This workshop helps you speak at a formal gathering in Japanese. You will practice a short toast speech, respond when someone else leads a toast, and use a polite closing wish. The recordings give you the exact lines to say. Listen, repeat, and then try the three speaking tasks. You can play both roles with the audio, and the answer notes and self-check criteria are visible so you can compare your speech.
Opening a Formal Toast
A toast often starts with a polite thank-you to the guests. The line «本日はお集まりいただき、ありがとうございます。» means 'Thank you all for gathering here today.' It is a formal opening that fits a public toast. After that, you can announce that you are the one leading the toast. The line «乾杯の音頭を取らせていただきます。» means 'I would like to propose a toast.' It is a polite, formal way to say you are taking the role of toast leader. Together, these two lines make a simple, respectful opening. Say them slowly and clearly. Keep your voice calm and your glass ready.
Calling the Toast and Closing
The actual toast call is short. The line «それでは、乾杯！» means 'Now then, cheers!' Say it clearly and raise your glass. Do not rush it. After the toast, you can add a formal blessing. The line «皆様のご多幸をお祈り申し上げます。» means 'I wish you all every happiness.' It is often used after the toast or at the end of a congratulatory speech. In a real exchange, one person may lead and another may respond. The line «乾杯！» means 'Cheers!' and is the natural reply when someone else calls the toast. Listen for the call, then respond with the same short word.
Hearing the Difference Between Roles
In a dialogue, the leader and the guest have different lines. The leader may say «皆様、本日はお集まりいただき、ありがとうございます。», which means 'Everyone, thank you for gathering here today.' The guest may reply with «ありがとうございます。素敵な会ですね。», which means 'Thank you. It is a lovely gathering.' Later, the leader can combine the opening and the call. The line «それでは、乾杯の音頭を取らせていただきます。ご唱和をお願いいたします。乾杯！» means 'Now then, I would like to propose a toast. Please join me. Cheers!' Notice that the leader speaks longer and the guest answers briefly. When you practice, decide which role you are playing before you speak.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
乾杯の音頭を取らせていただきます。
I would like to propose a toast.
Kanpai no ondo o torasete itadakimasu.
本日はお集まりいただき、ありがとうございます。
Thank you all for gathering here today.
Honjitsu wa o-atsumari itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu.
それでは、乾杯！
Now then, cheers!
Sore de wa, kanpai!
皆様のご多幸をお祈り申し上げます。
I wish you all every happiness.
Minasama no go-takō o o-inori mōshiagemasu.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
皆様、本日はお集まりいただき、ありがとうございます。
Everyone, thank you for gathering here today.ありがとうございます。素敵な会ですね。
Thank you. It is a lovely gathering.それでは、乾杯の音頭を取らせていただきます。ご唱和をお願いいたします。乾杯！
Now then, I would like to propose a toast. Please join me. Cheers!乾杯！
Cheers!Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Toast Exchange
Imagine you are at a formal reception. You are the toast leader. A guest is waiting for your opening and your call.
Your task: Say the opening thank-you line «本日はお集まりいただき、ありがとうございます。». Then say the toast leader line «乾杯の音頭を取らせていただきます。». Finally, say the toast call «それでは、乾杯！». Pause after each line as if a guest is listening.
Reply Comprehension and Choice
You hear a leader speak at a gathering. You need to choose the right reply for a guest.
Your task: Listen to «皆様、本日はお集まりいただき、ありがとうございます。» and «それでは、乾杯の音頭を取らせていただきます。ご唱和をお願いいたします。乾杯！». After «皆様、本日はお集まりいただき、ありがとうございます。», choose the guest reply «ありがとうございます。素敵な会ですね。». After the toast call in «それでは、乾杯の音頭を取らせていただきます。ご唱和をお願いいたします。乾杯！», choose the guest reply «乾杯！». Say both replies aloud.
Recall with Correct Roles
You will now recall the full exchange without looking at the lines. One person is the leader and one is the guest.
Your task: As the leader, say «皆様、本日はお集まりいただき、ありがとうございます。», then «それでは、乾杯の音頭を取らせていただきます。ご唱和をお願いいたします。乾杯！». As the guest, say «ありがとうございます。素敵な会ですね。» after the first line and «乾杯！» after the toast call. Then switch roles and repeat.
Common questions
Can I use these lines at any formal gathering?
These lines are polite and formal. They fit a reception or a public toast. The opening «本日はお集まりいただき、ありがとうございます。» thanks guests for gathering. The toast call «それでは、乾杯！» is short and clear. The closing wish «皆様のご多幸をお祈り申し上げます。» adds a formal blessing. Use them when the situation calls for a respectful toast.
What should I say if someone else leads the toast?
When another person leads, you are the guest. Listen for the toast call. Then reply with «乾杯！», which means 'Cheers!' You can also use «ありがとうございます。素敵な会ですね。» earlier in the exchange to thank the speaker and comment on the gathering. Keep your reply short and natural.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: give toast at eventChecked September 2026
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