Welcome to this guide on how to say “welcome” in British English! Whether you want to make visitors feel at home, greet your guests in a friendly manner, or simply learn different ways to express hospitality, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say “welcome,” highlighting various examples and providing tips along the way. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Welcome
1. Welcome – This is the most straightforward and commonly used way to formally welcome someone. It’s a universal expression of greeting and hospitality that can be used in any situation. For example:
Welcome to our offices! We are delighted to have you here.
Welcome to our restaurant. Please have a seat and enjoy your meal.
2. We are pleased to have you – This phrase adds an extra touch of formality and emphasizes the pleasure derived from the person’s presence. It is commonly used in professional settings when welcoming colleagues or clients:
We are pleased to have you as part of our team. Welcome aboard!
We are pleased to have you as our guest. Your presence is truly appreciated.
3. You are most welcome – This expression conveys a strong sense of gratitude and appreciation for the person’s arrival. It is often used when hosting events or special occasions:
Thank you for accepting our invitation. You are most welcome to join us at the charity gala.
We are thrilled that you could be here to celebrate with us. You are most welcome!
4. It’s an honor to have you – This phrase is reserved for esteemed individuals or distinguished guests, creating a more formal and reverent atmosphere. It’s commonly used when hosting VIPs:
Your presence graces us with honor and respect. It’s an honor to have you at our conference.
It is a privilege to welcome you to our establishment. Your reputation precedes you.
Informal Ways to Say Welcome
1. Come on in – This casual and friendly expression is often used among friends and family. It creates a relaxed atmosphere and implies an open invitation to enter:
Hey! Come on in and make yourself at home.
Welcome! Come on in and join the party.
2. Make yourself at home – This phrase conveys warmth and openness, encouraging guests to feel comfortable and to treat the space as their own:
Welcome! Make yourself at home. Help yourself to anything you need.
Feel free to make yourself at home while you wait. We’ll be with you shortly.
3. Glad you could make it – This friendly and informal expression highlights the joy and satisfaction of having someone present. It conveys a sense of gratitude for the effort made to be there:
Hey! We’ve been waiting for you. Glad you could make it to the party.
It’s so good to see you. We’re glad you could make it to the family gathering.
4. Welcome aboard – Though often used formally, “welcome aboard” can also be employed informally when welcoming friends or acquaintances to join a shared experience or adventure:
Welcome aboard, matey! Let’s set sail on this great adventure together.
We’re excited to have you on the team. Welcome aboard, and let’s achieve great things together!
Regional Variations
In British English, regional variations in the way of saying “welcome” are not as prevalent as within other countries or cultures. However, there are minor differences in dialect and idiomatic expressions across different regions:
- In Scotland, “Welcome” can be accompanied by “Haud yir wheesht” or “Come ben” which means “be quiet” and “come in” respectively.
- In Northern Ireland, “Welcome” is often followed by “You’re a stranger but once” which means that you won’t be a stranger for long.
- In some areas, “Welcome” may be replaced by local phrases like “Aalreet” in the North East of England or “Cheers” in informal settings.
Remember, these regional variations are more specific to local culture rather than direct translations of “welcome.”
Conclusion
Now armed with a variety of formal and informal ways to say “welcome” in British English, you can greet your guests, colleagues, and friends in a warm and inviting manner. Choose the appropriate expression based on the situation and your relationship with the person you are welcoming. Remember, a genuine and sincere welcome can set the tone for a positive and enjoyable experience. Share your hospitality with confidence and make everyone feel valued and appreciated. Welcome to the beautiful world of British English!
