What it means
به سلامتی (be salâmati) means “to health” or “to your health,” functioning as the Persian equivalent of “cheers” when raising a glass. It is a mixed-origin phrase: به (be) is a pure Persian preposition meaning “to,” while سلامتی (salâmati) is derived from the Arabic root سلم (s-l-m), conveying soundness, peace, and wellbeing. The same root gives us سلام (salâm), the greeting. Beyond toasting, به سلامتی is used as a warm general wish, said when someone sneezes, when hearing good news, or when wishing someone well on a journey. A closely related phrase is سلامت باشید (salâmat bâshid), meaning “may you be healthy,” used as a parting wish.
How to use it
- به سلامتی! بزن به تخته! (Be salâmati! Bezan be takhte!) “Cheers! Knock on wood!”
- شنیدم ازدواج کردی، به سلامتی! (Sheneedam ezdevâj kardi, be salâmati!) “I heard you got married, congratulations and good health!”
- به سلامتی همه. (Be salâmati-ye hame.) “To the health of everyone.”
- عطسهات به سلامتی. (Atse-at be salâmati.) “Bless you” (said after a sneeze).
Cultural note
به سلامتی is deeply embedded in Persian social life and extends well beyond drinking toasts. Iranians say it after a sneeze, after hearing that someone has recovered from illness, and when wishing a traveler a safe journey. The emphasis on health as a supreme blessing reflects a broader cultural value: no matter what else is wished for, good health comes first. In gatherings where alcoholic drinks are consumed, به سلامتی serves the same communal role as “cheers” in English, accompanied by eye contact and the clinking of glasses.