En 15 secondes
- Use it to introduce two people for the first time.
- Follow it with 'Nice to meet you' as a polite response.
- Works perfectly in both casual and professional social settings.
Signification
You use 'Meet' to introduce someone new to another person for the first time. It is like saying, 'Let me introduce you to my friend.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Introducing a friend to a sibling
Hey Mark, meet my sister, Jane.
Hey Mark, introducing my sister, Jane.
Starting a business meeting
Team, I'd like you to meet our new manager.
Team, I'd like you to be introduced to our new manager.
Texting a group chat about a new pet
Everyone, meet Barnaby, my new puppy!
Everyone, introducing Barnaby, my new puppy!
Contexte culturel
Introductions are often very informal. People move to a first-name basis almost immediately. A firm handshake and direct eye contact are seen as signs of confidence. While becoming more informal, British introductions can still involve 'How do you do?' in very formal circles, though 'Nice to meet you' is now the standard. When Japanese speakers use English, they might combine a bow with the phrase 'Nice to meet you,' blending both cultural traditions. In global business, the person of 'lower status' is usually introduced to the person of 'higher status.' For example, you introduce the intern to the CEO.
The 'Bridge' Rule
Always introduce the person you know less well to the person you know better.
Avoid 'Meeted'
Remember, the past tense is 'met'. 'Meeted' is not a word in English.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to introduce two people for the first time.
- Follow it with 'Nice to meet you' as a polite response.
- Works perfectly in both casual and professional social settings.
What It Means
Meet is a warm word for introductions. It connects two people who do not know each other yet. Think of it as the bridge between strangers. When you say Meet Sarah, you are starting a new friendship. It is simple, direct, and very friendly.
How To Use It
You usually say the name of the person first. Then you use the word meet. For example: John, meet Sarah. It is like a verbal handshake. You can also use it to introduce yourself. Just say, Hi, I'm Alex. Nice to meet you. It works perfectly in person or over a video call. Keep it short and keep it smiling.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you are the 'middle person.' Use it at a birthday party for your cousins. Use it at work when a new teammate arrives. It is great for networking events too. If you are at a coffee shop with two friends, use it. It stops that awkward silence when people don't know names. It makes everyone feel included and welcome.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for people who already know each other. That would be very confusing! Also, do not use it for objects. You don't meet a cheeseburger, you just eat it. In very stiff, old-fashioned ceremonies, people might use present. But for 99% of your life, meet is the winner. Avoid using it if you forget someone's name—that is a bit embarrassing!
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, introductions are a sign of respect. It shows you care about both people. We often follow meet with a small fact. For example: Meet Sam, he loves jazz. This gives the two people something to talk about. It breaks the ice quickly. It is a very social, outgoing part of the language.
Common Variations
You will often hear Pleased to meet you in formal settings. Friends might just say This is... instead. Nice to meet you is the most common response. Some people say Good to meet you for a more casual vibe. In business, you might hear I'd like you to meet... which adds a little extra professional polish.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is universally safe. Just remember that 'meet' is for the very first encounter; for subsequent encounters, use 'see' (e.g., 'Good to see you again').
The 'Bridge' Rule
Always introduce the person you know less well to the person you know better.
Avoid 'Meeted'
Remember, the past tense is 'met'. 'Meeted' is not a word in English.
Add Context
When you say 'Meet [Name]', add one fact about them to help start the conversation. E.g., 'Meet Sarah; she's a great photographer.'
Exemples
6Hey Mark, meet my sister, Jane.
Hey Mark, introducing my sister, Jane.
A very common way to start a casual introduction.
Team, I'd like you to meet our new manager.
Team, I'd like you to be introduced to our new manager.
Adding 'I'd like you to' makes it more professional.
Everyone, meet Barnaby, my new puppy!
Everyone, introducing Barnaby, my new puppy!
Using 'meet' for pets is very common and cute.
Meet my best friend, the coffee machine.
Introducing my best friend, the coffee machine.
Using 'meet' for objects is a common joke about being tired.
I can't wait for you to finally meet my parents.
I can't wait for you to finally be introduced to my parents.
Shows excitement about a significant life introduction.
It is so nice to finally meet you in person!
It is so nice to finally be introduced to you in person!
Commonly used after talking online or via email.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'meet'.
I _______ my best friend five years ago at school.
We use the past tense 'met' because the action happened five years ago.
Complete the introduction.
Sarah: 'Hi Mark! _______ my brother, Leo.'
'Meet' is the standard imperative used for introducing someone.
Which sentence is correct for a first-time introduction?
You are introducing two strangers. What do you say?
This is a polite way to check if they know each other before introducing them.
Match the phrase to the formality level.
Phrase: 'May I introduce...'
'May I introduce' is a high-register, formal way to start an introduction.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesI _______ my best friend five years ago at school.
We use the past tense 'met' because the action happened five years ago.
Sarah: 'Hi Mark! _______ my brother, Leo.'
'Meet' is the standard imperative used for introducing someone.
You are introducing two strangers. What do you say?
This is a polite way to check if they know each other before introducing them.
Phrase: 'May I introduce...'
'May I introduce' is a high-register, formal way to start an introduction.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'meet with' is for scheduled meetings between people who already know each other. For introductions, just use 'meet'.
'Pleased to meet you' is slightly more formal. Both are very common and polite.
It's okay! Just say, 'I'm so sorry, I've forgotten your name.' Then proceed with 'Meet [Name]'.
Yes, you can say 'It was nice meeting you' (using the -ing form) as you leave.
Yes! It's very common to say 'Meet my dog, Rex.'
Grammatically yes, but socially it is an invitation. It is not considered rude.
'Meet' is for the first time. 'See' is for every time after that.
You can say, 'Everyone, meet [Name].' or '[Name], meet the team.'
Yes, but that usually means 'come to my location' rather than an introduction.
Yes, often in the form 'I'd like you to meet [Name] via this email thread.'
Expressions liées
Nice to meet you
builds onThe standard polite response after being introduced.
Introduce
synonymTo present someone by name to another.
Meet up
similarTo gather with people you already know.
Encounter
specialized formTo meet someone unexpectedly.
