conocerse
/konoθeɾse/from spelling rules
To meet for the first time in Spanish is conocerse.
The phrase refers to being introduced to someone or encountering another person for the initial time. In Spanish, the verb conocer inherently carries the meaning of the initial encounter or being introduced, so adding "for the first time" is often redundant.
Which one should you use?
While conocer means to know or meet someone, the reflexive form conocerse is specifically used when two or more people meet one another.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase Gusto en conocerte is used to say "Nice to meet you".
How does it change in a sentence?
conocerse is a reflexive verb, which implies the two people are meeting each other. To express that two people met for the first time in the past, use the preterite form se conocieron.
How do you pronounce it?
/konoθeɾse/
Did you know?
- Spanish distinguishes between conocer, used for meeting people, and saber, used for knowing facts. You can conocer a person but saber their phone number.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, when meeting someone for the first time, a single kiss on the cheek is a common formal greeting between women or between a man and a woman. This is more common than the English handshake.
- While 'conocer' means to meet, it also means 'to know' a place or a thing. You can say 'conozco Madrid' to mean 'I have been to Madrid' or 'I know the city'.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a mutual acquaintance.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿cuándo quieres conocerse con mi hermano?Daniel, when do you want to meet my brother for the first time?
- DanielMe gustaría conocerse este fin de semana.I would like to meet him for the first time this weekend.
- ElenaPerfecto, podemos ir al cine juntos.Perfect, we can go to the movies together.
- DanielMe parece una idea excelente, Elena.That sounds like an excellent idea, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
