è stato un piacere conoscerti
The English phrase "it was nice to meet you" is translated into Italian as è stato un piacere conoscerti.
This is a polite phrase used to say goodbye to someone you have met for the first time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase è stato un piacere conoscerti literally translates to "it was a pleasure to know you".
Which one should you use?
The full phrase è stato un piacere conoscerti is used when you are departing. In contrast, the shorter version piacere di conoscerti is often used as a greeting upon first meeting someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
To adjust the level of formality, use the form conoscerla instead of conoscerti when speaking in a formal context. If you wish to say "it was a pleasure to meet each other", you can change the ending to conoscerci.
When do people say it?
A common and polite response to this phrase is il piacere è mio, which means "the pleasure is mine".
Did you know?
- In Italy, saying è stato un piacere conoscerti is often accompanied by a light handshake or a double cheek kiss, depending on the level of familiarity and the region.
- While conoscerti means 'to meet you', the verb conoscere is also used for knowing a city, a book or a famous person.
- The word piacere shares a common ancestor with the English word 'please', as both stem from the Latin placēre, meaning to be pleasing.
Examples in context
- Grazie, è stato un piacere conoscerti.Thank you, it was nice to meet you.
- Sì, è stato un piacere conoscerti davvero.Yes, it was truly nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are saying goodbye after a first meeting at a party.
- MartinaCiao Lorenzo, è stato un piacere conoscerti.Goodbye Lorenzo, it was nice to meet you.
- LorenzoAnche per me, Martina. A presto!For me too, Martina. See you soon!
- MartinaA presto, buona serata.See you soon, have a good evening.
- LorenzoGrazie, anche a te.Thank you, you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries piacere, stato, un, è, CC BY-SA 4.0.
