Cheers in French: How to Toast Like a Native

Want to toast in French? Here's how to say "cheers" and make a proper toast—essential for social situations and cultural understanding.

The Standard: "Santé"

Santé is the most common way to say "cheers" in French. It literally means "health" and is used when toasting.

Pronunciation

• Santé: Sahn-TAY (emphasis on second syllable)
• Short, simple, easy to remember

Usage

• Raise your glass
• Say "Santé!" or "À votre santé!" (To your health!)
• Make eye contact (French custom)
• Clink glasses

Formal vs. Informal

Formal

• À votre santé! — To your health! (formal, to one person)
• À la vôtre! — To yours! (formal, shorter version)
• À votre santé, messieurs-dames — To your health, ladies and gentlemen

Informal

• Santé! — Cheers! (casual, most common)
• À la tienne! — To yours! (informal, to one person)
• À la vôtre! — To yours! (can be informal too)

Other Toast Expressions

Common Variations

• Tchin-tchin! — Cheers! (playful, onomatopoeic, used when clinking glasses)
• Cul sec! — Bottoms up! (drink it all at once)
• À ta santé! — To your health! (informal)

Regional Variations

• Tchin-tchin more common in some regions
• Santé is universal across France

French Toasting Customs

Etiquette

• Make eye contact when toasting (important in France)
• Raise your glass before drinking
• Say "santé" before the first sip
• Clink glasses (gently!)

When to Toast

• At the beginning of a meal
• When someone proposes a toast
• Celebrating special occasions
• Informal drinks with friends

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Saying "cheers" in English → Use "Santé!" instead
• ❌ Not making eye contact → Important French custom
• ❌ Forgetting to raise your glass → Part of the ritual

Pronunciation Practice

1. Santé: Sahn-TAY
2. À votre santé: Ah vo-truh sahn-TAY
3. Tchin-tchin: Chin-chin (like English "chin")

Quick Practice

1. Practice saying "Santé!" 5 times.
2. Practice formal: "À votre santé!"
3. Practice informal: "Tchin-tchin!"

Master French Social Phrases

The best way to master French social phrases like "santé" is through practice. Use them in real conversations, get feedback on pronunciation, and learn cultural context. Try Parlai and practice French expressions through authentic conversations, available whenever you want to learn.