What does it mean word for word?
The phrase memnun oldum literally means "I became pleased". It is composed of the adjective memnun (pleased/happy) and the first-person singular past tense of the verb olmak (to be/to become).
Which one should you use?
While memnun oldum is a direct way to express pleasure, more formal or respectful alternatives exist such as Tanıştığımız için mutluyum, which translates to "I am happy for our acquaintance."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Memnun oldum is a versatile phrase that can be used in both formal and informal settings. Other variations like Tanıştığımıza memnun oldum or Sizi tanıdığıma sevindim are specifically formal ways to express your pleasure in meeting someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The more complete, formal version of the phrase often includes tanıştığımıza, a gerund meaning "our meeting" or "our acquaintance".
How do you pronounce it?
/memnun oldum/. The /m/ is like the [m] in much, /n/ is like the [n] in not and /u/ is like the [oo] in cool.
When do people say it?
When someone says memnun oldum, the standard response is ben de memnun oldum, which means "nice to meet you too". This is formed by adding the word de to mean "also" or "too".
Did you know?
- In very traditional or old-fashioned Turkish settings, a person might respond to memnun oldum by saying bilmukabele, which is a formal way of saying 'likewise'.
- In Turkish culture, saying memnun oldum is often accompanied by a light nod or a handshake, but rarely a hug upon a first meeting.
- The word memnun is actually an Arabic loanword that entered the Turkish language during the Ottoman era.
Examples in context
- Tanıştığımıza memnun oldum, Ken.Nice to meet you, Ken.This sentence shows how to use memnun oldum when addressing Ken.Tatoeba #4073777 by duran, translation #267038 by CP
- Tanıştığımıza memnun oldum, Bay Zhang.Nice to meet you, Mr. Zhang.This sentence shows how to use memnun oldum when addressing Mr. Zhang.Tatoeba #8092820 by deyta, translation #8088519 by Ricardo14
- Tanıştığımıza memnun oldum, Bayan Jones.Nice to meet you, Mrs Jones.This sentence shows how to use memnun oldum when addressing Mrs. Jones.Tatoeba #4883708 by deyta, translation #755288 by sctld
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Merve and Emre are introduced by a mutual friend at a cafe.
- MerveMerhaba, ben Merve.Hello, I am Merve.
- EmreMerhaba Merve, ben Emre. Memnun oldum.Hello Merve, I am Emre. Nice to meet you.
- MerveBen de memnun oldum.Nice to meet you too.
- EmreLütfen oturalım.Please, let's sit down.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry memnun oldum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries memnun, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
