më vjen mirë që të njoh
më vjen mirë që të njoh is the Albanian phrase for "nice to meet you".
This phrase is a polite expression used to communicate that you are happy to meet someone for the first time.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, më vjen mirë që të njoh translates to "it comes to me good that I know you".
Which one should you use?
The form më vjen mirë që të njoh is used when speaking to a peer, a younger person or someone you are on a first-name basis with. In contrast, if you are addressing elders or using a formal register, you should use më vjen mirë që ju njoh.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Gheg Albanian, the phrase Mirë u pash! is used to say "Good to see you!"
When do people say it?
When someone says më vjen mirë që të njoh, a natural and common response is po as mua, which means "yes, me too".
Did you know?
- The phrase's literal meaning, 'it comes to me good', mirrors a common Albanian way of expressing emotions as things that 'come' to a person rather than feelings they 'have'.
- The word mirë in this phrase originally comes from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'peace'. While it now translates as 'good' or 'nice', its oldest meaning was rooted in tranquility.
- Albanian distinguishes between greeting a peer and an elder through the pronouns të and ju. Using the informal version with a superior could be perceived as a significant social breach.
Examples in context
- Shpresoj të jemi miq të mirë. Unë jam Maria, gëzohem që u njoha.I hope we become good friends. I am Maria, pleased to have met you.
- Gëzohem që te njoh. Unë jam Marku.I am glad to meet you. I am Mark.
Example conversation
Arjana and Dritan are introduced by a mutual friend at a cafe.
- ArjanaPërshëndetje, unë jam Arjana.Hello, I am Arjana.
- DritanPërshëndetje Arjana, unë jam Dritani.Hello Arjana, I am Dritan.
- ArjanaMë vjen mirë që të njoh, Dritan.Nice to meet you, Dritan.
- DritanEdhe mua më vjen mirë që të njoh!Nice to meet you too!
