merhaba, memnun oldum
The English phrase 'hello nice to meet you' is translated into Turkish as merhaba, memnun oldum.
This phrase is a polite greeting used when meeting someone for the first time. It combines the greeting Merhaba, which means 'hello', with the expression memnun oldum, which conveys the meaning of 'nice to meet you'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase memnun oldum literally translates to 'I became pleased' or 'I became satisfied'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The expression memnun oldum is in the first-person singular past tense, which is the standard way to express 'nice to meet you' in Turkish. Additionally, the word sizi is used to mean 'you' in a plural or formal sense.
When do people say it?
When someone says memnun oldum to you, a natural and common response is ben de, which means 'me too' or 'likewise'.
Did you know?
- The word merhaba is actually a request for hospitality, originally meaning 'welcome' or 'you are in a spacious place'. It was intended to tell a guest they were in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
- Turkish culture often accompanies the phrase memnun oldum with a slight nod of the head or a firm handshake to signal sincerity.
- While merhaba is a standard greeting, it is often considered slightly more formal or 'textbook' than selam, which is the much more common, casual way to say 'hi' among friends.
Example conversation
Two new colleagues meeting for the first time at the office.
- MehmetMerhaba, memnun oldum. Ben Mehmet.Hello, nice to meet you. I am Mehmet.
- MerveMerhaba Mehmet, ben de memnun oldum.Hello Mehmet, I am glad to meet you too.
- MehmetBurada çalışmak güzel olacak.It will be nice to work here.
- MerveEvet, kesinlikle öyle.Yes, definitely so.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries memnun, merhaba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
