How to Say Nice to Meet You in Chinese:15 Ways [Formal&Casual]

Meeting someone for the first time can be nerve-wracking, even if you share the same native language. You want to make a good first impression, but may feel anxious about using the right greeting. Learning how to say Nice to meet you in Chinese adds an extra layer of complexity.

In Mandarin Chinese, there are a few standard greetings people use when being introduced to new acquaintances that capture the meaning of Nice to meet you in Chinese.

Formal Greetings for How to Say “Nice to Meet You”​ in Chinese

When meeting people in professional settings for the first time – such as colleagues, elders, bosses or professors – it’s important to come across as polite and humble.

Here are some safe, formal Chinese greetings to make good first impressions:

1.幸会 (Xìnghuì) – “It’s a pleasure”​

• Pronunciation tip: The “x” in “xìng” sounds like “sh” in English, and “huì” sounds like “hway.”​
• Example: “Xìnghuì, wǒ shì Zhāng Sān.” – “It’s a pleasure, I’m John Smith.”​
• When to Use: This phrase is often used in professional settings, showing respect and politeness when meeting someone for the first time.​

2.很高兴认识您 (Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nín) – “Very pleased to meet you” (respectful)​

• Pronunciation tip: The “nín” is the respectful form of “you,” pronounced like “neen.”​
• Example: “Wǒ jiào Zhāng Sān, hěn gāoxìng rènshi nín.” – “My name is John Smith, very pleased to meet you.”​
• When to Use: A formal version of the basic greeting, used with people you don’t know well or in higher-status relationships (e.g., bosses, elders).​

3.初次见面,请多关照(Chū cì jiànmiàn qǐngduōguānzhào) – “Nice to meet you for the first time.Please be kind.”​

• Pronunciation tip: The “chūcì” sounds like “choo-tsuh.”​
• Example: “Chūcì jiànmiàn,qǐngduōguānzhào, wǒ shì Mǎ Lì.” – “Nice to meet you for the first time.Please be kind.I’m Mary.”​
• When to Use: This phrase is used when meeting someone for the first time, especially in formal or professional settings.​

Here are four additional formal greetings for saying “Nice to Meet You” in Chinese, following the same structure as the previous examples:

4. 很荣幸见到您 (Hěn róngxìng jiàndào nín) – “It’s an honor to meet you”

• Pronunciation tip: The “róng” sounds like “rohng,” and “xìng” is pronounced like “shing.” The “nín” is the respectful form of “you,” pronounced like “neen.”
• Example: “Wǒ shì Wáng Lì, hěn róngxìng jiàndào nín.” – “I’m Li Wang, it’s an honor to meet you.”
• When to Use: This is a highly respectful and formal greeting, often used when meeting someone of high status or in situations that call for a great deal of courtesy.

5. 有幸认识您 (Yǒu xìng rènshi nín) – “I am fortunate to meet you”

• Pronunciation tip: The “yǒu” sounds like “yo,” and “xìng” is pronounced like “shing.” The “nín” is the polite form of “you,” pronounced like “neen.”
• Example: “Wǒ jiào Zhāng Wěi, yǒu xìng rènshi nín.” – “My name is Wei Zhang, I am fortunate to meet you.”
• When to Use: This is a polite and respectful way to greet someone, often used when you want to express gratitude or humility upon meeting someone.

6. 很高兴与您见面 (Hěn gāoxìng yǔ nín jiànmiàn) – “I’m very pleased to meet you”

• Pronunciation tip: “yǔ” sounds like “yoo,” and “jiànmiàn” sounds like “jen-myen.” The “nín” is the respectful form of “you,” pronounced like “neen.”
• Example: “Wǒ shì Lǐ Míng, hěn gāoxìng yǔ nín jiànmiàn.” – “I’m Ming Li, I’m very pleased to meet you.”
• When to Use: This is a formal expression used in professional or serious settings, such as business meetings or important introductions.

7. 幸会，荣幸之至 (Xìnghuì, róngxìng zhī zhì) – “It’s a pleasure, an honor”

• Pronunciation tip: “xìng” sounds like “shing,” “huì” like “hway,” and “róng” is pronounced like “rohng.”
• Example: “Wǒ shì Wáng Jiā, xìnghuì, róngxìng zhī zhì.” – “I’m Jia Wang, it’s a pleasure, an honor.”
• When to Use: This phrase is a highly formal way of expressing both pleasure and respect, ideal for high-profile events or when meeting someone of great importance.

When saying these Chinese expressions out loud for the first time, getting the tones and sounds right can help you sound more fluid and natural.Listening to native speaker recordings from Wukong Chinese’ teacher can train your ear effectively before testing new vocabulary out loud. With practice over time, proper pronunciation of tones, vowel sounds and “r” becomes second nature.

Casual Greetings for “Nice to Meet You”​ in Chinese

In casual settings with friends, classmates, or colleagues, a more relaxed greeting can be used. These phrases are friendly but still polite.​

1.很高兴认识你 (Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ) – “Nice to meet you”​

• Pronunciation tip: The “gāoxìng” sounds like “gao-shing,” with the “g” in “gao” like in “go.”​
• Example: “Wǒ jiào Zhāng Sān, hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ.” – “My name is John Smith, nice to meet you.”​
• When to Use: This is the most common greeting and can be used in almost any casual encounter.​

2.很高兴见到你 (Hěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nǐ) – “Very happy to meet you”​

• Pronunciation tip: The “jiàn” sounds like “jyen.”​
• Example: “Hěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nǐ, Wáng Lì.” – “Very happy to meet you, Wang Li.”​
• When to Use: A slightly more enthusiastic version, perfect for situations where you’re excited to meet someone, such as a friend or a close colleague.​

3.很高兴认识大家 (Hěn gāoxìng rènshi dàjiā) – “Nice to meet everyone”​

• Pronunciation tip: The “dàjiā” sounds like “dah-jyah.”​
• Example: “Hěn gāoxìng rènshi dàjiā, wǒ shì Zhāng Sān.” – “Nice to meet everyone, I’m John Smith.”​
• When to Use: Used when greeting a group of people, such as in meetings, events, or group settings.

4.很高兴遇见你 (Hěn gāoxìng yùjiàn nǐ) – “Very glad to meet you”​

• Pronunciation tip: The “yùjiàn” sounds like “you-jyen.”​
• Example: “Hěn gāoxìng yùjiàn nǐ, Lǐ Jiā.” – “Very glad to meet you, Li Jia.”​
• When to Use: Casual and friendly, often used when meeting someone unexpectedly or in informal settings.​

5. 认识你很开心 (Rènshi nǐ hěn kāixīn) – “It’s a pleasure to meet you”

• Pronunciation tip: The “kāixīn” sounds like “kai-sheen.”
• Example: “Rènshi nǐ hěn kāixīn, wǒ shì Wáng Péng.” – “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Wang Peng.”
• When to Use: This is a light-hearted and friendly way to express happiness when meeting someone new. Suitable for informal settings and personal introductions.

6. 见到你真好 (Jiàn dào nǐ zhēn hǎo) – “It’s really nice to see you”

• Pronunciation tip: “Zhēn hǎo” sounds like “jen how.”
• Example: “Jiàn dào nǐ zhēn hǎo, wǒ shì Zhāng Lì.” – “It’s really nice to see you, I’m Zhang Li.”
• When to Use: A warm and friendly greeting used when you’re genuinely happy to see someone, perfect for informal situations.

7. 终于见到你了 (Zhōngyú jiàn dào nǐ le) – “Finally met you”

• Pronunciation tip: “Zhōngyú” sounds like “jong-yoo,” and “yù dào” sounds like “you-dao.”
• Example: “Zhōngyú yù dào nǐ le, wǒ jiào Lǐ Jiā.” – “Finally met you, I’m Li Jia.”
• When to Use: This phrase expresses the feeling of anticipation when you’ve been wanting to meet someone for a while or have been communicating online before finally meeting in person.

8. 很高兴与你相识 (Hěn gāoxìng yǔ nǐ xiāngshí) – “Very pleased to make your acquaintance”

• Pronunciation tip: “Xiāngshí” sounds like “shyahng-shr.”
• Example: “Hěn gāoxìng yǔ nǐ xiāngshí, wǒ shì Wáng Lì.” – “Very pleased to make your acquaintance, I’m Wang Li.”
• When to Use: A polite and slightly formal greeting often used when meeting someone for the first time in a more refined setting.

When NOT to Say “Nice to Meet You” in Chinese?

While it’s always safest to greet new acquaintances politely in Chinese, there are certain situations where it may sound overly formal or awkward to say Nice to meet you in Chinese:

Not to say nice to meet you in chinese

• Brief casual encounters – Stick to “Nǐ hǎo” for short run-ins like riding in a taxi or food delivery worker.
• Service staff – A simple smile or nod will do for waiters, cashiers and front desk clerks you interact with briefly.
• Before being introduced – Wait until you’re formally introduced before greeting someone new to avoid seeming overly eager.
• Meeting someone’s friend/coworker in passing – Nod your head as you’re introduced without greeting formally if it’s just in passing.
• Group introductions – Hold off on greeting individuals formally. Nod and smile as a group or say a general “nǐmen hǎo” (Hello everyone).

Common mistakes to avoid

And While learning Chinese, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using “Xìnghuì” in Casual Settings: This formal expression might sound out of place in casual conversations.
• Forgetting the Respectful “Nín”: When addressing someone older or in a professional setting, forgetting to use “nín” instead of “nǐ” can sound impolite.
• Mispronouncing Tones: Mandarin is tonal, so mispronouncing a tone can change the meaning. Practice the tones to avoid confusion.

In these situations less formal or no greeting may be preferred. Rely more on friendly eye contact, body language and smiles to acknowledge new acquaintances you interact with only briefly before continuing about your day.

Alternative Reply Greetings for Nice to Meet You in Chinese

Besides the standard Nice to meet you in Chinese equivalents, here are some additional creative greetings and well wishes you can exchange when meeting Chinese speakers for the first time:

• Huānyíng 欢迎 – Literally means “welcome”. A friendly greeting implying “it’s a pleasure to welcome you.”
• Nǐ hǎo你好 – Hello / Good to see you
• Nǐmen hǎo 你们好- Hello (plural) / Good to see all of you
• Wǒ yě shì 我也是- Me too
• Wǒ yě hěn gāoxìng 我也很高兴- I’m also very happy (to meet you)
• Míngtiān jiàn明天见 – See you tomorrow
• Xièxiè谢谢 – Thank you
• Bù kèqì不客气 – You’re welcome
• Máfanle 麻烦了 – Say this to politely express gratitude, like “Thank you for going to the trouble.”
• Xiāngjiànhènwǎn 相见恨晚 – A poetic idiom meaning “I regret not meeting you sooner.”
• 久仰 (Jiǔ yǎng) – “I’ve heard of you” (formal, used when meeting someone you admire or have heard about)

These creative alternatives can help further thoughtful introductory conversations that leave new acquaintances feeling respected.Being ready with comebacks for these responses keeps conversation flowing smoothly after breaking the ice.

Useful Phrases to Learn Nice to Meet You in Chinese

Once you’ve made a friendly first impression, keeping the conversation going will lead to more natural rapport.Here are some helpful Mandarin phrases and questions to learn next after greeting someone:

• Wǒ de zhōngwén shuō de bù tài hǎo – (我的中文说得不好）My Chinese is not very good.
• Nǐ cóng nǎlǐ lái? – （你从哪里来？）Where are you from?
• Nǐ zuìjìn hǎo ma? –（你最近好吗？） How have you been recently?

Having a few conversational follow up questions handy prevents awkward silences. This allows you to show interest in learning more about the new person.Wukong Chinese help you pick up these basic Mandarin phrases over time helps conversations flow smoothly. With more vocabulary and practice, you’ll become more comfortable continuing dialogues long after your stellar Chinese greeting.

FAQs on How to Say Nice to meet you in Chinese

Q1：How to reply nice to meet you in Chinese?

To reply to “Nice to meet you” in Chinese, you can say “我也很高兴认识你” (Wǒ yě hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ), which means “I’m also very happy to meet you.” This is a polite and common response.

Q2: What does hen gao xing ren shi ni mean?​

“很高兴认识你” (Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ) means “Nice to meet you” in Chinese. It’s a friendly and polite greeting, suitable for both casual and formal contexts. The phrase is used when meeting someone for the first time or when greeting a new acquaintance.​

Q3：How to say nice to meet you in Chinese?​

Say “Nice to meet you” in Chinese, you can say “很高兴认识你” ( hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ), which means “I’m very happy to meet you.” This is a polite and common showing.

More Basic Chinese Phrases You Must Learn

Chinese Phrase	Description
goodnight in chinese	Different ways to say good night to friends, family, or children.
what’s up in Chinese	Casual greeting used among friends.
Thank You in Chinese	Express gratitude in formal and informal situations.
cheers in chinese	Toasting with friends or at a formal dinner.
good morning in chinese	Morning greeting for family, colleagues, or classmates.
hi in chinese	Saying hello in formal meetings or to friends.
i don’t know in chinese	Politely indicating you don’t have an answer.
im sorry in chinese	Apologizing for a minor mistake or a serious matter.
nice to meet you in chinese (this article)	First-time introduction in a casual or business setting.
okay in mandarin	Giving agreement, approval, or saying “It’s fine.”
please in chinese	Making a polite request.
what is your name in chinese	Asking someone’s name when you first meet them.

Conclusion

Learning proper Chinese greetings is essential to starting relationships off on the right foot. By mastering polite ways to say Nice to meet you in Chinese, you’ll give great first impressions in both formal and casual situations. The keys are understanding when to use casual vs professional greetings, proper pronunciation, and having conversational follow-up questions ready.

For young learners and families looking to build authentic communication skills in Mandarin, WuKong Chinese provides engaging, level-based instruction with native-speaking teachers. As part of WuKong Education, our mission is to make Chinese language learning accessible, effective, and enjoyable for kids around the world. With some memorization and practice, you’ll be able to greet new Chinese friends smoothly like a native speaker!