French for Intermediate Learners: Proposing a Toast in Public and Formal Settings
Learn to propose a short, formal public toast in French with set phrases, polite structure, and register guidance for events.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
In French, proposing a toast is not the same as congratulating someone on an achievement. A toast is a short public speech that invites others to raise their glasses. It usually follows a fixed polite frame: you announce your intention, address the guests, say one or two warm sentences, then invite everyone to drink. This lesson gives you the standard phrases for that moment and shows how to keep it brief and formal.
By the end, you can…
- propose a toast in French using a polite, public formula.
- keep a toast short and formal without confusing it with a congratulation speech.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Je voudrais proposer un toast.
I would like to propose a toast.
zhuh voo-DREH pro-poh-ZAY uhn tohst
Standard opening. The conditional 'voudrais' makes it polite and appropriate for a formal setting.
Levons notre verre à…
Let's raise our glass to…
luh-VOHN nuh-truh vair ah
A common inclusive formula. The imperative 'levons' means 'let's raise' and invites everyone to join.
À la santé de…
To the health of…
ah lah sahn-TAY duh
Very common before a person's name or title. It is neutral and appropriate in most public contexts.
Je porte un toast à…
I raise a toast to…
zhuh port uhn tohst ah
Slightly more formal and literary than 'lever son verre'. Useful when you want a polished, written-style sentence.
Mesdames, Messieurs, chers collègues…
Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues…
may-DAM, may-SYUH, shair koh-LEG
A formal way to address a mixed or professional audience before the toast itself.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is: polite opening + inclusive invitation + dedication. For example: 'Je voudrais proposer un toast. Levons notre verre à la santé de notre directrice.' You can also use 'Je porte un toast à…' or 'À la santé de…'. Keep the structure to three short moves: announce, address, dedicate. This keeps the toast brief and public, unlike a longer congratulation speech.
When to use it
Use this language at dinners, receptions, retirements, or official gatherings when you speak in front of a group. It is not for a private 'bravo' after an exam. For a colleague's promotion, for example, say 'Levons notre verre à sa réussite' rather than a long personal tribute. In Quebec, 'santé' is common in the same formula, and the toast remains short and public.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Mesdames, Messieurs, je voudrais proposer un toast.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to propose a toast.may-DAM, may-SYUH, zhuh voo-DREH pro-poh-ZAY uhn tohstBien sûr, nous vous écoutons.
Of course, we're listening to you.byan sewr, noo voo zay-koo-TOHNLevons notre verre à la santé de notre collègue et à sa nouvelle responsabilité.
Let's raise our glass to our colleague's health and to his new responsibility.luh-VOHN nuh-truh vair ah lah sahn-TAY duh nuh-truh koh-LEG ay ah sah noo-VEL res-pon-sah-bee-lee-TAYÀ sa santé !
To his health!ah sah sahn-TAYA little context goes a long way
In France, a toast is often short and can be followed by 'santé' or 'tchin-tchin' when glasses are clinked. In more formal settings, keep eye contact and avoid a long speech. In Quebec and parts of Canada, the same formal frame works, but 'santé' is very frequent. Avoid overly familiar formulas with superiors unless the atmosphere is clearly informal.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Félicitations !' as the main toast line.
Try this instead: 'Félicitations' congratulates a person; it does not invite people to drink. For a toast, say 'Levons notre verre à…' or 'À la santé de…'. Example: 'Levons notre verre à la réussite de notre équipe.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you propose a toast politely in a formal French setting?
Show a sample answer
Je voudrais proposer un toast.
This uses the conditional 'voudrais' for politeness and clearly announces the toast. 'Je propose un toast' is also possible but less formal.
2What phrase invites everyone to raise their glass to someone?
Show a sample answer
Levons notre verre à la santé de…
'Levons' is an inclusive imperative meaning 'let's raise'. 'Portons un toast à…' is another valid formal alternative.
3Which phrase is a toast rather than a congratulation?
Show a sample answer
À la santé de notre collègue !
This dedicates the toast and invites drinking. 'Félicitations pour ta promotion' congratulates but does not function as a toast.
Keep a French toast to three moves: announce it politely, invite everyone with 'Levons notre verre', and dedicate it briefly. Save longer congratulations for a separate speech.
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