If you’ve ever joined a drinking party in Japan, you’ve probably heard people shout the word:
乾杯!
Kanpai!
This word is commonly used right before drinking, whether you’re at an izakaya with coworkers, singing with friends at karaoke, or even at family gatherings.
While it may seem like a simple toast shared after raising a glass, it’s actually a cultural ritual that reflects Japanese values of harmony, respect, and social bonding. In this article, we’ll explore what Japanese people say before drinking, how it compares to Western customs, and what you should know to fit in naturally when going out for drinks with your Japanese friends.
The Word Before Drinking: Kanpai
The phrase 乾杯 (kanpai) literally means “empty cup”:
乾 (kan)
Dry, empty
杯 (pai)
Cup, glass
It basically means “drain your cup,” which is the Japanese equivalent of saying “Cheers!”
So the question is… when do you actually say Kanpai?
Kanpai is said before the very first drink of the night. Everyone raises their glasses, and usually the host, a senior member, or the organizer makes a short speech. After that, everyone says kanpai together before taking the first sip.
Note: When you’re just with friends, though, you might skip the speech and simply shout kanpai before diving into the drinks.
The Role of Kanpai in Japanese Drinking Culture
Building Group Harmony
Japan places high importance on group harmony (wa). The act of saying kanpai ensures no one drinks before everyone else is ready, reinforcing equality at the table.
Respect for Hierarchy
In more formal or work-related settings, the most senior person or guest of honor will usually lead the toast. Younger or junior members are expected to wait politely.
Symbol of Bonding
Kanpai isn’t just about alcohol. Even if you’re drinking tea, juice, or soda, you still join in. It’s about sharing the moment together.
How to Perform Kanpai Properly
1)
Wait for Everyone
Never start drinking before the toast, it’s considered impolite, especially at work dinners like nomikai.
2)
Raise Your Glass
Hold your glass with one hand, supporting the bottom with the other hand (especially in formal situations).
3)
Make Eye Contact
Look at the people around you, especially the ones you’re clinking glasses with.
4)
Clink Gently
In Japan, it’s common to clink glasses gently! Never smash them so hard that they might break. If you’re the junior, tilt your glass slightly lower than your senior’s as a sign of respect.
5)
Say “Kanpai!” Clearly
Say it together with the group, then take your first sip.
Is there another way to say Kanpai?
While kanpai is the standard, you may also hear or use other ways Japanese people say “cheers,” depending on the situation:
Example 1:
お疲れ様です
Romaji:
Otsukaresama desu
English Translation:
“Thanks for your hard work.” Common in workplace drinking parties.
Example 2:
今日も一日頑張ったね
Romaji:
Kyō mo ichinichi ganbatta ne
English Translation:
“We worked hard today.” A casual toast among friends or coworkers.
Example 3:
健康を祈って
Romaji:
Kenkō o inotte
English Translation:
“To your health!” Similar to Western toasts.
Differences Between Japan and the West
Western Cheers
In many Western countries, “Cheers!” is often said multiple times throughout the night.
Japanese Kanpai
Usually said only once at the very start. After that, you drink freely.
Draining the Glass
Despite its literal meaning, kanpai doesn’t mean you have to finish your drink. Just a sip is fine.
Nomikai: Japanese Drinking Parties
Nomikai (飲み会) are social drinking gatherings that play a big role in Japanese work and social culture. You’ll often hear the word kanpai used at these events.
Features of Nomikai:
Group bonding
They’re about strengthening relationships outside the office.
Round system
People often pour drinks for each other instead of themselves as a sign of politeness.
Second party (二次会, nijikai)
After the first gathering, groups often head to karaoke or another bar. There can even be a third party (sanjikai) and beyond! Sometimes it feels like it could go on forever! From personal experience, I’ve gone bar and karaoke hopping until early morning, though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
Tips: At each new location, another kanpai may happen.
Now the question is… do you actually have to drink?
If you’re talking about alcohol, then no! You are not forced to drink. In fact, an increasing number of young Japanese people don’t consume alcohol (myself included). You can still take part in a nomikai or other social gatherings and say kanpai with a non-alcoholic drink, even something as simple as apple juice.
Example Dialogues
Casual with Friends
Friend A:
今日は乾杯しよう！
Romaji:
Kyō wa kanpai shiyō!
English Translation:
Let’s toast today!
Friend B:
うん、乾杯！
Romaji:
Un, kanpai!
English Translation:
Yeah, cheers!
At Work
Manager:
みなさん、今日もお疲れ様でした。乾杯！
Romaji:
Minasan, kyō mo otsukaresama deshita. Kanpai!
English Translation:
“Everyone, thank you for your hard work today. Cheers!”
Staff:
乾杯！
Romaji:
Kanpai!
English Translation:
Cheers!
Fun Cultural Notes
Glass Levels
In formal settings, when clinking glasses, junior staff hold their glasses slightly lower than their superiors.
Pouring Drinks
It’s polite to pour drinks for others, not yourself. Hold the bottle with both hands.
Kanpai in Anime/Drama
You’ll often see characters shouting kanpai especially in celebration scenes! It’s one of the most recognizable Japanese customs abroad.
So, before your next nomikai, how can you practice this?
Try practicing kanpai in mock scenarios:
- Say it before you sip tea at home.
- Practice adding a short phrase before kanpai (like otsukaresama desu).
- Watch Japanese TV shows and listen for how it’s used naturally.
This way, it’ll feel natural when you join real gatherings.
Conclusion
So, what do Japanese people say before drinking?
乾杯
kanpai
This is the Japanese word for “cheers”, and it’s a toast that embodies respect, gratitude, and bonding.
By saying kanpai, you’re not just raising a glass! You’re joining in harmony with the group, acknowledging everyone’s effort, and celebrating connection.
Whether at a lively izakaya, a formal business dinner, or a quiet night at home with friends, kanpai is a phrase you’ll hear again and again in Japan. And when you use it yourself, you’ll feel a little closer to Japanese culture.
So next time you raise your Japanese Gin, don’t forget: 乾杯!