만나서 반가워요
mannaseo bangawoyo
만나서 반가워요 (mannaseo bangawoyo) is the Korean way to say "nice to meet you".
This phrase is used specifically during an initial introduction when meeting someone for the first time.
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?
There are more formal versions such as 만나서 반갑습니다 or 처음 뵙겠습니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 만나서 반갑습니다 is a formal version used in professional settings. The casual version 만나서 반가워 is used in informal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
mannaseo bangawoyo
Did you know?
- When shaking hands while saying 만나서 반가워요, it is common for the right hand to be supported by the left hand on the wrist or forearm as a sign of extra politeness.
- In very formal introductions, Koreans may avoid using the word 'I' or 'you' entirely. The phrase 만나서 반갑습니다 functions perfectly without any pronouns, as the context makes the subjects clear.
- While you might say 'nice to meet you' while looking someone in the eye, it is often more polite in Korea to slightly lower your gaze or bow your head when saying 만나서 반가워요.
Examples in context
- 처음 뵙겠습니다Nice to meet you
- 김 선생님, 처음 뵙겠습니다Nice to meet you, Teacher Kim
- 만나서 반가워요.Mannaseo bangawoyo.Nice to meet you.
- 아, 만나서 반가워요, 수빈 씨.A, mannaseo bangawoyo, Subin ssi.Ah, nice to meet you, Subin.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are meeting for the first time at a social gathering.
- 수빈 Su-bin안녕하세요, 현우 씨 맞으시죠? 만나서 반가워요.Annyeonghaseyo, Hyunwoo ssi majeusi-jyo? Mannaseo bangawoyo.Hello, you are Hyunwoo, right? Nice to meet you.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 맞아요. 수빈 씨, 만나서 반가워요.Ne, majayo. Subin ssi, mannaseo bangawoyo.Yes, that's right. Subin, nice to meet you.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 반갑습니다.Jeongmal bangapseumnida.I am very glad to meet you.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저도요.Jeodoyo.Me too.
