好高興識到你
hou2 gou1 hing3 sik1 dou2 nei5
The Cantonese phrase for "pleased to meet you" is 好高興識到你 (hou2 gou1 hing3 sik1 dou2 nei5).
This phrase is a polite formula used when you are being introduced to someone new.
Meaning: polite formula used when being introduced to somebody (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "very happy to have met you".
Which one should you use?
While 好高興識到你 is a complete sentence, in casual spoken Cantonese, speakers often shorten it to 好高興識你.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong, you may also encounter the variation 好開心識到你.
How do you pronounce it?
hou2 gou1 hing3 sik1 dou2 nei5
Did you know?
- While the phrase is polite, using it with children or close friends can actually sound strangely formal or even sarcastic, as if you are treating them like a stranger.
- The word 開心 (hoi1 sam1), used in the variation 好開心識到你, literally means 'happy heart', reflecting how Cantonese describes emotions through physical sensations.
- The word 識 means both 'to know' a person and 'to have the skill' to do something. In the context of meeting someone, it specifically refers to the act of becoming acquainted.
Examples in context
- 好高興識到你。hou2 gou1 hing3 sik1 dou3 nei5.Pleased to meet you.
- 今日好高興識到你。gam1 jat6 hou2 gou1 hing3 sik1 dou3 nei5.I am very pleased to meet you today.
- 第一次見面，好高興識到你。dai6 jat1 ci3 gin3 min6, hou2 gou1 hing3 sik1 dou3 nei5.It is our first time meeting, pleased to meet you.
Example conversation
Two people are introduced by a mutual friend at a party.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan你好，我係嘉欣，好高興識到你。nei5 hou2, ngo5 hai6 gaa1 han1, hou2 gou1 hing3 sik1 dou2 nei5.Hello, I'm Ka Yan, pleased to meet you.
- 志強 Chi Keung你好，我係志強，我都好高興識到你。nei5 hou2, ngo5 hai6 zi3 keong4, ngo5 dou1 hou2 gou1 hing3 sik1 dou2 nei5.Hello, I'm Chi Keung, I'm pleased to meet you too.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan你係咪住喺呢度？nei5 hai6 mai6 zyu6 hai2 ni1 dou6?Do you live around here?
- 志強 Chi Keung係，我就喺附近住。hai6, ngo5 zau6 hai6 fu6 gan6 zyu6.Yes, I live nearby.
