Χάρηκα
charika
The Greek phrase for "pleased to meet you" is Χάρηκα (charika).
Χάρηκα is a polite formula used when being introduced to someone.
Meaning: polite formula used when being introduced to somebody (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Χάρηκα is the first-person singular aorist (past tense) of the verb χαίρομαι, which literally means "I rejoiced" or "I was glad".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Χάρηκα is an informal or neutral expression used in both casual and standard social settings. For a more formal way to say "Pleased to meet you", you can use Χαίρω πολύ.
How do you pronounce it?
charika
Did you know?
- The root of Χάρηκα is shared with the English word 'charity' via the Greek χάρις, which originally meant 'grace' or 'favor'.
- Although Χάρηκα is the standard for 'pleased to meet you', if you have met the person before and forgotten them, using this phrase can accidentally signal that you still don't recognize them.
- In Greece, saying Χάρηκα is often accompanied by a light handshake, but avoiding direct eye contact while saying it can be perceived as a lack of sincerity.
Examples in context
- Χάρηκα.I'm pleased to meet you.This example shows the use of Χάρηκα as a complete sentence to express pleasure at meeting someone.Tatoeba #1317235 by enteka, translation #63898 by CK
- Χάρηκα πολύ για τη γνωμία μας.Charika poli gia ti gnowmia mas.I was very pleased to meet you.
- Χάρηκα που σε γνώρισα.Charika pou se gnorisa.I was pleased to meet you.
Example conversation
Two people are introduced at a party.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓεια σου, είμαι ο Γιώργος.Geia sou, eimai o Giorgos.Hello, I am Giorgos.
- Μαρία MariaΓεια σου Γιώργο, είμαι η Μαρία.Geia sou Giorgo, eimai i Maria.Hello Giorgos, I am Maria.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΧάρηκα, Μαρία!Charika, Maria!Pleased to meet you, Maria!
- Μαρία MariaΚι εγώ επίσης.Ki ego episis.Me too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
