What does it mean word for word?
The phrase تشرفنا is a verb in the past tense that literally means "we were honored" (by meeting you).
Which one should you use?
While تشرفنا is the most common set phrase, the more grammatically precise way to say "I am honored to meet you" in Modern Standard Arabic is تشرفتُ بك.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
تشرفنا is a common, slightly more informal or standardized version. For more formal situations, you can use من دواعي سروري لقائك (It is my pleasure to meet you), أنا سعيد بلقائك (I am happy to meet you) or سعيد جداً بلقائك (Extremely happy to meet you). In informal settings, you might say فرحت بلقائك (I am delighted to meet you).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Gulf countries, you might use مسرور بلقائك to mean "Pleased to meet you".
How does it change in a sentence?
Although تشرفنا (we were honored) is used widely as a set phrase, the grammatically precise form for "I was honored by you" is تشرفتُ بك.
How do you pronounce it?
tasharrafna
When do people say it?
When someone says تشرفنا to you, a common polite response is الشرف لنا, which means "the honor is ours".
Did you know?
- The word تشرفنا is derived from the root شرف, which relates to high places and heights, suggesting that meeting someone 'elevates' the speaker.
- Even when meeting a single person, speakers often use the plural 'we' in تشرفنا instead of 'I'. This is a common cultural way to include one's family or community in the greeting.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, the phrase تشرفنا is often accompanied by a slight bow or a hand placed over the heart. This physical gesture reinforces the verbal expression of honor and sincerity.
Examples in context
- تشرفنا بك.tasharrafna bik.Nice to meet you.
- تشرفنا بمعرفتك.tasharrafna bi-ma'rifatik.Nice to meet you (literally: honored to know you).
Example conversation
Mariam and Omar meet for the first time at a social gathering.
- مريم Maryamمرحباً، أنا مريم.Marhaban, ana Mariam.Hello, I am Mariam.
- عمر Omarأهلاً مريم، أنا عمر. تشرفنا.Ahlan Mariam, ana Omar. Tasharrafna.Hello Mariam, I am Omar. Nice to meet you.
- مريم Maryamالشرف لي يا عمر.Ash-sharaf li ya Omar.The pleasure is mine, Omar.
- عمر Omarشكراً جزيلاً لكِ.Shukran jazilan laki.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries تشرفنا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
