Rhiannon Hendricks
When it comes to toasting at a wedding in Japan, there are a few phrases that are commonly used. One of the most popular phrases is Kanpai (乾杯), which is a mandatory etiquette in Japan and means dry the glass or bottoms up in English. It is considered rude to start drinking before saying Kanpai. Another phrase that can be used for toasting is Banzai, which is used during festive occasions and means live 10,000 years. Additionally, Omedetou (おめでとう), which means congratulations, is also appropriate for weddings. It is worth noting that the choice of words is important in Japanese weddings, with words associated with parting and farewell being considered taboo.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Word used when toasting at a wedding | "Kanpai" (乾杯!) |
| English translation | "Dry the glass" or "Bottoms up" |
| Other words used when toasting at a wedding | "Omedetou" (おめでとう), "Banzai", "Otsukaresama deshita", "Otsukare-sama" (おつかれさま), "Otsukare" (おつかれ), "Yoroshiku-onegai shimasu" "Nice to meet you" |
| Translation of other words | "Congratulations", "Live 10,000 years", "You're tired", "Good work today", "Nice to meet you" |
| Wedding gift amount | 30,000 yen |
| Gift envelope | Shuugibukuro (祝儀袋) |
| Gift envelope kanji | Kotobuki (寿), Oiwai (御祝い), Gokekkon oiwai (ご結婚御祝い) |
| Translation of gift envelope kanji | Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations on your marriage |
| Taboo words | Divorce (離婚; rikon), separate (別れる; wakareru), cut (切る; kireru), leave (離れる; hanare), going home (帰る; kaeru), returning (戻る; modoru) |
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What You'll Learn
- Kanpai is the most common Japanese word used when toasting at a wedding, meaning 'dry the glass' or 'bottoms up'
- Banzai is used in festive settings, meaning 'live 10,000 years'
- Omedetou means 'congratulations' and is used at weddings and birthdays
- Otsukaresama deshita is a formal way to say 'cheers', meaning 'you're tired' or 'good work today'
- Gokekkon oiwai is a phrase used on wedding envelopes, meaning 'congratulations on your marriage'
Kanpai is the most common Japanese word used when toasting at a wedding, meaning 'dry the glass' or 'bottoms up'
Kanpai is the most common Japanese word used when toasting at a wedding, and it means 'dry the glass' or 'bottoms up'. It is considered rude to start drinking before saying cheers in Japan, and Kanpai is a mandatory etiquette to follow. The word is derived from Chinese, with 乾 meaning "dry" and 杯 meaning "sake cup", so an approximate translation is "drink your cup dry". However, it does not oblige the drinker to finish their drink, and one can simply sip it. Kanpai is a casual word and can be used before drinking any alcoholic beverage, and it is not limited to sake.
There are other ways to say cheers in Japanese as well. "Otsukare-sama deshita" or "Otsukare-sama desu" is a way to appreciate someone's hard work and is usually used at night. It is also used in business situations to toast a client. "Banzai" is another toast that is used in festive settings, meaning "live 10,000 years". "Omedetou", meaning "congratulations", is also used at weddings, although not as commonly as Kanpai.
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Banzai is used in festive settings, meaning 'live 10,000 years'
Toasting and saying "cheers" in Japan became popular around the 1850s when England and Japan signed a treaty. The most common Japanese word used when toasting at a wedding is kanpai (乾杯), which means "dry the glass" or "finish your drink", similar to "bottoms up" in English. It is considered rude and disrespectful to start drinking before saying "kanpai".
Another word used when toasting at a Japanese wedding is omedetou (おめでとう), which means "congratulations". This can be used on its own or in the phrase otanjoubi omedetou (おたんじょうびおめでとう), meaning "happy birthday". At a wedding, "omedetou" can be said at the end of a toast or on its own.
Other ways to say "congratulations" in Japanese include gokekkon (ご結婚), kotobuki (寿), oiwai (御祝い), and gokekkon oiwai (ご結婚御祝い).
In addition to "kanpai" and "omedetou", banzai is also used when toasting at Japanese weddings. "Banzai" is usually used in more festive settings and means "live 10,000 years". Although this phrase may not make literal sense, it is still used quite often and will make most locals around you raise their glasses in excitement.
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Omedetou means 'congratulations' and is used at weddings and birthdays
In Japanese, "omedetou" means "congratulations" and is commonly used at weddings and birthdays. It is often said at the end of a toast or on its own, and is a suitable phrase when not everyone is drinking. The phrase "otanjoubi omedetou" means "happy birthday".
When toasting at a wedding or any other event in Japan, it is considered rude to start drinking before saying "cheers". The most common Japanese word for "cheers" is "kanpai", which is said before drinking any type of alcoholic beverage. It is derived from the Chinese words for "dry" and "sake cup", and thus translates to "drink your cup dry" or "bottoms up" in English. However, it is not necessary to finish your drink after saying "kanpai". "Kanpai" is considered a casual word, and there are more formal phrases that can be used in certain situations. For example, "otsukare-sama desu" or "otsukare-sama deshita" is used to appreciate someone's hard work and is often said at night. "Banzai", which means "live 10,000 years", is another toast that is used in festive settings.
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Otsukaresama deshita is a formal way to say 'cheers', meaning 'you're tired' or 'good work today'
In Japan, it is customary to make a toast using the word "Kanpai" before starting to drink. However, there is another formal way to say "cheers" which is "Otsukaresama deshita". This phrase is a combination of acknowledging a tiring situation and expressing thanks for someone's hard work. It can be used to express appreciation for someone's hard work in various contexts, such as work, study, or sports.
The word "Otsukaresama" is a more formal greeting used when addressing a senior or superior, whereas "Otsukare" is used in a casual setting with junior colleagues or co-workers. The phrase "Otsukaresama deshita" can be used as a parting gift, similar to saying "goodbye" or "see you tomorrow".
In the context of a wedding, "Otsukaresama deshita" can be an appropriate way to toast the couple, acknowledging their hard work in planning the wedding and expressing gratitude for the celebration. It is considered a formal way to say "cheers" and is often used at upper-class events.
When attending a Japanese wedding, it is important to be mindful of certain superstitions and taboos. Words associated with parting, farewell, death, or sorrow are considered taboo. It is also considered bad luck to use words related to returning home, as it is believed to jinx the marriage. Instead, focus on offering congratulations and well-wishes to the couple.
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Gokekkon oiwai is a phrase used on wedding envelopes, meaning 'congratulations on your marriage'
Weddings in Japan are a time of celebration, eating, drinking, and merrymaking. The wedding ceremony is a chance for friends and family to come together and celebrate the couple's union. In Japanese, weddings are called 'kekkonshiki' (結婚式).
When it comes to Japanese wedding customs, there are several traditions and formalities to be aware of. One important aspect is the giving of gifts and money in envelopes, known as 'shuugibukuro' (祝儀袋). These envelopes can be purchased at stationery or convenience stores, and it is customary to choose a particularly elegant or festive envelope for weddings. The amount of money given is also significant; while opinions vary, amounts like 10,000 yen or 30,000 yen are considered appropriate.
The envelopes are often adorned with kanji characters, and for weddings, the character 'kotobuki' (寿), which means "congratulations," is commonly used. Another phrase used on these envelopes is "gokekkon oiwai" (ご結婚御祝い), which translates to "congratulations on your marriage." This phrase combines "gokekkon," a polite expression for marriage, with "oiwai," which conveys congratulations and best wishes.
When it comes to toasting at Japanese weddings, the word "kanpai" (乾杯!) is commonly used, meaning "dry the glass" or "cheers." It is considered rude to start drinking without first making this toast. Another toast, "banzai," is used during festive occasions, wishing the couple a long life together. Additionally, "omedetou" (おめでとうございます), meaning "congratulations," can be used during wedding toasts, although it is less common.
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Frequently asked questions
Kanpai (乾杯!) is the Japanese word for 'cheers' and it is considered rude to start drinking before saying this.
'Kanpai' means 'dry the glass' or 'finish your drink', similar to 'bottoms up' in English. However, you are not required to drink your entire glass after saying it.
Other ways to say 'cheers' at a Japanese wedding include omedetou (おめでとう), meaning 'congratulations', and banzai, which means 'live 10,000 years'.
Japanese culture dictates that the most senior person in the room should make the toast, and it is customary to use both hands to hold the glass and bow slightly to show respect.
