Nice to see you

[0016] Pleasure to meet you

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A polite and somewhat formal expression used when being introduced to someone for the first time.
  • It conveys that you are happy about the introduction.

Origin

  • Derived from standard polite social conventions in English-speaking cultures.
  • Expressing 'pleasure' makes the initial interaction positive and respectful.
  • It's a conventional phrase established over time for formal introductions.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Nice to meet you. (Most common, standard politeness)
  • Good to meet you. (Slightly more casual than 'Pleasure')
  • Delighted to meet you. (More formal and enthusiastic)
  • Charmed. (Old-fashioned, very formal, sometimes theatrical)
  • How do you do? (Very formal, primarily British English, often a statement rather than a question needing a detailed answer; the traditional response is also How do you do?)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal (Not direct substitutes, used in much more casual first meetings):

  • Hey, good meetin' ya.
  • What's up? / How's it goin'? (Used upon meeting, but not specifically about the *pleasure* of meeting)

Milder/Standard:

  • Nice to meet you.
  • Good to meet you.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate in formal and semi-formal situations (business meetings, conferences, meeting partner's parents).
  • Can sound a bit stiff or overly formal in very casual settings (e.g., a party with close friends). Nice to meet you is more versatile.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Low risk of misunderstanding. The meaning is quite literal and conventional.
  • Non-native speakers should be aware it's generally reserved for the *first* meeting. Saying it again upon subsequent meetings would be odd.

Examples

  • Mr. Davison, this is Dr. Anya Sharma. Dr. Sharma, pleasure to meet you.
  • After shaking hands: It was a pleasure to meet you, Sarah.

Dialogue

Host: David, I'd like you to meet Elena Petrova, our guest speaker.

David: Ms. Petrova, pleasure to meet you. I've heard great things about your work.

Elena: Thank you, David. The pleasure's all mine. Please, call me Elena.

David: Alright, Elena. Did you have a smooth journey here?

Social Media Examples

  • LinkedIn comment on an introductory post: Welcome to the team, [Name]! Pleasure to meet you virtually, looking forward to collaborating.
  • Email after a meeting: Dear [Name], It was a pleasure to meet you today at the conference...

Response Patterns

  • The pleasure is mine. (Equally formal)
  • Likewise. (Common, slightly less formal)
  • You too. / Nice to meet you too. (Common, standard politeness)
  • Thank you, you as well.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • Usually followed by a handshake (in person).
  • The conversation typically moves to small talk immediately after, e.g., Did you travel far to get here? or So, how do you know [the person who introduced you]?
  • After responding Likewise or You too, one might initiate the small talk.

Conversation Starter

  • No. It's almost exclusively used immediately after an introduction is made, either by a third party or by oneself.

Intonation

  • Typically spoken with a warm, polite tone.
  • Emphasis often falls on Pleasure and meet.
  • PLEAsure to MEET you.
  • Often accompanied by a smile and direct eye contact.

Generation Differences

  • Used across most adult generations in appropriate settings.
  • Might be perceived as slightly more formal by very young generations (teens, early twenties) who may default to Nice to meet you.

Regional Variations

  • Standard across major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) in formal contexts.
Nice to see you
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