What Do Russians Say When They Toast?

In a previous post, we revealed that Russians don’t really say “na zdarovje” when they toast. While the phrase has been popularised in English language media – and a lot of Russians will nod politely and clink glasses with you if you use it – it’s not something a native speaker would ever say in this context. So what do Russians really say when they toast?

There’s no single Russian word or phrase that directly translates as “cheers”, but that’s not to say that Russians don’t enjoy a good toast! In fact, Russians love to toast so much that that have developed an elaborate toasting culture and it is customary to propose a toast before each new round of drinks. There are toasts for different occasions. Toasts for friend, family and colleagues. Short toasts. Long toasts. Toasts to get the party started, and toasts for the road.

Here, we’re sharing some common Russian toasts and the situations that they might be used in. With such richness on offer, you’ll never be tempted to say “na zdarovje” again!

All-Purpose Toasts

• “За твоё здоровье” (singular) or “За ваше здоровье” (formal/plural) – to your health!
• “За встречу” – to our meeting!
• “За нашу дружбy” – to our friendship!
• “За любовь” – to love!
• “За счастье” – to happiness!
• “За удачу” – to luck!
• “За успех” – to success!
• “Давайте выпьем за успех нашего дела” – let’s drink to the success of our project/business!

Toasts to People

• “За тебя” (singular) or “За вас” (formal/plural) – to you!
• “За хозяйку этого дома” – to the hostess!
• “За родителей” – to our parents!
• “За наших мам” – to our mothers!
• “За наших милых дам” – to our lovely ladies! (generally said by men when in mixed company)

Toasts to Accompany Some Serious Drinking

• “Поехали” – let’s get started!
• “Выпьем за то, что мы здесь собрались, и чтобы чаще собирались” – to our get together, may we meet up more often!
• “Выпьем за то, чтобы у нас всегда был повод для праздника” – may we always have a reason for a party!
• “Давайте всегда наслаждаться жизнью, как этим бокалом вина” – let us always enjoy life the way we enjoy this glass of wine!
• “Давайте выпьем за то, чтобы мы испытали столько горя, сколько капель вина останется в наших бокалах” – may we suffer as much sorrow as drops of wine we are about to leave in our glasses!”
• “Чтобы столы ломались от изобилия, а кровати от любви” – let the tables break from abundance and the beds break from love!
• “На посошок” – one for the road!

So there you have it: with so many toasts on offer, you’ll be spoilt for choice next time you’re enjoying a drink with Russian speakers. Before you go, why not browse our blog for more tips on learning Russian? You’ll be fluently toasting in no time flat!

Posted by Leah E

Leah is studying Russian at Liden & Denz Language Centre in St. Petersburg, while interning as a Blogger/Editorial Assistant.