piacere di conoscerti
piacere di conoscerti is the Italian way to say "nice to meet you".
This phrase is a polite expression used to greet someone for the first time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of piacere (pleasure), di (of/to) and conoscerti (to know you).
Which one should you use?
Use piacere di conoscerti when addressing someone you will treat as an equal or a friend (the tu form). If you are meeting more than one person for the first time, use piacere di conoscervi instead.
When do people say it?
A common and polite way to respond to piacere di conoscerti is to say piacere mio, which means "the pleasure is mine".
Did you know?
- In many social situations, Italians shorten the full phrase to just one word: Piacere! This is often accompanied by a firm handshake or a light kiss on both cheeks.
- The word piacere shares the same Latin root, 'placere', as the English word 'please'.
- In Italy, failing to maintain eye contact while saying piacere can be perceived as a lack of sincerity or confidence.
Examples in context
- Piacere di conoscerti, Ken.Nice to meet you, Ken.This example shows how to use piacere di conoscerti when addressing a specific person.Tatoeba #2780699 by Guybrush88, translation #267038 by CP
- Piacere di conoscerti.Nice to meet you.This is a simple way to use the phrase piacere di conoscerti.Tatoeba #967837 by Guybrush88, translation #499617 by Shishir
- Piacere di conoscerti, mi chiamo Carlos.Nice to meet you, my name is Carlos.This example demonstrates using piacere di conoscerti when introducing yourself.Tatoeba #9035420 by carlosalberto, translation #9035393 by carlosalberto
- Piacere di conoscerla, Signor Rossi.Nice to meet you, Mr. Rossi.
- Piacere, Marco!Nice to meet you, Marco!
- Piacere, Sara! Come stai?Nice to meet you, Sara! How are you?
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo meet at a mutual friend's party.
- GiuliaCiao, sono Giulia.Hi, I am Giulia.
- MatteoPiacere di conoscerti, Giulia. Io sono Matteo.Nice to meet you, Giulia. I am Matteo.
- GiuliaIl piacere è mio, Matteo.The pleasure is mine, Matteo.
- MatteoGrazie, sei molto gentile.Thank you, you are very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, piacere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
