こちらこそよろしくお願いします
kochira koso yoroshiku onegaishimasu
The English phrase "nice to meet you too" is translated into Japanese as こちらこそよろしくお願いします (kochira koso yoroshiku onegaishimasu).
This phrase is a polite response used when someone else has expressed that it is nice to meet you. While a phrase like hajimemashite is used to say "nice to meet you" at the very start of an introduction, こちらこそよろしくお願いします is the standard way to return that sentiment.
What does it mean word for word?
The part こちらこそ (kochira koso) literally means "it is I/me (who should say so)". It is used to emphasize that the speaker is the one who feels the sentiment, such as the pleasure of the meeting, more strongly.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form こちらこそよろしくお願いします is polite and suitable for business or meeting someone for the first time in a formal setting. For a much more casual version suitable for peers or younger people, you can drop the end of the phrase to say こちらこそよろしく.
How do you pronounce it?
kochira koso yoroshiku onegaishimasu
Did you know?
- The phrase よろしくお願いします is so versatile that it is used not only when meeting someone but also when asking a colleague to do a task or when starting a business meeting.
- Even though the English 'nice to meet you' focuses on the present moment, the Japanese phrase focuses on the future relationship being established.
- The word こちら (kochira) literally means 'this direction', so you are figuratively pointing towards yourself as the source of the sentiment.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are meeting for the first time at a social gathering.
- 美咲 Misaki初めまして、美咲です。よろしくお願いします。Hajimemashite, Misaki desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you, I am Misaki. Please be kind to me.
- 健太 Kenta初めまして、健太です。こちらこそよろしくお願いします。Hajimemashite, Kenta desu. Kochira koso yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you, I am Kenta. Nice to meet you too.
- 美咲 Misakiお会いできて嬉しいです。O-ai dekite ureshii desu.I am happy to meet you.
- 健太 Kenta私もです。Watashi mo desu.Me too.
