What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 만나다 (to meet) in its connective form 만나서 (meeting/because I met) and the adjective 반갑다 (to be glad/happy).
Which one should you use?
The default form 만나서 반가워요 uses the polite -요 ending, making it suitable for most everyday social situations with strangers. Other forms include the formal 만나서 반갑습니다 or 반갑습니다, and the informal 만나서 반가워.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 만나서 반갑습니다 is the formal version of the phrase, used in professional settings or when speaking to someone significantly older. The form 만나서 반가워 is the casual version used with people of the same age or those younger than you in an informal setting.
How do you pronounce it?
mannaseo bangawoyo
When do people say it?
It is customary to perform a slight bow while saying a greeting phrase in Korean culture.
Did you know?
- When meeting a superior, it is common to use 반갑습니다 while avoiding direct eye contact, as staring during a first introduction can be seen as aggressive.
- The verb 만나다 used in this phrase can also mean 'to date' or 'to be in a relationship with' in other contexts.
- In much more formal or traditional settings, such as a first meeting with a dignitary, you might use 처음 뵙겠습니다 instead of the standard 'nice to meet you'.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요, 저는 김지현입니다. 만나서 반갑습니다.Hello, I am Ji-hyeon Kim. It is nice to meet you.
- 반갑습니다. 제 이름은 박수민입니다.It is nice to meet you. My name is Su-min Park.
- 안녕, 나는 지현이야. 만나서 반가워.Hey, I'm Ji-hyeon. It's nice to meet you.
- 만나서 반가워요.mannaseo bangawoyo.It is nice to meet you.
- 처음 뵙겠습니다, 만나서 반가워요.cheoeum buepgetseumnida, mannaseo bangawoyo.How do you do, it is nice to meet you.
- 오늘 만나서 반가워요.oneul mannaseo bangawoyo.It is nice to meet you today.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun meet for the first time at a social gathering.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 만나서 반가워요.Jihun ssi, mannaseo bangawoyo.Jihun, it is nice to meet you.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 민지 씨도 만나서 반가워요.Ne, Minji ssi-do mannaseo bangawoyo.Yes, it is nice to meet you too, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji이야기 많이 들었어요.iyagi mani deureosseoyo.I have heard a lot about you.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말요? 감사합니다.jeongmallyo? gamsahamnida.Really? Thank you.
