Significado
Polite phrase used when meeting someone new.
Contexto cultural
The handshake is mandatory when saying 'Väga meeldiv'. It should be firm and brief. Avoid 'double-handing' (putting your second hand on their arm), as it can feel intrusive. In Estonian business culture, the person of higher rank or the older person usually initiates the handshake, but 'Väga meeldiv' can be said by either party. In professional emails (e.g., on LinkedIn), it is common to start the first reply with 'Väga meeldiv!' before getting to the point. Don't be surprised if an Estonian doesn't smile broadly while saying this. A small nod and a neutral expression are often signs of sincere respect, not coldness.
The 'Likewise' Response
If someone says 'Väga meeldiv' to you first, you can reply with 'Samad sõnad' (Same words) or simply repeat 'Väga meeldiv'.
Don't Over-smile
A massive, toothy grin can sometimes be perceived as insincere in Estonia. A polite, closed-mouth smile is perfect.
Significado
Polite phrase used when meeting someone new.
The 'Likewise' Response
If someone says 'Väga meeldiv' to you first, you can reply with 'Samad sõnad' (Same words) or simply repeat 'Väga meeldiv'.
Don't Over-smile
A massive, toothy grin can sometimes be perceived as insincere in Estonia. A polite, closed-mouth smile is perfect.
Handshake Hygiene
Always take your glove off before shaking hands and saying 'Väga meeldiv', even if it's -20 degrees outside!
Teste-se
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
Peeter: Tere, mina olen Peeter. Mari: _________!
When someone introduces themselves, 'Väga meeldiv' is the standard polite response.
Which phrase is the most formal way to say 'Nice to meet you'?
Choose the formal version:
Adding 'teiega tutvuda' makes the phrase complete and more formal.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are leaving a business meeting and want to say it was nice to meet them.
Use the past tense 'oli' when saying goodbye.
Fill in the missing word.
Väga _________ teiega tutvuda!
The adjective form 'meeldiv' is required here.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
When to use 'Väga meeldiv'
Formal
- • Job Interview
- • Meeting a Boss
- • Official Gala
Neutral
- • New Neighbor
- • Friend's Friend
- • Store Manager
Avoid
- • With Children
- • With Pets
- • Old Friends
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosPeeter: Tere, mina olen Peeter. Mari: _________!
When someone introduces themselves, 'Väga meeldiv' is the standard polite response.
Choose the formal version:
Adding 'teiega tutvuda' makes the phrase complete and more formal.
You are leaving a business meeting and want to say it was nice to meet them.
Use the past tense 'oli' when saying goodbye.
Väga _________ teiega tutvuda!
The adjective form 'meeldiv' is required here.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, in slightly more casual or hurried settings, 'Meeldiv' on its own is perfectly acceptable.
Absolutely. In Estonia, gender does not dictate who starts the handshake in a professional or social setting.
A simple 'Tere' and a smile is always better than saying nothing, but 'Väga meeldiv' will make you sound much more fluent.
When in doubt, use 'teie' (Väga meeldiv teiega tutvuda). It is always safer to be too formal than too informal.
Yes, this is the standard phrase across all of Estonia.
It's a bit too formal. For a child, just say 'Tere!' or 'Tore sind näha!'.
M-E-E-L-D-I-V. Remember the double 'e'!
It is always 'meeldiv'. 'Meeldi' is a command form of the verb, which doesn't make sense here.
Yes, if you are being introduced in a group chat or professional message.
No, 'beautiful' is 'ilus'. 'Meeldiv' specifically means 'pleasant'.
Frases relacionadas
Rõõm kohtuda
synonymJoy to meet
Meeldiv tutvuda
similarPleasant to get acquainted
Tore kohtuda
informalNice to meet
Oli meeldiv
contrastIt was pleasant
Samad sõnad
builds onSame words
