Polite to Colleague
Workplace · Socializing
本日はお忙しい中、お集まりいただきありがとうございます。では、乾杯！ — Thank you all for gathering today despite your busy schedules. Now, cheers! (Workplace · Socializing, Polite to Colleague, JLPT N3)
You
本日はお忙しい中、お集まりいただきありがとうございます。では、乾杯！
ほんじつはおいそがしいなか、おあつまりいただきありがとうございます。では、かんぱい！
Thank you all for gathering today despite your busy schedules. Now, cheers!
Romaji: Honjitsu wa oisogashii naka, oatsumari itadaki arigatou gozaimasu. Dewa, kanpai! / Reply Romaji: Kanpai!
Reply
乾杯！
かんぱい！
Cheers!
Gesture & etiquette
Raise your glass at chest height and make eye contact with everyone around the table. When clinking glasses with a superior, lower your glass slightly below theirs — this subtle gesture signals respect. After the kampai, wait for others to drink before setting your glass down.
At a nomikai (飲み会, company drinking party), pour drinks for others before yourself — watch colleagues' glasses and refill proactively. Crucially, do not drink before the kampai signal; drinking alone beforehand is considered rude. When clinking glasses with superiors, hold yours slightly lower as a sign of respect.