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乾杯する

B1 verb #6,500 most common 8 min read

乾杯する

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 乾杯する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 乾杯する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'Kanpai!' is what you say when you clink glasses with friends. It's like 'Cheers!' in English. The verb 'Kanpai suru' means 'to do a toast.' You will mostly use it in the polite 'Let's' form: 'Kanpai shimashou!' This is a very useful phrase because Japanese people love to toast at the start of every meal where drinks are served. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember: wait for everyone to have a glass, raise yours, and say 'Kanpai!' when everyone else does. It's a great way to participate in Japanese culture even if you don't know much Japanese yet. You might see this word on menus or in simple stories about parties. It's one of the first social verbs you should learn.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Kanpai suru' in simple sentences to describe social events. You should be able to say things like 'We toasted with beer' (Biiru de kanpai shimashita) or 'Let's toast for the birthday' (Tanjoubi de kanpai shimashou). You are beginning to understand the 'Reason + de' or 'Reason + o iwatte' patterns. You also learn that you should wait for the host or the most senior person to start the toast. This level is about basic social interaction. You might hear this in a restaurant when a group of people next to you starts their meal. It's a 'suru-verb,' so you can conjugate it into past tense (kanpai shita), negative (kanpai shinai), and other basic forms.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social nuances of 'Kanpai suru.' This includes the etiquette of glass height (keeping yours lower than a superior's) and the importance of the 'Kanpai' as a transition from formal to informal social states. You can use more complex grammar, like 'Kanpai suru mae ni, supiichi ga arimasu' (Before we toast, there is a speech). You also understand that while 'kanpai' literally means 'dry the cup,' it's more of a symbolic gesture now. You can use the word in business contexts, such as at a 'nomikai' with coworkers. You're also aware of the difference between 'Kanpai' and 'Otsukaresama,' often using them together: 'Otsukaresama desu! Kanpai!'

At the B2 level, you can use 'Kanpai suru' in more abstract or formal ways. You might use it in a speech yourself, using phrases like 'Kanpai no ondo o toru' (to lead the toast). You understand the cultural significance of the 'first beer' (toriaezu biru) and how it relates to the timing of the toast. You can explain the etymology of the kanji (dry + cup) to others. You are also capable of using the word in writing, like in a blog post about a celebration or a formal thank-you letter. You recognize that 'Kanpai' is a moment of 'wa' (harmony) and can discuss its role in Japanese social cohesion. You also start to recognize related but more specific terms like 'shukuhai.'

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the register and variations of 'Kanpai suru.' You know when to use 'Shukuhai o ageru' for a more poetic or grandiose feel. You are fully aware of the somber 'Kenpai' used at funerals and would never accidentally use 'Kanpai' in a mourning context. You can navigate complex social hierarchies during a toast, knowing exactly who should speak and how to respond. You might use 'Kanpai' metaphorically in literature or high-level discussions about social customs. You understand the historical shift from traditional sake rituals to the modern 'Kanpai' and can discuss how Westernization influenced these social habits during the Meiji period.

At the C2 level, 'Kanpai suru' is a word you can use with total native-like precision, including its use in classical-style or highly formal Japanese. You can appreciate the nuances in songs, poetry, and film where a 'kanpai' might symbolize reconciliation, the end of an era, or a tragic farewell. You can lead a toast in a high-stakes corporate or diplomatic setting with the appropriate honorifics and introductory remarks. You understand the regional variations in toasting customs across Japan and can discuss the sociological implications of the 'nomikai' culture in depth. Your use of the word is not just linguistically correct but culturally perfect in every context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

乾杯する in 30 Seconds

Kanpai suru is the Japanese verb for 'to toast.' It literally means 'to dry the cup' and is used at the start of social gatherings.
It is a 'suru' verb, making it easy to conjugate into polite (shimashou) or past (shimashita) forms for various social contexts.
Social etiquette is key: wait for the leader to initiate, and if you are younger or lower rank, keep your glass rim lower.
While traditionally for alcohol, it is now common to toast with soft drinks. It signifies unity and the official start of a party.

The Japanese verb 乾杯する (kanpai suru) is the quintessential expression for making a toast. At its most basic level, it translates to "to toast" or "to say cheers," but its cultural weight in Japan is significant. The word is composed of two kanji: 乾 (kan) meaning 'dry' and 杯 (pai/hai) meaning 'cup' or 'glass.' Literally, it translates to 'drying the glass,' which mirrors the historical practice of finishing one's drink in a single go after a toast, much like the Chinese 'gānbēi' or the English 'bottoms up.' However, in modern Japanese social contexts, it is rarely a command to chug your drink; rather, it is a signal to begin the festivities and a shared moment of synchronization among all participants.

Social Function: In Japan, you almost never start drinking until everyone has their glass filled and someone initiates the toast. It serves as a social 'start' button for the meal or party.

新しいプロジェクトの成功を祝って、乾杯する。 (To toast to celebrate the success of the new project.)

Whether you are at a casual izakaya with friends or a formal wedding reception, the act of 乾杯する is universal. It transcends age and social status, though the etiquette surrounding it varies. For instance, in a business setting, the 'kanpai' is often preceded by a short speech by the highest-ranking person or a guest of honor. It is not just about the alcohol; it is about the communal recognition of an occasion—be it a birthday, a promotion, or simply the end of a long work week.

Etiquette Tip: When clinking glasses with a superior, it is polite to ensure the rim of your glass is lower than theirs as a sign of respect.

みんなでビールを持って乾杯しましょう！ (Let's all hold our beers and toast!)

Interestingly, the term has evolved. While traditionally associated with alcohol (sake or beer), it is now perfectly acceptable to 乾杯する with oolong tea, ginger ale, or water, especially in an era of increased health consciousness and strict drunk-driving laws in Japan. The focus remains on the 'clinking' and the shared 'Cheers!' rather than the liquid inside the cup. In many professional settings, the first drink is often a 'toriaezu biru' (beer for now), followed immediately by the collective act of 乾杯する.

Historical Context: The term gained popularity during the Meiji era as Japan modernized and adopted Western-style banquet customs, replacing older, more ritualistic sake-sharing ceremonies.

Using 乾杯する is grammatically straightforward because it follows the standard pattern for suru-verbs. You can use it as a standalone verb or with various particles to indicate the reason for the toast or the participants involved. The most common structure is [Reason] + を祝って (iwatte - to celebrate) + 乾杯する.

Grammar Pattern 1: [Noun] + で + 乾杯する: To toast with [a specific drink]. Example: ワインで乾杯する (Toast with wine).

合格を祝って、家族全員で乾杯した。 (We toasted as a whole family to celebrate passing the exam.)

When you want to invite others to toast, you change the verb to its volitional form: 乾杯しましょう (Kanpai shimashou). This is the most common way to initiate the action in a group. In more formal speeches, you might say 乾杯の音頭を取らせていただきます (Kanpai no ondo o torasete itadakimasu), which means 'I will take the lead in the toast.'

Grammar Pattern 2: [Reason] + に + 乾杯する: To toast TO [something]. Example: 二人の未来に乾杯する (Toast to the future of the two of them).

彼の健康を祈って乾杯しましょう。 (Let's toast to pray for his health.)

It is also important to note the tense. 乾杯した (past tense) is used when recounting an event. For example, 'Yesterday, we toasted at the party.' If you are describing a habitual action, like 'We always toast before dinner,' you use the present form 乾杯する. In a command or request form, 乾杯してください is rare; usually, the leader just shouts 'Kanpai!' and everyone follows.

Grammar Pattern 3: [Location] + で + 乾杯する: To toast at [a place]. Example: レストランで乾杯する (Toast at a restaurant).

主賓の挨拶が終わったら、みんなで乾杯します。 (After the guest of honor's speech is finished, everyone will toast.)

You will hear 乾杯する in almost any social gathering involving food and drink in Japan. The most common setting is the nomikai (drinking party), which is a staple of Japanese corporate culture. In these scenarios, the word acts as a bridge between the formal 'work mode' and the more relaxed 'after-hours mode.' Until the 乾杯 is performed, the atmosphere remains somewhat stiff; once the glasses clink, the social barriers begin to drop.

Weddings (Kekkonshiki): At a Japanese wedding, the toast is a major milestone of the reception. A specific guest is usually designated as the 'Kanpai-sha' (the person who toasts), and they give a speech ending in 'Kanpai!'

結婚披露宴で、友人が代表して乾杯する。 (At the wedding reception, a friend toasts on behalf of the group.)

In popular culture, you'll see this in anime, dramas, and movies during scenes of celebration. There is a famous song titled 'Kanpai' by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, which is often sung at weddings and graduations, further cementing the word's association with life's big moments. It's also frequently heard in commercials for beer and sake, where the sound of the clinking glasses and the shout of 'Kanpai!' are used to evoke feelings of refreshment and camaraderie.

Seasonal Parties: During 'Bonenkai' (year-end parties) and 'Shinenkai' (New Year parties), you will hear this word dozens of times as people move from table to table to toast with different colleagues.

忘年会では、社長の挨拶の後に乾杯するのが恒例だ。 (At the year-end party, it is customary to toast after the president's speech.)

Even in international contexts, Japanese people will often use 'Kanpai' even when speaking English with friends, as it feels more natural to them than 'Cheers.' In business negotiations, a successful deal is often concluded with the parties going out to 乾杯する, symbolizing the start of a new partnership. It is a word that signals harmony (wa) and shared purpose.

While 乾杯する is a simple verb, learners often make cultural and linguistic mistakes. One common linguistic error is confusing it with other 'cup' related words or using the wrong particles. For example, using 'o' (object particle) instead of 'ni' (to/for) when specifying what you are toasting to. While 'seiko o iwatte kanpai suru' (toast celebrating success) is correct, 'seiko o kanpai suru' is slightly awkward; 'seiko ni kanpai suru' is more natural for 'toast to success.'

Mistake: Chin-Chin: A very famous mistake for European speakers (especially French or Italian) is using 'Chin-chin' to toast. In Japanese, 'chin-chin' is a childish slang term for male genitalia. Always use 'Kanpai' instead.

❌ 成功を乾杯する。
✅ 成功に乾杯する。 (Toast TO success.)

Another mistake involves the timing of the toast. In many Western cultures, it is okay to take a sip of your drink as soon as it's served. In Japan, doing this before the collective 乾杯する is considered rude or 'kyu-ki-ga-yomenai' (unable to read the air). You must wait for the signal. Furthermore, learners sometimes forget that 'Kanpai' literally means 'dry the cup,' and while you don't have to chug your drink, you should at least take a meaningful sip immediately after the toast.

Mistake: Drinking before the toast: Wait until everyone is ready. If you are thirsty, wait! The collective 'Kanpai' is the official permission to start drinking.

❌ 葬式で乾杯した。
✅ 葬式では献杯（けんぱい）と言います。 (At a funeral, it's called Kenpai.)

Finally, remember that 乾杯する is a verb. If you just want to say 'Cheers!', just say 'Kanpai!' Adding 'suru' makes it a formal description of the act. If you tell a friend 'Kanpai suru!', it sounds like you are announcing 'I am going to perform the act of toasting now,' which is a bit robotic. Use 'Kanpai shimashou!' (Let's toast!) or just 'Kanpai!'

While 乾杯する is the most common way to say 'to toast,' there are several alternatives depending on the formality and the specific occasion. Understanding these nuances can help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid social faux pas.

祝杯をあげる (Shukuhai o ageru): Literally 'to raise a celebratory cup.' This is more formal and literary than 'kanpai suru.' It is used for major victories, like winning a championship or a massive business deal.
献杯する (Kenpai suru): Used at funerals or memorial services. Unlike a regular toast, you do not clink glasses, and you do not shout. The tone is somber and respectful.
杯を交わす (Sakazuki o kawasu): Literally 'to exchange cups.' This refers to a formal pledge or the cementing of a relationship, often seen in historical dramas or traditional ceremonies.

優勝した夜、チーム全員で祝杯をあげた。 (On the night we won, the whole team raised a celebratory toast.)

In very casual settings among close friends, you might not even use a specific 'toast' word. Someone might just say 'Otsukare!' (Good job / You're tired) and everyone clinks. This is essentially a 'casual toast.' However, 'Kanpai' remains the most versatile. In terms of synonyms for the 'clinking' part, the onomatopoeia is 'Chinchin' (the sound of glass), but as mentioned before, do not use that as a word itself!

Comparison: Kanpai vs. Shukuhai: Kanpai is the physical act and the exclamation. Shukuhai is the concept of the 'celebratory drink' itself. You 'kanpai' to drink a 'shukuhai'.

故人を偲んで、静かに献杯した。 (We toasted quietly in memory of the deceased.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before 'Kanpai' became standard, Japanese people used various regional terms or simply 'O-itadaki' (I receive) during sake rituals. The word 'Kanpai' was chosen because it sounded energetic and modern.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kænpaɪ suːruː/

US /kɑːnpaɪ suːruː/

Pitch accent is usually flat (Heiban) or rises on 'pai'.

Rhymes With

Banpai Sempai Manpai Zempai Tenpai Renpai Shimpai Kumpai

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'pai' like 'pay' (it should be 'pie').
Stressing the 'kan' too hard.
Making the 'u' in 'suru' too long.
Saying 'chin-chin' instead of 'kanpai'.
Forgetting the 'n' sound in 'kan'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Kanji are common but 'pai' is a special reading for 'cup'.

Writing 3/5

The kanji for 'pai' (杯) and 'kan' (乾) are slightly complex for beginners.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and use in social settings.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, easy to recognize in a crowd.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

飲むお酒する祝う友達

Learn Next

宴会音頭披露宴お疲れ様二次会

Advanced

献杯祝杯唱和酌み交わす一献

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

勉強する、乾杯する、散歩する

Volitional Form (~shimashou)

乾杯しましょう (Let's toast)

Reason + を祝って (iwatte)

成功を祝って乾杯した。

Reason + に (ni) for toasts

二人の未来に乾杯！

Before doing (~mae ni)

乾杯する前に挨拶する。

Examples by Level

みんなで乾杯しましょう！

Let's all toast!

Uses the volitional form '-shimashou' for an invitation.

お父さんとビールで乾杯した。

I toasted with beer with my father.

Uses 'de' to indicate the drink used.

ジュースで乾杯してもいいですか？

Is it okay to toast with juice?

Uses '-te mo ii desu ka' to ask for permission.

パーティーで乾杯します。

We will toast at the party.

Simple present polite form.

「乾杯！」と言いました。

I said 'Cheers!'

Shows the word used as an exclamation.

田中さんと乾杯しました。

I toasted with Mr. Tanaka.

Uses 'to' to indicate the person.

まず、乾杯しましょう。

First, let's toast.

Uses 'mazu' (first) to show sequence.

お誕生日に乾杯！

Cheers to your birthday!

Noun + ni + Kanpai is a common shorthand.

冷たい日本酒で乾杯しましょう。

Let's toast with cold sake.

Adjective + noun + de pattern.

友達の卒業を祝って乾杯した。

We toasted to celebrate my friend's graduation.

'-o iwatte' (celebrating) + kanpai.

彼は乾杯する前に短い話をしました。

He gave a short speech before toasting.

'-mae ni' (before) structure.

みんなが飲み物を持ってから乾杯します。

We will toast after everyone has their drinks.

'-te kara' (after doing) structure.

新しい家に乾杯しましょう。

Let's toast to the new house.

Noun + ni + kanpai shimashou.

昨日の夜は何度も乾杯しました。

We toasted many times last night.

Uses 'nando mo' (many times).

大きな声で乾杯しました。

We toasted with a loud voice.

Uses an adverbial phrase 'ookina koe de'.

結婚記念日にワインで乾杯するつもりです。

I plan to toast with wine on our wedding anniversary.

'-tsumori desu' indicates intention.

プロジェクトの成功を祈って、全員で乾杯した。

We all toasted to pray for the project's success.

'-o inotte' (praying for) + kanpai.

上司より先に乾杯してはいけません。

You must not toast before your boss does.

'-te wa ikemasen' (prohibition).

乾杯するときは、グラスを少し下げます。

When toasting, lower your glass slightly.

'-toki wa' (when) structure.

彼は乾杯の音頭を取るのが上手だ。

He is good at leading the toast.

'Kanpai no ondo o toru' is a set phrase.

やっと仕事が終わったので、乾杯しましょう！

Work is finally over, so let's toast!

'-node' (because) showing cause.

お酒が飲めない人も、お茶で乾杯できます。

People who can't drink alcohol can also toast with tea.

Potential form 'dekimasu'.

乾杯の合図で、パーティーが始まった。

The party started with the signal of the toast.

'Kanpai no aizu' (signal for toast).

二人の門出を祝して、乾杯したいと思います。

I would like to toast to celebrate the couple's new beginning.

'-to omoimasu' (I think/would like) - formal.

乾杯の際、グラスを強く当てすぎないように注意してください。

When toasting, please be careful not to clink the glasses too hard.

'-no sai' (at the time of) - formal.

長年の努力が実を結んだことを祝し、乾杯しましょう。

Let's toast to celebrate that years of effort have finally borne fruit.

'-o shukushi' (celebrating) - formal literary form.

彼は緊張しながらも、立派に乾杯の挨拶を務めた。

Even though he was nervous, he performed the toast greeting admirably.

'-nagara mo' (even though).

乾杯する習慣は、明治時代に広まったと言われている。

It is said that the custom of toasting spread during the Meiji era.

'-to iwarete iru' (it is said that).

まずはビールで乾杯するのが、日本の飲み会の定番だ。

Toasting with beer first is a standard of Japanese drinking parties.

'-no ga teiban da' (is the standard).

再会を祝して乾杯した瞬間、昔の思い出が蘇った。

The moment we toasted to celebrate our reunion, old memories came flooding back.

'-shunkan' (the moment).

シャンパンの泡が弾ける中、華やかに乾杯が行われた。

Amidst the popping bubbles of champagne, a magnificent toast took place.

'-naka' (amidst).

平和への願いを込めて、世界中の人々と乾杯したい。

I want to toast with people all over the world, putting my hopes for peace into it.

'-o komete' (putting [feelings] into).

主賓の乾杯の発声とともに、会場は一気に和やかな雰囲気に包まれた。

With the guest of honor's call for a toast, the venue was instantly enveloped in a peaceful atmosphere.

'-to tomo ni' (along with).

古来の儀式とは異なり、現代の乾杯する行為はよりカジュアルな社交の場として機能している。

Unlike ancient rituals, the modern act of toasting functions as a more casual social setting.

'-to wa kotonari' (unlike).

不況の中ではあるが、新店舗のオープンを祝って乾杯する喜びは格別だ。

Despite being in a recession, the joy of toasting to celebrate the opening of a new store is exceptional.

'-dewa aru ga' (although it is).

彼は杯を高く掲げ、亡き友の遺志を継ぐことを誓って乾杯した。

He raised his cup high and toasted, swearing to carry on the will of his departed friend.

Metaphorical use of 'kenpai' logic with 'kanpai' verb.

乾杯する際のマナー一つをとっても、その人の教養や育ちが垣間見えるものだ。

Even just from one's manners when toasting, one can catch a glimpse of their education and upbringing.

'-hitotsu o tottemo' (taking even one example).

契約締結の祝杯をあげるべく、我々は馴染みの料亭へと向かった。

In order to raise a celebratory toast for the contract signing, we headed to a familiar traditional restaurant.

'-beku' (in order to) - formal/literary.

満天の星空の下、焚き火を囲んで乾杯する時間は何物にも代えがたい。

The time spent toasting around a campfire under a starry sky is irreplaceable.

'-ni mo kaegatai' (irreplaceable).

乾杯の挨拶を依頼された際は、簡潔かつウィットに富んだ内容を心がけるべきだ。

When asked to give a toast greeting, one should strive for content that is concise and rich in wit.

'-beki da' (should/must).

幾多の困難を乗り越え、ようやくこの地で乾杯するに至った感慨は筆舌に尽くしがたい。

The deep emotion of finally reaching the point of toasting in this land after overcoming numerous hardships is beyond description.

'-ni itatta' (reached the point of).

伝統的な紐帯が薄れる現代社会において、乾杯する行為は一種の共同体意識を再確認する儀礼と言えよう。

In modern society where traditional bonds are thinning, the act of toasting could be called a ritual to reconfirm a sense of community.

'-to ieyou' (could be said).

万感の思いを込めて乾杯する彼の目には、うっすらと涙が浮かんでいた。

As he toasted with a heart full of myriad emotions, a faint glimmer of tears appeared in his eyes.

'Bankan no omoi' (myriad of emotions).

国家間の緊張が高まる中、首脳たちが乾杯する姿は平和への一筋の光として報じられた。

Amidst rising tensions between nations, the sight of leaders toasting was reported as a ray of hope for peace.

'Hitosuji no hikari' (a ray of light/hope).

乾杯という行為が持つ魔力は、敵対していた者同士をも一瞬にして融和させる力がある。

The magical power held by the act of toasting has the strength to harmonize even those who were antagonistic in an instant.

'-o mo ... saseru' (even ... causes to).

人生の黄昏時に、かつてのライバルと静かに乾杯するのもまた一興である。

In the twilight of one's life, quietly toasting with a former rival is also a particular pleasure.

'Tasogaredoki' (twilight/sunset of life).

格式高い晩餐会において、乾杯の所作は洗練された美意識の象徴とされる。

In a high-status banquet, the movements of toasting are considered a symbol of refined aesthetic sense.

'-to sareru' (is considered to be).

乾杯する響きが静寂を破り、新たな時代の幕開けを告げた。

The sound of the toast broke the silence and heralded the beginning of a new era.

'Makuake o tsugeta' (announced the beginning).

Common Collocations

ビールで乾杯する

成功を祝って乾杯する

全員で乾杯する

声高らかに乾杯する

グラスを合わせて乾杯する

何度も乾杯する

ジュースで乾杯する

笑顔で乾杯する

一斉に乾杯する

静かに乾杯する

Common Phrases

とりあえず乾杯

— Let's toast for now (before getting into details).

難しい話は後にして、とりあえず乾杯しましょう。

乾杯の挨拶

— The toast speech/greeting.

乾杯の挨拶をお願いします。

乾杯の音頭

— Leading the toast/shout.

部長に乾杯の音頭を取っていただく。

エア乾杯

— A virtual toast (common during online parties).

画面越しにエア乾杯した。

乾杯の歌

— A song for toasting.

結婚式で乾杯の歌を歌う。

乾杯の準備

— Preparing for the toast.

乾杯の準備はいいですか？

乾杯を交わす

— To exchange a toast (formal).

再会を祝して乾杯を交わした。

乾杯の一杯

— The first drink for the toast.

乾杯の一杯が一番美味しい。

乾杯の音

— The sound of the toast (clinking).

乾杯の音が響く。

乾杯の瞬間

— The moment of the toast.

乾杯の瞬間に写真を撮る。

Often Confused With

乾杯する vs 献杯 (Kenpai)

Used for funerals. Do not clink glasses.

乾杯する vs 祝杯 (Shukuhai)

The 'celebratory cup' itself. You raise it (ageru).

乾杯する vs 完敗 (Kanpai)

Pronounced the same, but means 'complete defeat'. Context is key!

Idioms & Expressions

"勝利の美酒に酔う"

— To revel in the joy of victory (often after a toast).

優勝し、勝利の美酒に酔いながら乾杯した。

Literary

"杯を重ねる"

— To keep drinking/toasting repeatedly.

話が弾み、何度も杯を重ねて乾杯した。

Neutral

"固めの杯"

— A ritual toast to seal a promise or bond.

二人は結婚の固めの杯を交わした。

Formal

"別れの乾杯"

— A farewell toast.

旅立つ友人と別れの乾杯をした。

Neutral

"門出の乾杯"

— A toast for a new beginning.

卒業生たちの門出の乾杯をする。

Formal

"水入らずで乾杯"

— To toast just with family/close ones (no outsiders).

今夜は家族水入らずで乾杯しよう。

Informal

"景気づけに乾杯"

— To toast to liven things up or for good luck.

景気づけに一杯乾杯しようか！

Informal

"一献（いっこん）差し上げる"

— To offer a drink/toast to someone (very polite).

先生に一献差し上げて乾杯した。

Polite

"杯を干す"

— To drink the whole glass (related to the literal meaning of Kanpai).

乾杯と言って、一気に杯を干した。

Neutral

"花見で乾杯"

— To toast while flower viewing (a specific cultural idiom).

満開の桜の下で乾杯した。

Neutral

Easily Confused

乾杯する vs 完敗 (Kanpai)

Exactly the same pronunciation.

Kanpai (乾杯) is 'Cheers', while Kanpai (完敗) is 'Total defeat'.

試合に完敗した (Lost the game completely) vs 試合の後に乾杯した (Toasted after the game).

乾杯する vs 献杯 (Kenpai)

Similar sound and both are toasts.

Kenpai is for the dead; Kanpai is for the living/celebrations.

葬式で献杯する。

乾杯する vs 万歳 (Banzai)

Both are shouted at celebrations.

Banzai is shouting 'Long life!' with hands up; Kanpai is with glasses.

当選して万歳する。

乾杯する vs 酌む (Kumu)

Related to drinking together.

Kumu is the act of pouring/drinking; Kanpai is the specific toast.

酒を酌み交わす。

乾杯する vs 乾く (Kawaku)

Uses the same 'Kan' kanji.

Kawaku is 'to get dry' (intransitive); Kanpai uses 'dry' as 'to empty'.

喉が乾いた (I'm thirsty).

Sentence Patterns

[Drink] で乾杯しましょう。

ビールで乾杯しましょう。

[Reason] を祝って乾杯した。

誕生日を祝って乾杯した。

[Reason] に乾杯！

二人の幸せに乾杯！

乾杯の前に [Action]。

乾杯の前に、一言お願いします。

[Person] が乾杯の音頭を取る。

田中さんが乾杯の音頭を取ります。

[Reason] を祝し、乾杯を執り行う。

新社屋完成を祝し、乾杯を執り行います。

乾杯の発声とともに [Action]。

乾杯の発声とともに、音楽が流れた。

万感の思いを込めて乾杯する。

彼は万感の思いを込めて乾杯した。

Word Family

Nouns

乾杯 (Kanpai - A toast)

乾杯の音頭 (Kanpai no ondo - Leading a toast)

乾杯者 (Kanpaisha - The person who toasts)

Verbs

乾杯する (Kanpai suru - To toast)

飲む (Nomu - To drink)

祝う (Iwau - To celebrate)

酒 (Sake - Alcohol)

宴会 (Enkai - Banquet)

集まる (Atsumaru - To gather)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in social and business settings.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Chin-chin' to toast. → Kanpai!
As mentioned, 'chin-chin' is slang for male genitalia in Japanese. Avoid it entirely.
Drinking before the toast is made. → Waiting for the 'Kanpai!' signal.
Drinking early is seen as selfish and disruptive to the group harmony.
Using 'Kanpai' at a funeral. → Kenpai (献杯).
Kanpai is for happy occasions. Kenpai is for mourning.
Clinking glasses too hard. → A gentle touch.
Especially with wine glasses, clinking too hard can break them or seem aggressive.
Forgetting the 'suru' in a sentence. → 友達と乾杯した。
'Kanpai' is the noun/shout; 'Kanpai suru' is the verb action.

Tips

Glass Height

Always keep your glass lower than your boss or elders when clinking. It shows humility.

The Shout

Don't be shy! A hearty 'Kanpai!' helps set a positive mood for the party.

Wait for It

The most important rule is synchronization. Never drink before the toast.

Eye Contact

While clinking, try to make brief eye contact with those closest to you.

Two Hands

If you want to be extra polite, hold your glass with two hands while toasting.

Suru-Verb

Remember it's a verb. You can say 'Kanpai shimashita' to mean 'We had a toast'.

Soft Drinks

If you are driving, toast with oolong tea. It's very common and respected.

The Clink

The 'chin' sound of glasses is considered a happy sound in Japan.

Meiji Era

Knowing the word's Meiji origins can be a great conversation starter at a party.

The Lead

If you are asked to lead, keep it under 30 seconds and end with a clear 'Kanpai!'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CAN' of soda and a 'PIE'. You are holding a CAN and eating a PIE at a party. You say 'KAN-PAI' to celebrate!

Visual Association

Imagine a group of people in a circle, their glasses all meeting in the center to form a 'sun' shape, drying up the liquid like the sun dries the earth (Kan = Dry).

Word Web

Party Alcohol Cheers Celebration Clinking Socializing Meetings Weddings

Challenge

Try to say 'Kanpai shimashou' five times fast without messing up the 'n' and 'p' transition.

Word Origin

Borrowed from the Chinese 'gānbēi' (干杯). It entered the Japanese language significantly during the Meiji Restoration as Western banqueting customs were adopted.

Original meaning: Literally 'dry (乾) the cup (杯)'. It was a command to drink the entire contents of the glass.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful using it at funerals (use Kenpai). Avoid using 'Chin-chin' as it is slang for genitalia.

Equivalent to 'Cheers' or 'A toast'. Unlike English, 'Kanpai' is almost mandatory in group settings.

The song 'Kanpai' by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi. The 'Kanpai' scene in the movie 'Shall We Dance?'. Beer commercials (Asahi, Kirin) always feature a 'Kanpai' moment.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Izakaya (Japanese Pub)

とりあえず生で乾杯！
もう一度乾杯しましょう。
乾杯のビールが来ました。
みんな揃ったので乾杯！

Wedding Reception

乾杯の音頭をお願いします。
新郎新婦に乾杯！
乾杯の挨拶が長かった。
盛大に乾杯する。

Business Nomikai

社長のご発声で乾杯する。
プロジェクトの成功に乾杯！
乾杯の時は立ち上がる。
上司のグラスより下げて乾杯する。

Home Party

ジュースで乾杯！
ピザが来たから乾杯しよう。
家族で乾杯した。
お誕生日に乾杯！

Online Drinking

画面に向かって乾杯！
エア乾杯しましょう。
乾杯のタイミングを合わせる。
リモートで乾杯する。

Conversation Starters

"「まずは何を飲んで乾杯しますか？」 (What shall we drink for the first toast?)"

"「乾杯の音頭はどなたが取りますか？」 (Who will lead the toast?)"

"「今日は何の祝いで乾杯しましょうか？」 (What should we celebrate with a toast today?)"

"「日本の乾杯のマナーについて知っていますか？」 (Do you know about Japanese toasting manners?)"

"「最近、いつ乾杯しましたか？」 (When was the last time you toasted?)"

Journal Prompts

「昨日、友達と乾杯した時のことを詳しく書いてください。」 (Write in detail about when you toasted with friends yesterday.)

「あなたが一番思い出に残っている乾杯のシーンは何ですか？」 (What is your most memorable toasting scene?)

「乾杯する文化は、あなたの国と日本でどう違いますか？」 (How does the culture of toasting differ between your country and Japan?)

「もしあなたが結婚式で乾杯の挨拶を頼まれたら、何を言いますか？」 (If you were asked to give a toast at a wedding, what would you say?)

「お酒を飲まない時の乾杯について、どう思いますか？」 (What do you think about toasting when not drinking alcohol?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is perfectly acceptable to toast with soft drinks, especially in modern Japan. Just participate in the clinking and the shout.

You should repeat 'Kanpai!' and then take a sip of your drink.

In casual settings, clinking is expected. In very high-end restaurants with expensive crystal, people sometimes just raise the glasses toward each other without touching.

It means 'beer for now.' It's a way to get everyone's drink served quickly so the collective toast can happen as soon as possible.

In formal settings (weddings, business banquets), yes, everyone usually stands up for the toast.

Traditionally, toasting with water is associated with parting ways forever (like at a funeral or before a dangerous mission), so some older people might find it unlucky. Juice or tea is better.

Usually, the shorter the better. People are thirsty and want to start eating!

You should wait for a natural break, pour yourself a drink, and ask someone nearby to 'kanpai' with you quietly.

The host or the highest-ranking person present.

Literally yes, but socially no. You only need to take a small sip.