How To Toast Like A Georgian: Key Phrases For The Supra
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If you’re invited to a Georgian home, you’ll almost certainly experience a supra (სუფრა). This isn’t just a dinner party; it’s a traditional feast that is a huge part of Georgian culture. At the heart of the supra is the art of toasting, a structured and meaningful ritual led by a toastmaster, or tamada (თამადა).
Understanding the basics of toasting will make your experience much more fun and meaningful. This guide will teach you the key phrases and etiquette you need to know to toast like a true Georgian.
Table of Contents:
The role of the tamada (toastmaster)
Before we get to the phrases, you need to know about the tamada. This person is the leader of the table, chosen for their eloquence, wit, and ability to guide the feast.
The tamada introduces each toast. Nobody else should propose a toast or drink before the tamada does. They set the topic, give a short speech, and then other guests can add their own thoughts before everyone drinks together. The tamada keeps the evening flowing and makes sure everyone feels included.
The three most important toasting words
Even if you don’t remember anything else, these three words will help you get by at any supra.
| Georgian | Transliteration | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| გაუმარჯოს! | Gaumarjos! | ”Victory to…!” / “Cheers!” | This is the main word for toasting. You say it at the end of a toast, right before you drink. |
| ალავერდი | Alaverdi | ”I pass the turn to you” | The tamada might say “Alaverd-shen!” (The toast is passed to you!) to invite you to speak on the current toast’s theme. |
| ბოლომდე! | Bolomde! | ”To the bottom!” | For very important toasts, the tamada might ask everyone to drink their entire glass by saying “Bolomde!“. Pace yourself! |
The most essential word here is Gaumarjos! It literally means “Victory to…” but it’s used like “Cheers!” or “Long live…“. For example, if the toast is to Georgia, you say “Sakartvelos gaumarjos!” (საქართველოს გაუმარჯოს!).
The order of toasts: what to expect
While the tamada has freedom, there’s a traditional order for the first several toasts. Here are some of the most common ones you’ll hear, in the typical order they appear.
1. Toast to God (უფლის სადღეგრძელო)
The first toast is almost always to God or “The Cause of All.”
უფლის სადღეგრძელოს გაუმარჯოს!
2. Toast to Peace (მშვიდობის სადღეგრძელო)
Georgians value peace highly, so this toast comes early.
მშვიდობას გაუმარჯოს!
3. Toast to Georgia (საქართველოს სადღეგრძელო)
A patriotic toast to the homeland.
საქართველოს გაუმარჯოს!
4. Toast to the Departed (წასულების სადღეგრძელო)
This is a solemn and important toast to remember ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. For this toast, everyone stands and drinks in silence. You do not clink glasses. It is a moment of quiet respect.
5. Toast to Children and Life (შვილების და სიცოცხლის სადღეგრძელო)
After remembering the past, the focus shifts to the future—the children.
ჩვენს შვილებს გაუმარჯოს!
From here, toasts can go in many directions: to parents, to women, to the hosts of the supra, to love, to friendship, and to the specific reason for the gathering.
While the core toasts are universal in Georgia, some regional variations exist. In the wine region of Kakheti, for instance, supras can be very long with dozens of toasts. In mountainous areas like Svaneti, toasts might be dedicated to specific local saints or historical heroes.
A sample toast
Let’s see how a simple toast works in practice.
Tamada:
მეგობრებო, ეს სადღეგრძელო ჩვენი მშობლების არის. მათ გვაცოცხლეს, გაგვზარდეს, და ყველაფერი, რაც ვართ, მათი დამსახურებაა. ჩვენს მშობლებს გაუმარჯოს!
Guest 1:
ვეთანხმები თამადას. ჯანმრთელად და ბედნიერად გვიმყოფოს ღმერთმა ჩვენი მშობლები. ჩვენს მშობლებს გაუმარჯოს!
Everyone together:
გაუმარჯოს!
(Everyone clinks glasses and drinks)
Tips for your first supra
Feeling a little nervous? Don’t be! Georgians are incredibly hospitable. Here are a few tips to help you feel comfortable:
- Follow the tamada’s lead. Don’t drink or start your own toast. Wait for the tamada to announce the theme.
- You don’t have to give a long speech. If the tamada passes the toast to you (Alaverdi!), you can simply say you agree with them and repeat the final phrase. For example: “ვეთანხმები თამადას. გაუმარჯოს!” (Vetanxmebi tamadas. Gaumarjos!).
- Pace yourself. You are not expected to drink your entire glass for every toast. Just take a sip. If the tamada says “Bolomde!”, that’s when you should finish your glass.
- Show respect. Pay close attention during the toast to the departed. Stand up and do not clink your glass.
- Enjoy! A supra is about connecting with people, sharing stories, and enjoying delicious food and wine. Relax and have a great time.
Now you have the basic tools to not just survive, but truly enjoy a Georgian supra. So raise your glass, listen to the beautiful words, and when the time comes, say it loud and clear: Gaumarjos!
