Many people find themselves nervous to learn Polish for it’s words that contain 20 consonants and 2 vowels. However, fear not as if you plan on visiting Poland, you will want to learn a couple of the basic phrases and from there you will start to pick up on their language as locals talk to you with friendliness and patience.
As you find yourself going to bars to enjoy an evening cocktail or just to relax after a long day of tourism, one of the common terms you will start to hear while people cheers and raise there drink is Na Zdrowie.
Na Zdrowie – (Pronounced Nah zdrov-e-yay). The proper cheers and toast in Poland is to offer health and happiness before drinking. The meaning of Na Zdrowie is “to health”. The other meaning is “bless you” and can also be said if someone sneezes. Either way, this cheers is by far the most popular as you try some local craft beers or shots. By the end of the night you will have said Na Zdrowie at least a dozen times as you make new friends.
Summary of Polish Drinking Toasts
In Poland, drinking toasts are an important part of the culture. Drinking toasts are social occasions that allow people to share stories and express their appreciation for each other. They often involve a short speech or poem that expresses gratitude, respect, and good wishes for those present.
The most common type of toast in Poland is the “Na zdrowie” (To Your Health) toast which is used when someone has just taken a drink. It’s polite to raise your glass with everyone else and say: Na Zdrowie! before taking a sip of your beverage. This phrase can also be used as a general greeting or farewell between friends and family members.
Another popular Polish toast is “Sto lat” (May You Live 100 Years). This one is usually said when someone wants to wish another person long life and happiness. The traditional response is “Niech żyje!” which translates into May He/She Live!.
Other common Polish drinking toasts include “Wesołego Alleluja” (Happy Hallelujah), “Do dna” (Down To The Bottom), or simply saying cheers with the word “Na Zdrowie!” at the end of every sentence spoken during the toast-giving ceremony itself.
People may also use special phrases like “zapijmy za…” (“let’s have a drink for…”) followed by whatever they’re celebrating – such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries etc., depending on the occasion being celebrated at hand.. Generally speaking though no matter what kind of Polish drinking toast you choose it will always be accompanied by friendly smiles all around!
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