When you meet someone new, it’s always polite to exchange pleasantries. Saying “nice to meet you” in their language can make a great impression and help foster a connection. If you want to express your pleasure at meeting someone in Romanian, here are some useful phrases for both formal and informal situations. We will also cover a few regional variations so you can navigate various Romanian-speaking areas with ease.
Table of Contents
I. Formal Expressions:
When addressing someone with respect or in a more formal setting, you can use the following phrases. Remember to pronounce each word clearly and confidently.
Nice to meet you: Îmi pare bine să vă cunosc!
This phrase is formal and is used when meeting someone for the first time or in a professional environment. Breaking it down, “Îmi pare bine” translates to “It seems good to me,” and “să vă cunosc” means “to meet you.”
Pleasure to meet you: Onoarea e a mea să vă cunosc!
This expression is a formal way to convey that meeting the person is an honor for you. “Onoarea e a mea” means “the honor is mine.”
It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance: Plăcerea este a mea să vă cunosc!
This phrase specifically emphasizes that it is your pleasure to make their acquaintance. “Plăcerea este a mea” means “the pleasure is mine.”
II. Informal Expressions:
In informal situations or when speaking to friends, family, or colleagues, you can use less formal expressions to say “nice to meet you.” These phrases are perfect for building rapport and creating a friendly atmosphere.
Nice to meet you: Mă bucur să te cunosc!
In an informal setting, you can use this phrase to convey your happiness at meeting someone. “Mă bucur să te cunosc” literally translates to “I’m glad to meet you.”
Pleasure to meet you: Îmi face plăcere să te cunosc!
This phrase emphasizes that it brings you pleasure to make their acquaintance. “Îmi face plăcere” means “it gives me pleasure.”
III. Additional Tips:
Here are a few additional tips to help you master your Romanian greetings:
- Eye contact: When saying “nice to meet you” in Romanian, maintaining eye contact is important. It shows respect and genuine interest in the conversation.
- Handshake: In formal situations, a firm and brief handshake is customary, especially when meeting someone for the first time. In informal situations, hugs or a friendly pat on the back may be more appropriate.
- Pronunciation: Romanian pronunciation can be challenging at first, but don’t worry! Practice the phrases and take your time. Locals will appreciate your efforts.
- Smile: A warm and friendly smile goes a long way in any language. It helps create a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
- Follow-up questions: To keep the conversation flowing, consider asking follow-up questions such as “Cum te simți azi?” (How are you feeling today?) or “Ce te-a adus aici?” (What brought you here?). This demonstrates your interest in getting to know the person better.
Remember, greetings are just the beginning of a conversation. Be open, respectful, and genuinely interested in the other person to establish a meaningful connection.
IV. Regional Variations:
Romania has a few regional variations in terms of greetings. While the phrases mentioned above are understood throughout the country, certain regions have their distinct expressions. Here are a couple of examples:
Transylvanian variation (formal): Înaltă onoare!
The people of Transylvania might use this phrase as a formal way of saying “nice to meet you.” It translates to “high honor” and reflects their unique dialect.
Moldavian variation (informal): Drăguț să ne cunoaștem!
In Moldova, you may hear this informal variation, which means “nice to meet you” in a friendly way. It uses the word “drăguț,” meaning “nice” or “cute.”
While these regional variations are not essential to learn, they can be a fun way to connect with locals in specific areas.
Now armed with various ways to say “nice to meet you” in Romanian, you can confidently strike up conversations with people you encounter in both formal and informal settings. Remember to practice, be genuine, and enjoy the process of making new connections!
