לְחַיִּים
lechayim
L'chaim means to life, and it is the toast before a drink
What it means
L'chaim is the Hebrew toast: le, to, and chayim, life. Glasses go up, someone says l'chaim, everyone answers l'chaim and drinks. The ch is the throaty sound of Bach, not the ch of chair.
When Israelis say it
Any drink with company: wine on Friday night, a whisky at a celebration, coffee among friends as a joke. In religious families a l'chaim is also the small party that marks an engagement.
How to answer
L'chaim, the same word, then drink.
Frequently asked questions
How do you spell l'chaim?
L'chaim, lechaim and l'chayim are all used in English. In Hebrew it is one word, לחיים.
How do you answer l'chaim?
With l'chaim. Some add a wish, such as to good health, before they drink.