How Do You Say “Cheers” in French? 🥂🇫🇷

If you’re making a toast in French, you won’t say “cheers” — instead, you’ll use one of two words.

The Word for “Cheers” in French

The most common way to say “cheers” in French is santé (pronounced sahn-tay).

It literally means “health.”

Another fun and informal option is tchin-tchin (pronounced chin-chin).

Example

  • Santé ! → Cheers!

  • Tchin-tchin ! → Cheers! (casual, friendly)



“Cheers” as “Thank You”

    In the UK, people often use “cheers” to mean thank you. In French, you wouldn’t use santé or tchin-tchin for this — you’d just say merci.


    🌱 Rooted in Meaning

    The word santé means health, so when you raise a glass and say it, you’re literally wishing good health to those you’re drinking with.


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