我敬您一杯
wǒ jìng nín yī bēi
A toast to you
我敬您一杯 (Wǒ jìng nín yì bēi) is a polite and formal way to propose a toast to someone, often used to show respect to a senior, a host, or an important guest.
What does 我敬您一杯 (wǒ jìng nín yī bēi) mean?
我敬您一杯 (wǒ jìng nín yī bēi) means “a toast to you” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “I respectfully offer you one cup.”
When to use it
Formal and respectful due to 您 (nín). For a less formal toast to a peer or friend, use 我敬你一杯 (wǒ jìng nǐ yì bēi). For a general “cheers,” use 干杯 (gānbēi).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “wuh JING neen ee BAY.” The “yì” in “yì bēi” is a fourth tone here due to tone sandhi before another fourth tone.
Other ways to say it
- 敬你一杯jìng nǐ yī bēia toast to you (less formal)
- 干杯gānbēicheers!
- 我敬大家一杯wǒ jìng dàjiā yī bēia toast to everyone
Examples
王总，我敬您一杯，祝您身体健康！
Wáng Zǒng, wǒ jìng nín yī bēi, zhù nín shēntǐ jiànkāng!
Mr. Wang, a toast to you, wishing you good health!
来，我敬您一杯，感谢您的帮助。
Lái, wǒ jìng nín yī bēi, gǎnxiè nín de bāngzhù.
Come, I toast you, thanking you for your help.
大家举杯，为我们的合作成功干杯！
Dàjiā jǔbēi, wèi wǒmen de hézuò chénggōng gānbēi!
Everyone raise your glasses, let's toast to the success of our cooperation!
Pro tip: When toasting someone more senior or respected, it's customary to clink your glass lower than theirs as a sign of respect.
Related phrases
我送您出去 · Let me see you out一起吃个饭吧 · Let's have a meal together期待我们的合作 · Looking forward to working together
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