What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 만나서, which means "meeting (you)" or "because I met you" and 반가워요, which means "am glad" or "am happy".
Which one should you use?
While 만나서 반가워요 is a standard polite way to express this, 처음 뵙겠습니다 is a more formal and professional alternative. It literally translates to "It's the first time seeing you" and is often used in very formal introductions.
How does it change in a sentence?
To increase formality, you can replace the polite ending -요 with the formal -습니다 to create 만나서 반갑습니다.
How do you pronounce it?
mannaseo bangawoyo
When do people say it?
When greeting someone for the first time, it is customary in Korean culture to bow slightly as a sign of respect. If someone says they are glad to meet you, you can respond by saying 저도 반가워요, which means "Nice to meet you, too" by adding 저도 (me too) to the beginning.
Did you know?
- While 만나서 반가워요 is common, Koreans often omit the 'nice to meet you' part entirely and ask about the other person's age or job immediately to determine the correct level of politeness to use.
- While English speakers often offer a handshake during a first meeting, in Korea, it is more common to rely on the bow, and a handshake should only follow the bow if the other person initiates it.
- The word 반갑다 in 반가워요 is a special adjective that describes a feeling of joy specifically triggered by seeing or meeting someone or something unexpected.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요. 만나서 반갑습니다.Hello. Nice to meet you.
- 만나서 반가워요.mannaseo bangawoyo.Nice to meet you.
- 처음 뵙겠습니다. 만나서 반가워요.cheoeum boepgetseumnida. mannaseo bangawoyo.It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time.
- 지훈 씨, 만나서 반가워요.Jihoon ssi, mannaseo bangawoyo.Jihoon, it is nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are meeting at a social gathering.
- 지훈 Ji-hun안녕하세요, 지은 씨. 만나서 반가워요.annyeonghaseyo, Jieun ssi. mannaseo bangawoyo.Hello, Jieun. Nice to meet you.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 지훈 씨. 저도 만나서 반가워요.ne, Jihoon ssi. jeodo mannaseo bangawoyo.Yes, Jihoon. It is nice to meet you too.
- 지훈 Ji-hun말씀 많이 들었어요.malsseum mani deureosseoyo.I have heard a lot about you.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말요? 감사합니다.jeongmallyo? gamsahamnida.Really? Thank you.
