When traveling to the countries below, pay attention to the local customs of toasting.
Armenia
Every table has a tamada (toastmaster), who is responsible for making toasts and capturing everyone’s attention to create a joyful atmosphere. If you are drinking beer, make sure to fill another person’s glass from your bottle. The last person to drink during this round will pay for the next round of drinks.
When toasting, say: Կէնաձդ (gen-ots-it)
If you are drinking beer, make sure to fill another person’s glass from your bottle. (Illustrative image).
Germany
When raising your glass for a toast, you must also make eye contact with others. If not, you may face the consequence of seven years of bad luck in romance. When drinking in Germany, remember to clink glasses with a ringing sound with those around you.
When toasting, say: Prost (prohst) for beer and Zum wohl (sum vohl) for other drinks.
France
Making eye contact while drinking is also a common practice in France. When pouring your drink, be careful not to overfill your glass, and remember to take small sips gently instead of making loud slurping noises.
When toasting, say: A votre santé (ah vot-ruh sahn-tay)
Czech Republic
Czechs never cross their arms when raising their glasses for a toast. Ignoring this rule could jeopardize your romantic life.
When toasting, say: Na zdraví (naz-drah vi)
Ireland
If you are purchasing drinks for yourself, you should also buy drinks for others. However, don’t worry too much as that person will contribute to the bill with you at the end of the drinking session.
When toasting, say: Sláinte (slawn-cha)
Hungary
If you don’t want to be attacked in Hungary, do not clink glasses with a ringing sound. This rule relates to a legal event in 1849 involving the execution of the general known as the 13 Martyrs of Arad. The old tale recounts that a group of Austrian soldiers celebrated with clinking beer glasses as the revolutions in Hungary were fading.
When toasting, say: Egészségedre (egg-esh ay-ged-reh)
If you don’t want to be attacked in Hungary, do not clink glasses with a ringing sound.
Russia
In Russia, it is customary to say a long toast before finishing your drink. Once you pick up your glass, it is difficult to set it down until you’ve emptied it.
When toasting, say: Будем здоровы (boo-dem zdo-ro-vee-eh)
Japan
In Japan, you should never pour your own drink. Doing so creates an impression of being self-important. However, you must pour drinks for those drinking with you.
When toasting, say: 乾杯 (kan-pie)
South Korea
South Koreans also do not pour drinks for themselves; the customs of receiving and giving drinks to others are very important here. The server pours the drink from the bottle, and the receiver should hold the glass with both hands.
When toasting, say: 건배 (gun-bay)
China
Unlike in France, the Chinese prefer to fill their glasses to the brim. When saying “cheers” and raising your glass, you should be careful not to raise your glass higher than those of elders and the host. This action is considered disrespectful.
When toasting, say: 干杯 (gan-bay)
