How to say "cheers" in Russian
When to use it
Literally 'to health'. The 'na zdorovye' tourists hear is actually a response to a meal compliment, not a toast.
Syllables & stress
Literal meaning
Literally 'to health'. Note: Russians rarely shout it as a generic toast — a real toast is usually a short spoken wish, and «За здоровье!» is one of several endings.
Formal or informal?
Neutral and friendly, used at the table with anyone.
Variations
Frequently asked questions
How do you say "cheers" in Russian?
"cheers" in Russian is За здоровье, pronounced Za zdorovye (za zda-RO-vye — stress on the capitalised syllable).
How do you pronounce За здоровье?
Za zdorovye. Syllables: za zda-RO-vye. Use the Listen button above to hear it.
What does За здоровье literally mean?
Literally 'to health'. Note: Russians rarely shout it as a generic toast — a real toast is usually a short spoken wish, and «За здоровье!» is one of several endings.
Is За здоровье formal or informal?
Neutral and friendly, used at the table with anyone.
Are there other ways to say "cheers" in Russian?
Yes: Будем! (Budem!) — Let's do it! (short toast); За нас! (Za nas!) — To us!.
More phrases
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Written by Vlad Lario
Russian in Lisbon. I read both sides and write down what differs.
About the author