Приятно познакомиться
Priyatno poznakomit'sya
The English phrase "pleasure to meet you" is translated into Russian as Приятно познакомиться (Priyatno poznakomit'sya).
Приятно познакомиться is a polite expression used to indicate that you are happy to meet someone for the first time.
Which one should you use?
Очень приятно is a common, slightly shorter and more casual alternative to the full phrase Приятно познакомиться.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Приятно познакомиться is a common way to say "Pleasure to meet you" in formal contexts, while Очень приятно is used in informal or neutral situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is impersonal and does not change based on the gender or number of the person speaking or the person being spoken to.
How do you pronounce it?
Priyatno poznakomit'sya
When do people say it?
When someone says Приятно познакомиться to you, a natural and polite response is Взаимно (Likewise).
Did you know?
- The word познакомиться comes from знак, meaning 'sign' or 'mark'. Essentially, meeting someone is framed as becoming a 'sign' or a known entity to another.
- While Приятно познакомиться is polite, Russians often avoid shaking hands with women first in formal settings, waiting for the woman to extend her hand.
- The word приятно shares a root with приятель, an old word for a 'close friend' or 'companion', suggesting a hidden layer of friendliness in the greeting.
Examples in context
- Здравствуйте! Приятно познакомиться!Hello! Pleasure to meet you!
- Приятно познакомиться, Иван.Priyatno poznakomitsya, Ivan.Pleasure to meet you, Ivan.
- Очень приятно познакомиться!Ochen priyatno poznakomitsya!It is a great pleasure to meet you!
- Мне очень приятно познакомиться с вами.Mne ochen priyatno poznakomitsya s vami.It is a great pleasure to meet you.
Example conversation
A professional networking event where two people are introduced.
- Мария MariaЗдравствуйте, меня зовут Мария.Zdravstvuyte, menya zovut Mariya.Hello, my name is Maria.
- Сергей SergeyОчень приятно познакомиться, Мария.Ochen priyatno poznakomitsya, Mariya.Pleasure to meet you, Maria.
- Мария MariaВзаимно. Вы тоже работаете в IT?Vzaimno. Vy tozhe rabotayete v IT?Likewise. Do you also work in IT?
- Сергей SergeyДа, я работаю программистом.Da, ya rabotayu programmistom.Yes, I work as a programmer.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries познакомиться, приятно, CC BY-SA 4.0.
