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How to Say ‘First, let's make a toast.’ in Japanese

まずは乾杯しましょう。

mazu wa kanpai shi mashou

[mah-zoo wah kahn-pie shee mah-shoh]

🇯🇵 In Japan: At bars in Japan, [乾杯] is a very natural way to start the interaction and reset the mood. Suggesting a toast is friendly and low-pressure, especially after some teasing.

Phrase Breakdown

まずは

mazu wa

first of all; to begin with

Used to introduce the first step or start of an activity.

Example

まずは自己紹介しましょう。

First, let's introduce ourselves.

Words in this phrase

まず

mazu

[mah-zoo]

first; to start with

Suggests beginning the interaction with a drink or toast.

Example

まずは乾杯しましょう、それから話しましょう。

First, let's make a toast, and then let's talk.

は

wa

[wah]

topic marker

Adds the sense of 'for now' or 'to begin with.'

Example

まずは乾杯しましょうね。

Let's start with a toast, okay?

乾杯しましょう

kanpai shi mashou

let's make a toast; let's drink together

Polite suggestion to raise a glass and toast before drinking.

Example

では、乾杯しましょう。

Well then, let's make a toast.

Words in this phrase

乾杯

kanpai

[kahn-pie]

cheers; toast

The key social phrase for clinking glasses together.

Example

席に着いたらまずは乾杯しましょう。

Once we sit down, let's start with a toast.

し

shi

[shee]

do

Forms the verb phrase with 乾杯.

Example

笑顔でまずは乾杯しましょう。

Let's start with a toast and a smile.

ましょう

mashou

[mah-shoh]

let's; shall we

Polite invitation to do something together.

Example

緊張しないで、まずは乾杯しましょう。

Don't be nervous, let's start with a toast.

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