How to Say Cheers in Greek: Toasts for Every Occasion

If you’ve ever raised a glass in Greece, you’ve probably heard ‘Yamas!’ shouted across the table. But Greek toasting culture runs deeper than this one word. Whether you’re sipping ouzo by the sea or celebrating a wedding, here’s how to toast like a local.

The Basics: ‘Yamas’ and Beyond

While ‘Yamas’ works in most situations, Greeks have a few other go-to toasts depending on the context:

• Στην υγειά σου / σας (Stin ygeia sou / sas) – ‘To your health’ (singular/plural or formal). More polite, especially with elders or strangers. Pronounced /stin iˈʝa su/ or /stin iˈʝa sas/
• Εις υγείαν (Is ygian) – A formal, almost archaic version of ‘to health’. Sometimes used in speeches. Pronounced /is iˈʝi.an/
• Για τα καλά (Ya ta kala) – ‘For the good times’. A cheerful, informal option among friends. Pronounced /ʝa ta kaˈla/

Toasts for Special Occasions

Greeks love a reason to celebrate, and each occasion has its own traditional phrases:

Drinking Etiquette in Greece

Toasting isn’t just about the words – it’s a ritual. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Make eye contact when clinking glasses. Avoiding it is considered rude, almost like you’re hiding something.
• Don’t toast with water. It’s seen as bad luck, possibly because it symbolises tears. If you’re not drinking alcohol, use juice or soda instead.
• In some regions, it’s customary to tap your glass on the table after clinking. Ask a local if you’re unsure.

For more on drinking customs, check out our guide to Thai toasting etiquette.

Regional Variations

Greece’s islands and mainland have their own twists:

Practice Your Pronunciation

Greek pronunciation can be tricky for English speakers. Focus on these key sounds:

• ‘Yamas’ starts with a /ʝ/ sound, like the ‘y’ in ‘yes’, but softer.
• The ‘ch’ in ‘Chronia’ is a guttural /x/, like the ‘ch’ in Scottish ‘loch’.
• Stress the correct syllable – in ‘Stin ygeia’, the emphasis is on ‘ygei’.