The Portuguese language is very similar to Spanish and therefor many phrases are used similarly when speaking. One such phrase is how to cheers or toast someone when drinking.
The most common countries the Portuguese language is natively spoken in is Portugal and Brazil.
Cheers in Portuguese
While visiting Brazil you will most likely start drinking the popular rum called cachaca. It’s served at every bar and makes a good shot during nighttime entertainment. Before sipping it you will want to say “Saúde” (meaning good health). It’s polite to offer this toast before drinking alcohol as the locals enjoy socializing and giving cheers to one another.
Other than Saúde you can also say tim-tim which is more pronounced like chin chin which is another common term for toasting.
Summary of Portuguese Cheers Drinking Toasts
In Portugal, drinking toasts are an important part of the culture. They are seen as a way to show respect and friendship between people. Toasting is often done with wine or other alcoholic beverages like port or Madeira. The toaster will raise their glass and say “Saúde” (health), before clinking glasses and taking a sip. This toast can be said in almost any situation; at the beginning of a meal, when making new friends, after someone has made an accomplishment or even just while enjoying drinks with friends.
Toast-making is also used for more special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. A traditional Portuguese wedding toast typically includes words wishing good health and happiness on the newlyweds followed by three cheers before everyone takes a sip from their glasses. On New Year’s Eve it is common for people to make wishes for the coming year accompanied by multiple rounds of Saúde!
No matter what occasion you are celebrating in Portugal it is likely that there will be some form of drinking toast involved!
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