Meaning
Used when meeting someone for the first time.
Cultural Background
Handshakes are common for both men and women in professional settings. Always make eye contact. Estonians value personal space. Don't hug or kiss on the cheek during a first meeting. Silence is not awkward. After saying 'Rõõm kohtuda', it's okay if there's a brief pause. Titles (like Dr. or Prof.) are rarely used in casual speech, but 'Teie' (formal you) is used with elders.
The 'õ' Secret
If you struggle with 'õ', try making an 'o' sound but pull your tongue back without moving your lips. That's the 'rõõm'!
Don't Over-smile
Estonians might find excessive grinning insincere. A calm, steady smile is much better.
Meaning
Used when meeting someone for the first time.
The 'õ' Secret
If you struggle with 'õ', try making an 'o' sound but pull your tongue back without moving your lips. That's the 'rõõm'!
Don't Over-smile
Estonians might find excessive grinning insincere. A calm, steady smile is much better.
The Past Tense Trick
Say 'Oli rõõm kohtuda' at the end of a first meeting to leave a great impression.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the greeting.
Tere! ______ kohtuda!
'Rõõm' is the correct noun to express joy in this greeting.
Which phrase should you use when meeting someone for the FIRST time?
A: Rõõm näha! B: Rõõm kohtuda!
'Rõõm kohtuda' is for first meetings; 'Rõõm näha' is for people you already know.
Complete the dialogue.
Peeter: 'Tere, mina olen Peeter.' Sina: 'Tere, Peeter! _________.'
The most polite and natural response to an introduction is 'Rõõm kohtuda'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are leaving a meeting with a new business partner.
Use the past tense 'Oli...' when the meeting is finishing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTere! ______ kohtuda!
'Rõõm' is the correct noun to express joy in this greeting.
A: Rõõm näha! B: Rõõm kohtuda!
'Rõõm kohtuda' is for first meetings; 'Rõõm näha' is for people you already know.
Peeter: 'Tere, mina olen Peeter.' Sina: 'Tere, Peeter! _________.'
The most polite and natural response to an introduction is 'Rõõm kohtuda'.
You are leaving a meeting with a new business partner.
Use the past tense 'Oli...' when the meeting is finishing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's perfectly neutral. If you want to be even more casual, you can say 'Tore kohtuda'.
Yes, the phrase stays the same. If you want to be specific, say 'Rõõm teiega kohtuda'.
The most common response is 'Sama siin' (Same here) or 'Minulgi' (Me too).
It's a unique Estonian sound. Imagine you are disgusted and say 'ugh', but keep your lips flat.
Yes, it's very common in the first email to a new contact.
In this phrase, it is always 'kohtuda' (the da-infinitive).
In business, yes. In casual settings, a nod and a smile are often enough.
No, that's too short and sounds like you're just saying the word 'Joy'.
'Meeldiv tutvuda' is slightly more old-fashioned and formal.
It sounds a bit formal for kids. Better to just say 'Tere!'.
Related Phrases
Meeldiv tutvuda
synonymPleased to meet you
Rõõm näha
similarJoy to see you
Saame tuttavaks
builds onLet's get acquainted
Väga meeldiv
synonymVery pleasant
Tore kohtuda
informalNice to meet you
