‘Jìng jiǔ’ literally means ‘to respectfully offer wine’ — combining 敬 (jìng), meaning ‘to respect, to honor’, and 酒 (jiǔ), meaning ‘alcoholic drink’, especially wine or baijiu. As a verb, it refers to the act of raising one’s glass to honor someone during a meal or celebration, often accompanied by a short speech or well-wishes. It is a key part of Chinese dining etiquette, especially at banquets, weddings, or business dinners.

This gesture expresses respect, gratitude, or goodwill toward elders, guests of honor, or superiors. The person offering the toast typically holds their glass lower than the recipient’s as a sign of humility. While traditionally associated with alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks may be used in modern or health-conscious settings. ‘Jìng jiǔ’ is not merely drinking — it’s a ritualized social act that reinforces relationships and hierarchy.