senang berkenalan dengan Anda
In Indonesian, "pleased to meet you" is said as senang berkenalan dengan Anda.
This phrase is a polite formula used when being introduced to somebody.
Meaning: polite formula used when being introduced to somebody (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of senang (happy), berkenalan (to get acquainted), dengan (with) and Anda (you).
Which one should you use?
While senang berkenalan dengan Anda emphasizes the process of getting acquainted (introduction), senang bertemu Anda is more commonly used when meeting someone you have already met before or simply meeting in a specific place.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using Anda makes this phrase formal and polite, suitable for business or meeting elders. Replacing Anda with kamu makes the phrase informal and is used with people of the same age or social status.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word berkenalan is the intransitive verb form used to describe the act of getting to know someone.
Did you know?
- The word Anda may have roots in the Minangkabau language, where it originally meant 'to intercept'.
- While Anda is used for formal introductions, Indonesian has a vast array of social titles and kinship terms that often replace the word 'you' entirely to show respect.
- In many Indonesian social circles, a slight nod of the head or a soft smile often accompanies senang berkenalan dengan Anda to convey humility.
Examples in context
- Senang bertemu dengan Anda, nama saya John.Pleased to meet you, my name is John.
- Saya senang berkenalan dengan Anda.I am pleased to meet you.
- Senang berkenalan dengan Anda, Pak.Pleased to meet you, sir.
- Sangat senang berkenalan dengan Anda.Very pleased to meet you.
Example conversation
Indah and Budi meet at a professional networking event.
- IndahHalo, saya Indah.Hello, I am Indah.
- BudiSaya Budi, senang berkenalan dengan Anda.I am Budi, pleased to meet you.
- IndahSenang berkenalan dengan Anda juga, Pak Budi.Pleased to meet you too, Mr. Budi.
- BudiTerima kasih.Thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pleased to meet you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Anda, anda, dengan, senang, CC BY-SA 4.0.
