Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| прия́тно познако́миться | prijátno poznakómitʹsja |
| о́чень прия́тно | óčenʹ prijátno |
This phrase is a polite formula used when being introduced to somebody. It is typically used immediately after someone has introduced themselves or after the initial handshake during a first-time introduction.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase прия́тно познако́миться literally translates to "pleasantly to get acquainted".
Which one should you use?
The form о́чень прия́тно is a shorter, more common elliptical version of the phrase that emphasizes the feeling of pleasure, meaning "very pleasant" or "very nice to meet you".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase прия́тно познако́миться, the verb познако́миться is in the infinitive form, which is standard for this impersonal construction.
How do you pronounce it?
prijátno poznakómitʹsja
When do people say it?
In Russian culture, a firm handshake is a common gesture when introduced to someone for the first time. When someone says прия́тно познако́миться to you, a common and natural way to respond is to say вза́имно (likewise).
Did you know?
- It is considered a breach of etiquette to say прия́тно познако́миться while shaking hands over a threshold or doorway, as this is traditionally seen as bringing bad luck in Russian culture.
- The verb познако́миться contains the root знак, which means 'sign' or 'mark'. This reveals that 'getting acquainted' is linguistically tied to the idea of 'making a mark' or 'recognizing a sign'.
- Avoid saying this phrase while wearing sunglasses or while your hands are in your pockets, as Russian social etiquette requires direct eye contact and an open posture during introductions.
Examples in context
- Прия́тно познако́миться с вами.Priyatno poznakomit'sya s vami.It is a pleasure to meet you.
- Прия́тно познако́миться, господин директор.Priyatno poznakomit'sya, gospodin direktor.Pleased to meet you, Mr. Director.
Example conversation
Sergey and Anastasia are introduced by a mutual friend at a party.
- Сергей SergeyМеня зову́т Серге́й. Прия́тно познако́миться.Menya zovut Sergey. Priyatno poznakomitsya.My name is Sergey. Pleased to meet you.
- Анастасия AnastasiaЯ Анаста́сия. Мне то́же прия́тно познако́миться.Ya Anastasiya. Mne tozhe priyatno poznakomitsya.I am Anastasia. Pleased to meet you too.
- Сергей SergeyВы из э́того го́рода?Vy iz etogo goroda?Are you from this city?
- Анастасия AnastasiaДа, я живу́ здесь.Da, ya zhivu zdes.Yes, I live here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pleased to meet you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
