ravi de vous rencontrer
The French phrase for "lovely to meet you" is ravi de vous rencontrer.
This phrase is a polite expression used specifically when meeting someone for the first time. It is not used when greeting someone you already know.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "delighted to meet you".
Which one should you use?
The form ravi de vous rencontrer is suitable for formal situations or when addressing more than one person. In contrast, the informal version replaces vous with te to become ravi de te rencontrer, which is used with people your own age or younger.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the person speaking is female, the adjective must take an extra e to become ravie. For example, a woman would say ravie de vous rencontrer.
Did you know?
- The word ravi shares its roots with the English word 'ravish', which originally meant to seize or carry away by force.
- While ravi de vous rencontrer is standard, the alternative enchanté suggests you are literally 'enchanted' or put under a spell by the meeting.
- If you are meeting someone in a very formal business setting in France, a firm handshake is expected to accompany this phrase, but the grip should be brief.
Examples in context
- C'est un plaisir, ravi de vous rencontrer.It is a pleasure, lovely to meet you.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan meet at a professional networking event.
- ChloéBonjour, je suis Chloé, ravie de vous rencontrer.Hello, I am Chloé, lovely to meet you.
- NathanBonjour Chloé, je suis Nathan, ravi de vous rencontrer.Hello Chloé, I am Nathan, lovely to meet you.
- ChloéVous travaillez dans quel secteur ?What sector do you work in?
- NathanJe travaille dans le marketing.I work in marketing.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, ravi, rencontrer, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
