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干杯 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
干杯gānbēito drink a toastHSK 4, n, rank #1796, Medium
干杯gānbēiCheers! (proposing a toast)HSK 4, n, rank #1796, Medium
干杯gānbēiHere's to you!HSK 4, n, rank #1796, Medium
干杯gānbēiBottoms up!HSK 4, n, rank #1796, Medium
干杯gānbēilit. dry cupHSK 4, n, rank #1796, Medium
gānbēi(gan1bei1) T1
  1. 1to drink a toast
  2. 2Cheers! (proposing a toast)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
干杯(乾杯)gānbēi(gan1bei1)

干杯 (gān bēi) is a common expression used when making a toast during a drinking occasion. It literally means 'dry cup,' implying that one should finish their drink. This expression is often heard in social gatherings, celebrations, and formal events in China, symbolizing good wishes and camaraderie.

Frequency#1796DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, toasting is a significant part of social etiquette, especially during meals and celebrations. It reflects respect and goodwill, with different rules about who to toast and when, making it an essential skill for social interactions.

Memory Tip

Imagine raising a dry cup filled with your favorite drink, toasting with friends, and shouting '干杯!' The character 干 (gān) resembles a person raising a glass, while 杯 (bēi) represents a cup. Visualize a joyous gathering where everyone empties their cups in a toast!

Meanings of 干杯

gānbēi(gan1bei1)
1to drink a toast
2Cheers! (proposing a toast)
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 干杯

干杯Simplified
乾杯Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1796Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2YCTL3HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 干杯

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Podcast: 干杯

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AI Study Notes for 干杯

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine raising a dry cup filled with your favorite drink, toasting with friends, and shouting '干杯!' The character 干 (gān) resembles a person raising a glass, while 杯 (bēi) represents a cup. Visualize a joyous gathering where everyone empties their cups in a toast!

Usage Notes

A common mistake is to use 干杯 in overly formal situations or when toasting to someone in a serious context, as it is generally casual. Be aware of the tone when saying it, as the first tone is high and level, and the second tone is slightly rising. It’s often paired with phrases like '为你干杯!' (Wèi nǐ gān bēi! - Cheers to you!).

HSK Study Tips

干杯 is an HSK Level 4 word, which connects well with other vocabulary related to social interactions and dining. Students should practice its pronunciation and usage in sentence structures that involve social gatherings, such as parties or banquets.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, toasting is a significant part of social etiquette, especially during meals and celebrations. It reflects respect and goodwill, with different rules about who to toast and when, making it an essential skill for social interactions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget the correct tones, saying 'gān bèi' instead of 'gān bēi.' Additionally, some may use 干杯 too formally in serious contexts; it’s best reserved for casual settings.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 干杯

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Component Characters

gàndry
HSK 33 strokes
View full entry
bēitrophy cup
HSK 18 strokes
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Write 干杯

Practice writing 干杯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 干杯

干杯 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

为大家的健康____!

Cheers to everyone's health!

Example Sentences for 干杯 (4)

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1
让我们为缅怀他而干杯,好吗?

ràng wǒ mén wéi miǎn huái tā ér gān bēi, , hǎo?

Let's drink to his memory, eh?
2
新郎请客人起立为女傧相干杯.

xīn láng qǐng kè rén qǐ lì wéi nǚ bīn xiāng gān bēi.

The bridegroom asked the guests to stand and then toasted the bridesmaids.
3
请大家举杯为新娘新郎干杯.

qǐng dà jiā jǔ bēi wéi xīn niáng xīn láng gān bēi.

Raise your glasses and drink to the bride and bridegroom.
4
拉瓦雷举起酒杯,提议为新婚夫妇干杯。

lā wǎ léi jǔ qǐ jiǔ bēi, , tí yì wéi xīn hūn fū fù gān。

Lavalais raised his glass to propose a toast to the newlyweds.

Cultural Notes for 干杯

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, toasting is a significant part of social etiquette, especially during meals and celebrations. It reflects respect and goodwill, with different rules about who to toast and when, making it an essential skill for social interactions.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While toasting is common in both Chinese and Western cultures, in China, the act of toasting often involves more elaborate customs, such as standing up, making eye contact, and sometimes even drinking a shot, compared to the more casual Western practice.

Frequently Asked Questions about 干杯

You should use 干杯 during social drinking occasions, when proposing a toast to friends or family.