Mandarin isn’t the easiest language to learn, but knowing a couple key words is essential to avoid being rude when visiting a foreign country. In this blog article we go over the proper way to say cheers in Mandarin.
Cheers in Mandarin
The most common toast is ganbei. The cheers is pronounced “gon bay” and means dry cup. Because of this after a toast it’s customary to try and finish your glass. We highly recommend you don’t fill it up the whole way or you will be calling it an early night after the 2nd or 3rd toast. However, you may also hear the term banbei which is a nicer toast and means you only need to finish roughly half your glass.
China does take their traditions very seriously so if you plan on participated in a cheers, you will be expected to join for the remainder of the night. It is considered rude if you start to drink and then decide to stop while everyone else in your group continues. For this reason if you don’t plan on drinking for the night make sure your intentions are clear from the start. The more common excuses you can use is health issues or religious reasons.
While speaking Mandarin you may also hear the word Pijiu which means beer. If it’s going to be a long night it may be better to cheers to beer rather than wine or Baijiu to make sure you can last the night. Locals really don’t mind what you are drinking, as long as you are drinking.
Learn how to say cheers in different languages
How To Say Cheers in Mexican
