干杯
Traditional: 乾杯
gān bēi HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我们一起干杯吧!
Wǒmen yīqǐ gānbēi ba!
Let's toast together!
干杯,为了友谊!
Gānbēi, wèile yǒuyì!
Cheers, for friendship!
他提议大家干杯。
Tā tíyì dàjiā gānbēi.
He proposed a toast to everyone.
我们干杯!
Wǒmen gānbēi!
We cheers!
大家干杯吧。
Dàjiā gānbēi ba.
Let's all drink up.

💡 Memory Tip

Imagine drying (干) your cup (杯) after a toast to remember the literal meaning. Think of it as a cheerful exclamation during celebrations, similar to 'Cheers!' in English.

📝 Usage Notes

It is used in both formal and informal settings, primarily in spoken language during social gatherings like meals, parties, or banquets. It is common in celebratory contexts such as weddings, business dinners, or casual get-togethers with friends. While often spoken, it can appear in written invitations or toasts.

📖 Grammar Points

干杯 is often used as an imperative verb in phrases like '为 + [reason] + 干杯' (e.g., 为我们的成功干杯 - 'Let's toast to our success'). It can stand alone as an exclamation ('干杯!') or be followed by 吧 for suggestion (干杯吧 - 'Let's cheers').

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 干杯 is a key part of dining etiquette, especially at banquets. While it implies drinking the entire glass, in practice, it's often acceptable to take a sip, depending on the formality and relationship. It fosters camaraderie and respect, and refusing a toast without reason may be seen as impolite.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar words include 敬酒 (jìngjiǔ, 'to propose a toast,' often more formal and involves offering a drink to someone specific) and 祝酒 (zhùjiǔ, 'to drink to someone's health,' also formal). 干杯 is more general and direct, commonly used for group toasting.

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