What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: 만나서, which is a conjunction meaning "because (I) met (you)" or "upon meeting" and 반가워요, which is the polite form of the adjective meaning "to be glad" or "to be happy" to see someone.
Which one should you use?
While 만나서 반가워요 is the standard polite version, you may encounter 만나서 반갑습니다 in more formal contexts or 만나서 반가워 in casual settings. For even more formal or professional settings, the phrase 처음 뵙는데 반갑습니다 is used, which literally translates to "It's nice to meet you for the first time."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality depends on your relationship with the person. 만나서 반갑습니다 is a formal expression commonly used in business settings or when meeting someone much older. 만나서 반가워요 is a polite standard, while 만나서 반가워 is the informal, non-polite version used with friends, peers, people of the same age or when addressing someone younger. 처음 뵙겠습니다 and 처음 뵙는데 반갑습니다 are used in very formal or professional situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the -서 connective ending to link the action of meeting with the feeling of being glad.
How do you pronounce it?
mannaseo bangawoyo
Did you know?
- In a business context, a person may say 잘 부탁드립니다 immediately after 만나서 반갑습니다 to literally ask the other person to 'take care' of them or look upon them favorably.
- While 만나서 반가워요 is used for first meetings, Koreans often avoid the word 'you' (당신) in this phrase because it can sound confrontational or overly intimate in a social setting.
- In Korea, the physical way you meet someone is as important as the words you use. When saying 만나서 반갑습니다, it is customary to perform a slight bow to show respect to the person you are meeting.
Examples in context
- 만나서 반가워요.mannaseo bangawoyo.Glad to meet you.
- 만나서 반가워요, 지은 씨.mannaseo bangawoyo, Jieun ssi.Glad to meet you, Jieun.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun meet for the first time at a social gathering.
- 지훈 Ji-hun안녕하세요, 지은 씨.annyeonghaseyo, Jieun ssi.Hello, Jieun.
- 지은 Ji-eun안녕하세요, 지훈 씨. 만나서 반가워요.annyeonghaseyo, Jihoon ssi. mannaseo bangawoyo.Hello, Jihoon. Glad to meet you.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저도 만나서 반가워요.jeodo mannaseo bangawoyo.I am glad to meet you, too.
- 지은 Ji-eun만나서 정말 반가워요.mannaseo jeongmal bangawoyo.I am really glad to meet you.
