Do you know how to say cheers in Slovenian? The phrase you need is na zdravje, and there is a little etiquette that goes with it.
This guide walks you through the toast, a bit of Slovenian drinking culture, the drinks Slovenia is known for and some useful party vocabulary, so you’re ready to celebrate with your Slovenian friends.
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How Do You Say Cheers In Slovenian?
The most common way to say cheers in Slovenian is na zdravje, which means ‘to health’. Here is what it means and how to use it.
What Does Na Zdravje Mean?
The most common way to say cheers in the Slovenian language is by saying na zdravje. This phrase translates to ‘to health’. A variation of this phrase can also be heard in other Slavic languages.
A custom when making a toast in Slovenia is to clink glasses together, but it is very important to look the other person in the eye, otherwise you’re in for seven years of bad luck.
While you’re walking through the streets of Slovenia, wherever it may be, you might hear a loud ‘Ooopaaa!’. This is an exclamation that is used when a group of people cheer at the same time and all raise glasses together. After this they hit their drinks on the table slightly, before taking a sip. It’s a silly, but common thing to do.
What Is Drinking Culture Like In Slovenia?
Slovenians are generally known as quite heavy drinkers. In fact, alcohol is present in many social situations, celebrations and major life events, and the legal drinking age is 18.
It’s a normal part of daily life to have a drink with friends or family, and alcohol will always be present at major events such as Slovenian birthdays or Slovenian New Year celebrations.
Drinks are quite easily accessible in the entire country. However, their prices are different in each area. For instance, if you go to a village in Slovenia, you will get a drink for a very cheap rate. If you go to a city like Ljubljana, you might have to pack in more cash to get drinks.
What Are The Traditional Slovenian Drinks?
Since Slovenians are so fond of alcohol, there’s a bunch of drinks that they also make, including spirits, wine and beer.
What Spirits Are Made In Slovenia?
A famous Slovenian spirit is slivovka. That’s a plum brandy, made from damson plums. It can be found in many Slovenian households and is often homemade.
Slovenia is quite well known for its high-quality honey. They also make beverages from it, such as medica, or honey liqueur.
There’s also spirits made from pears (viljamovka), and blueberries (borovničke). As you can see there are many different Slovenian flavors used in spirits that cheer them right up!
What Wines Is Slovenia Known For?
Slovenia produces some amazing wines, thanks to its diverse landscapes and rich history in winemaking. Did you know that the world’s oldest vine still producing fruit can be found in Slovenia?
The country has three main wine regions, Podravje, Primorska and Posavje, each offering unique and delicious wines.
Famous wines that they make include Rebula, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Slovenia’s a dream destination for wine lovers!
What Are The Best-Known Slovenian Beers?
Slovenia’s beer scene is thriving, with a mix of traditional and craft breweries making their mark. Laško, founded in 1825, is one of the oldest and most famous Slovenian beer brands, best known for its Laško Zlatorog pale lager. Another major player is Union, established in 1864, which is renowned for its range of lagers and dark beers.
Alongside these historic breweries, Slovenia’s craft beer scene is rapidly growing, featuring innovative and high-quality brews from newcomers like Reservoir Dogs. These craft breweries are gaining popularity for their creativity and commitment to excellence, contributing to a vibrant and diverse beer culture in Slovenia.
How Do You Say Alcohol In Slovenian?
The word for alcohol in Slovenian is alkohol, which shouldn’t be too difficult to remember. An alcoholic beverage is called alkoholna pijača.
What Slovenian Words Do You Need At A Party?
Next time you’re partying with some Slovenians, you’ll be well prepared with these words related to drinking.
| English | Slovenian |
|---|---|
| Beer | Pivo |
| Wine | Vino |
| Spirits | Žganje |
| Cocktail | Koktajl |
| Glass | Kozarec |
| Bar or pub | Gostilna |
| Party | Zabava |
| Hangover | Maček |
| To toast | Nazdraviti |
| To be sober | Biti trezen |
| To be drunk | Biti pijan |
| To celebrate | Praznovati |
Frequently Asked Questions About Drinking In Slovenia
How Much Alcohol Do Slovenians Drink?
Compared to the rest of the world, quite a lot. In 2020, each person aged 15 and up drank about 9.8 liters of pure alcohol, close to double the global average.
That comes at a cost: alcohol-related expenses, including those from traffic accidents and domestic violence, have been estimated at 234 million euros a year.
Can You Drink In Public In Slovenia?
Yes, you can drink alcohol in public in Slovenia, for example in parks or at outdoor events, but there are rules. Being drunk in public or causing disturbances while drinking can result in fines or other penalties, so it’s always a good idea to be mindful of local laws.
What Alcohol Is Slovenia Known For?
Besides its wines, Slovenia is best known for its schnapps. It’s called žganje in Slovenian and can be found in every bar in the country, in a choice of flavors.
Cheers In Slovenian Recap: What Should You Remember?
So, there you have it: Slovenia’s drinking culture in a nutshell. When you raise your glass, say na zdravje, clink glasses and look the other person in the eye. And whenever you’re out and about, drink responsibly and savor every moment.
Learn Slovenian With Ling
Now you’re ready to raise a glass with your Slovenian friends! To keep going, Ling gives you flashcards with native speaker audio, mini-games and Dialog for real conversation practice, so learning stays simple and fun.
Start learning Slovenian today and say na zdravje to a whole new language!
