How to Say “Cheers” in Hungarian
The Most Common Toast: Egészségedre!
Egészségedre (pronounced: eh-GEHSH-sheh-geh-dreh) is the Hungarian word for “cheers.” It literally means “to your health.” This is the phrase you’ll hear most often when people raise their glasses to toast. If you’re toasting with one person, you can say egészségedre, but when toasting a group, you can use the plural form: egészségetekre (eh-GEHSH-sheh-geh-teh-kreh).
Other Hungarian Drinking Toasts
While egészségedre is the standard, you might also hear:
- Egészségünkre (eh-GEHSH-sheh-goon-kreh) – “To our health” (used when toasting as a group)
- Fenékig (FEH-neh-keeg) – “Bottoms up” (used for finishing your drink in one go, often with shots)
- Boldogságot (BOL-dohg-shah-goht) – “To happiness” (less common but sometimes used at celebrations)
Proper Toasting Etiquette in Hungary
Learning the word is just the beginning. Hungarians take their toasting rituals seriously, and following the correct etiquette will show you respect their customs.
Eye Contact Is Important
When you raise your glass for a toast, always look the other person in the eye. It’s a sign of sincerity and respect. Failing to make eye contact during a toast is considered rude in Hungary.
Don’t Forget the Order
Typically, the person who initiates the toast will say egészségedre, and the others will respond with the same. Wait until everyone has been served before raising your glass.
Why You Shouldn’t Clink Beer Glasses in Hungary
The Historical Reason
One of the most interesting aspects of Hungarian drinking culture is the superstition against clinking beer glasses. This tradition dates back to the aftermath of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. Legend has it that after crushing the revolution, Austrian generals celebrated their victory by clinking beer mugs and toasting to their success. As a result, Hungarians vowed not to clink beer glasses for 150 years as a silent protest and sign of respect for their fallen heroes.
What About Other Drinks?
It’s important to note that this rule specifically applies to beer. Clinking glasses filled with wine, pálinka (a traditional fruit brandy), or other spirits is perfectly acceptable in Hungary, and in fact, expected.
Modern Attitudes
Although more than 150 years have passed since the revolution, many Hungarians still observe this tradition. Some younger generations might be more relaxed about it, but it’s always best to follow local customs, especially when drinking with people you’ve just met or in more traditional settings.
Tips for Toasting Like a Local
- Learn the pronunciation of egészségedre and use it confidently.
- Always make eye contact when toasting.
- Don’t clink beer glasses, but feel free to clink other types of drinks.
- Wait until everyone has a drink before toasting.
- Smile and enjoy the moment—Hungarians value warmth and conviviality during social gatherings.
Practice Your Hungarian Toasts with Talkpal
If you want to perfect your pronunciation and learn more about Hungarian culture, try practicing with AI-powered language tools like Talkpal. Our platform offers interactive lessons, pronunciation practice, and cultural insights to help you communicate with confidence.
Conclusion
Mastering the Hungarian way of saying “cheers” and understanding the cultural context behind toasting rituals will enhance your language learning journey and help you form genuine connections with locals. Remember to say egészségedre, make eye contact, and avoid clinking beer glasses to show your respect for Hungarian history and tradition. For more tips on learning Hungarian and diving into local customs, explore the resources and interactive lessons available on the Talkpal AI language learning blog. Cheers—or as they say in Hungary, egészségedre!
