شرفت بمعرفتك
sharaftu bi-ma'rifatik
Honored to know you
Literally: I was honored by your acquaintance
In 15 Seconds
- A high-respect version of 'Nice to meet you.'
- Used primarily at the end of a first meeting.
- Derived from the word for 'honor' (Sharaf).
Meaning
This is a polite and elegant way to say 'I am honored to have met you.' It is the gold standard for making a great first impression in Arabic-speaking cultures.
Key Examples
3 of 7Ending a job interview
شكراً جزيلاً، شرفت بمعرفتك يا سيدي.
Thank you very much, I am honored to have met you, sir.
Meeting a friend's father
أهلاً بك يا عمي، شرفت بمعرفتك.
Welcome, uncle, I am honored to know you.
Texting a new business contact
سعدت بلقائنا اليوم، شرفت بمعرفتك.
I was happy with our meeting today, honored to know you.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Sharaf' (honor) is central to Middle Eastern social structures. This phrase emerged as a way to formalize social bonds and ensure that first encounters are marked by mutual dignity. It is used across almost all Arabic dialects, from Morocco to the Gulf, making it a universal tool for polite society.
The 'We' Power
If you find the full phrase too long, just say `Tasharrafna`. It is shorter but carries the same weight of respect.
The Response Rule
Never just say 'Thank you' back. Always reply with `Wa ana akthar` (And me more) or `Ash-sharaf li` (The honor is mine) to show humility.
In 15 Seconds
- A high-respect version of 'Nice to meet you.'
- Used primarily at the end of a first meeting.
- Derived from the word for 'honor' (Sharaf).
What It Means
شرفت بمعرفتك is much more than a simple 'Nice to meet you.' It comes from the root word شرف (Sharaf), which means honor or nobility. When you say this, you are telling the other person that meeting them has brought honor to you. It is a deeply respectful way to acknowledge a new connection. It makes the other person feel valued and respected immediately. It is the kind of phrase that builds instant rapport.
How To Use It
You typically say this at the end of a conversation with someone you just met. It acts as a polite 'closing' to your first interaction. You can also say it right after someone introduces themselves to you. If you are speaking to a man, say ma'rifatik. If you are speaking to a woman, say ma'rifatik (though the spelling in Arabic remains similar, the vowel sound at the end changes). It is often accompanied by a warm smile or a slight nod of the head. In many cases, a handshake makes it feel even more sincere.
When To Use It
Use this in any situation where you want to show high respect. It is perfect for a job interview after the employer introduces themselves. Use it when meeting your friend’s parents for the first time—they will be very impressed! It is also great for networking events or formal dinners. If you are at a restaurant and the owner comes to greet you, this phrase is a perfect response. It works well in professional emails after a first meeting too.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your best friends or siblings. They will probably laugh and ask why you are being so formal! It is too stiff for people you have known for a long time. Also, avoid using it if the interaction was very brief and transactional, like with a bus driver. It might feel a bit 'too much' for a five-second interaction. If you are in a very casual, loud party with teenagers, a simple 'Hi' or 'Ahlan' might be better.
Cultural Background
Arab culture is famous for its hospitality and 'Adab' (etiquette). Showing respect to others is a core value. Using words related to 'Honor' is very common in social interactions. This phrase reflects the idea that every person you meet is a guest in your life. By 'honoring' them, you are showing your own good upbringing. It is a linguistic way of rolling out the red carpet for a new acquaintance. It bridges the gap between strangers and turns them into respected contacts.
Common Variations
The most common variation is تشرفنا (Tasharrafna). This literally means 'We are honored.' Even if you are alone, using the 'we' form is a sign of humility and politeness. Another variation is فرصة سعيدة (Fursa Sa'ida), which means 'Happy opportunity' (equivalent to 'Nice to meet you'). However, شرفت بمعرفتك remains the most prestigious and heartfelt version. You might also hear لي الشرف (Li al-sharaf), which simply means 'The honor is mine.'
Usage Notes
This phrase is firmly in the formal/neutral register. It is perfect for first encounters but should be dropped once a friendship is established to avoid sounding distant.
The 'We' Power
If you find the full phrase too long, just say `Tasharrafna`. It is shorter but carries the same weight of respect.
The Response Rule
Never just say 'Thank you' back. Always reply with `Wa ana akthar` (And me more) or `Ash-sharaf li` (The honor is mine) to show humility.
Gender Suffixes
In spoken Arabic, remember to change the ending: `ma'rifat-ak` for a man and `ma'rifat-ik` for a woman.
Examples
7شكراً جزيلاً، شرفت بمعرفتك يا سيدي.
Thank you very much, I am honored to have met you, sir.
Using 'Sidi' (sir) adds an extra layer of professionalism.
أهلاً بك يا عمي، شرفت بمعرفتك.
Welcome, uncle, I am honored to know you.
Calling an elder 'uncle' is a common sign of respect.
سعدت بلقائنا اليوم، شرفت بمعرفتك.
I was happy with our meeting today, honored to know you.
Perfect for a follow-up message on WhatsApp or LinkedIn.
الشرف لي، شكراً لك.
The honor is mine, thank you.
This is the standard, most polite way to reply.
أنا من أشد المعجبين بك، شرفت بمعرفتك جداً!
I am a huge fan, I am truly honored to meet you!
Adding 'jiddan' (very/truly) emphasizes your excitement.
أنا جارك الجديد، شرفت بمعرفتك.
I am your new neighbor, honored to know you.
Sets a positive and respectful tone for the neighborhood.
يا صاحبي، شرفت بمعرفتك اليوم!
My friend, I am honored to know you today!
Used sarcastically when a friend does something unusually 'fancy'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to tell a woman you are honored to meet her.
سيدتي، ___ بمعرفتك.
`شرفت` is the verb meaning 'I was honored' and is the core of the phrase.
What is the best response when someone says 'Sharraftu bi-ma'rifatik' to you?
___ الشرف لي
Saying 'Ash-sharaf li' (The honor is mine) is the standard polite response.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'Sharraftu bi-ma'rifatik'
Friends and family
Ahlan!
Daily interactions
Fursa Sa'ida
First meetings and elders
Sharraftu bi-ma'rifatik
Diplomatic or royal settings
Tasharrafna bi-liqa'ikum
Where to use 'Sharraftu bi-ma'rifatik'
Job Interview
Say it to the HR manager
Meeting In-Laws
Say it to your partner's parents
Networking
Say it after exchanging cards
Official Emails
Use it in the closing line
Practice Bank
2 exercisesسيدتي، ___ بمعرفتك.
`شرفت` is the verb meaning 'I was honored' and is the core of the phrase.
___ الشرف لي
Saying 'Ash-sharaf li' (The honor is mine) is the standard polite response.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is understood and used in almost every Arabic-speaking country, from Egypt to the Levant to the Gulf. It is a 'Modern Standard' phrase that fits everywhere.
Yes, but you must change the ending to plural: شرفت بمعرفتكم (Sharraftu bi-ma'rifatikum).
Tasharrafna is shorter and means 'We are honored.' شرفت بمعرفتك is more specific and personal, meaning 'I am honored by knowing YOU.'
It is most common at the end of a meeting as a polite way to say goodbye, but it can also be said right after the initial introduction.
Yes, if you want to be very polite or if you are meeting them in a professional context. It shows you are a person of high character.
It is exactly like the 'sh' in 'shoe.' The word is pronounced: Shar-raf-tu bi-ma-ri-fa-tik.
Absolutely. It is a very professional way to close an email after a first-time video call or meeting.
Not at all. While it is formal, it is still very much in use by young professionals and polite people today.
Just say تشرفنا (Tasharrafna). It is one word, easier to remember, and just as polite.
The casual version would be فرصة سعيدة (Fursa Sa'ida), which is like saying 'Nice meeting you' without the 'honor' part.
Related Phrases
تشرفنا
We are honored (shorter version)
فرصة سعيدة
Happy opportunity (Nice to meet you)
الشرف لي
The honor is mine (the response)
سعدت بلقائك
I was happy to meet you
