrases that are used with it include “I wish you the very best” – vi auguro il meglio and possa il vostro amore vivere per sempre which means “may your love live forever.”

 

2. Possa la vostra gioia durare cento anni – May your joy last a hundred years

The best place to use this phrase is during wedding celebrations and birthdays.

 

3. Per cent’anni. – For a hundred years.

The best man usually starts the wedding reception dinner by saying Per cent’anni. All the wedding guests repeat the cheers. (By the way, cent’anni is a contraction of cento anni.)

 

4. Viva l’amore – Long live love

This phrase isn’t reserved only for weddings. You can say it whenever you want to celebrate the power of love.

 

How to Translate Other Common Italian Cheers

Cincin – Cheers

Being one of the most commonly used translations of cheers in Italian, you will find that many people use it without understanding what it is really about. This phrase was coined based on a Chinese one, and it was initially used to mean you’re welcome.

However, it gained popularity, and since it imitated the sound that glasses made when clinked, it became widely used to mean “cheers.”

It is pronounced [ˈt͡ʃɪn.t͡ʃɪn] in the IPA transcription. If the transcription looks too complicated, just keep in mind that it is pronounced the same way as “chin chin” in English.

Alla Nostra –To us

It can be used for both formal and informal settings. For instance, it is ideal for office parties when celebrating combined wins, graduation ceremonies, and sporting events after a big game. You can add Beviamo alla nostra meaning “Let’s drink to us.”

Alla vostra means “here’s to you” when addressing a group. Use Alla tua if you talk to one person that you know well. Tua is informal.

Salute – Cheers

This is formal, and therefore, it is vastly used. It means “to health.” You will find that in the settings where the clanging of glasses is not necessary, and neither is eye contact.

Don’t confuse salute with saluti, which means “greetings.”

Facciamo un brindisi – Let’s make a toast

This statement commands attention and can be used to draw people to the speaker before they make a speech or propose a toast. It is both formal and informal.

You can also say Propongo un brindisi. Or Vorrei fare un brindisi. – “I would like to make a toast.” 

Our revolutionary Italian Frequency Dictionaries are a must if you want to expand your Italian vocabulary fast and learn new grammar in context. You will learn 10,000 most common Italian words. Apart from their translation, pronunciation, and basic grammar information, you will also get an example sentence translated into English to show you their usage in context.

Brindiamo alla vita – Let’s toast to life

One common practice during celebrations is an expression of gratitude for life. This phrase is a reminder that for whatever reason one is celebrating, it is only possible since everyone present still has life.

Some other common points that people mention are famiglia for family, amicizia for friendship, successo for success, and prosperità for prosperity.

Do you have any questions, suggestions or improvements? Please let us know in the comments!