ravi de vous rencontrer
The English phrase "we look forward to meeting you" is translated into French as ravi de vous rencontrer.
A polite expression used to say that you are happy to meet someone for the first time.
Which one should you use?
Nous sommes impatients de vous rencontrer is a formal way to express eagerness to meet someone. Nous avons hâte de te rencontrer is an informal way to say 'we look forward to meeting you'. On est impatient de te voir is an informal expression to convey excitement and anticipation to meet someone.
Did you know?
- The word ravi in ravi de vous rencontrer does not mean 'delighted' in a sense of being happy, but originally stems from the verb 'ravir' meaning 'to snatch away' or 'to kidnap'.
- While 'look forward to' implies waiting, using the word impatient in French is a common way to express positive anticipation rather than suggesting you are actually annoyed or restless.
- If you use the informal On est impatient de te voir with a stranger, you might cause offense because the use of 'on' and 'te' skips many necessary social layers of politeness.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are meeting for a professional interview.
- ManonBonjour Lucas, je suis ravi de vous rencontrer.Hello Lucas, I am delighted to meet you.
- LucasBonjour Manon, merci de m'avoir invité.Hello Manon, thank you for inviting me.
- ManonC'est un plaisir. Entrez, je vous en prie.It is a pleasure. Please, come in.
- LucasMerci beaucoup.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, ravi, rencontrer, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
