건배
How to say cheers in Korean A1
건배, 짠, 위하여 — and the pouring etiquette that matters more than the word.
Every form, from formal to casual
건배 (“dry glass”) is the standard toast. 짠 imitates the clink. 위하여 (“for…!”) is the company-dinner one.
| Korean | Romanization | Level | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 건배 | geonbae | Neutral | Any table |
| 짠 | jjan | Casual | Friends; the clink sound |
| 위하여! | wihayeo! | Formal-group | Company dinners: “to …!” |
| 원샷 | wonsyat | Casual | Bottoms up |
| 한 잔 하실래요? | han jan hasillaeyo? | Polite | Inviting someone for a drink |
Which one do I actually use?
The word matters less than the hands. Pour for others, never for yourself; hold the bottle with two hands for elders; receive with two hands; turn slightly away when drinking with a senior. Clink lower than the senior’s glass. 원샷 is a dare — 천천히 마실게요 (“I’ll drink slowly”) is a polite refusal.
Pronunciation notes
- 건배
geon-bae. ㅓ as in “gun” without the hard final; ㅐ = “eh”.
- 위하여
wi-ha-yeo, usually shouted with rising pitch after someone names the cause.
Vocabulary set
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Quick drill
Common mistakes
- ✗ Pouring your own glass✓ Wait, or pour for others firstSelf-pouring is considered lonely/impolite at a Korean table.
- ✗ Refusing with a flat 아니요✓ 천천히 마실게요 / 오늘은 못 마셔요Soft refusals keep the mood.
Example sentences
FAQ
How do you say cheers in Korean?
건배 (geonbae). Friends also say 짠 (jjan, the clink). At company dinners someone shouts 위하여 (“to…!”).
What does 원샷 mean?
“One shot” — drink the whole glass. You can decline politely with 천천히 마실게요.
What is Korean drinking etiquette?
Pour for others, receive with two hands, turn away slightly from elders while drinking, and never let a senior’s glass stay empty.
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