drago mi je
The English phrase "nice to meet you" is translated into Croatian as drago mi je.
This expression is a polite way to convey that you are pleased to meet someone for the first time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase drago mi je literally translates to "it is dear to me".
Which one should you use?
Zadovoljstvo mi je means "It is my pleasure", Drago mi je upoznati vas means "I'm pleased to meet you" and Lijepo vas je upoznati means "It's nice to meet you". Divno te upoznati means "Lovely to meet you".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase drago mi je, the neuter adjective drago (meaning dear or pleasant) functions as the subject of the sentence.
Did you know?
- The word drago shares a root with the word for 'dear' and 'expensive', reflecting a linguistic link between emotional value and monetary cost.
- In many parts of Croatia, when saying drago mi je, a slight, polite nod of the head is often expected to accompany the spoken words to show genuine sincerity.
- If you use divno te upoznati, you are using a phrasing that is much more common in translated movies and literature than in spontaneous daily speech.
Examples in context
- Drago mi je što smo se upoznali.Nice to meet you (literally: It is a pleasure that we have met).
- Drago mi je, ja sam Marko.Nice to meet you, I am Marko.
- Ivana, drago mi je što te upoznajem.Ivana, it is nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Mia and Luka are being introduced at a social gathering.
- MiaZdravo, ja sam Mia.Hello, I am Mia.
- LukaDrago mi je, ja sam Luka.Nice to meet you, I am Luka.
- MiaDrago mi je što te upoznajem, Luka.It is nice to meet you, Luka.
- LukaI meni je drago.The pleasure is mine.
