- A polite and friendly expression used when greeting someone you already know.
- Can also be used when leaving someone you've just met (It was nice meeting you), but here it refers to greeting someone known.
Explanation
Origin
- A straightforward expression of pleasure upon encountering someone familiar.
- Part of standard polite social interaction formulas that developed over time.
- Reinforces social bonds by explicitly stating positive feeling about the meeting.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- (Not many direct slang replacements; the sentiment is usually covered by an enthusiastic greeting like Hey! or Yo! combined with a smile/positive body language)
Milder/Standard:
- Good to see you.
- It's pleasant seeing you again.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in almost all situations when greeting someone you know, from informal to formal.
- A standard, safe, and positive expression.
- Note the difference: Nice to see you (for someone you know) vs. Nice to meet you (for a first encounter).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The primary confusion is between Nice to see you (for someone known) and Nice to meet you (for a first meeting). Using the wrong one can sound a little odd.
Examples
- Hi Mark! Nice to see you again.
- Good morning, Mrs. Gable. Nice to see you.
Dialogue
Teacher: Ah, Mr. Davies. Nice to see you. Please come in.
Parent: Nice to see you too, Ms. Evans. Thanks for meeting with me.
Teacher: Of course. Have a seat. How are you doing?
Social Media Examples
- Comment on a friend's photo: Nice to see your smiling face! Hope you're well.
- Reply in a video call: Hey! Nice to see you! Thanks for joining.
- Email pleasantry: It was nice to see you at the conference yesterday.
Response Patterns
- Nice to see you too. / You too.
- Good to see you.
- Thanks, you too.
- Often followed by How are you? or similar.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After saying Nice to see you:
- Often followed by How are you?, How have you been?, or engaging in conversation.
After hearing Nice to see you:
- Respond with You too or similar.
- Engage with any follow-up questions.
Conversation Starter
- Yes.
- Often used immediately after the initial Hi or Hello when meeting someone you know. Part of the greeting sequence.
Intonation
- Warm, friendly tone.
- Often emphasizes Nice. NICE to see you.
- Generally falling intonation at the end, stating a pleasant fact.
Generation Differences
- Used and understood by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Universal in all English-speaking regions. Lovely to see you might be heard more in the UK/Commonwealth.