Meaning
A polite phrase used when meeting someone for the first time.
Cultural Background
When you say this, the other person might respond with 'Bā'es-e eftekhār-e mane' (It's my honor). It is polite to then slightly bow your head or place your right hand over your heart. In Afghanistan, the phrase is almost identical, but 'Khosh-bakhtam' is very frequently used in Kabul as a slightly more modern/formal alternative. Tajik speakers might say 'Az shinosoyī bo shumo shodam', using 'shodam' (I became) instead of 'halam' (I am).
The Smile Factor
In Iran, a warm smile while saying this phrase is just as important as the words themselves.
Don't skip 'Az'
If you just say 'āshnāyi bā shomā khoshhālam', it sounds like 'Acquaintance with you I am happy', which is broken Persian.
Meaning
A polite phrase used when meeting someone for the first time.
The Smile Factor
In Iran, a warm smile while saying this phrase is just as important as the words themselves.
Don't skip 'Az'
If you just say 'āshnāyi bā shomā khoshhālam', it sounds like 'Acquaintance with you I am happy', which is broken Persian.
The 'Ham' Response
If someone says this to you first, respond with 'Man ham...' (Me too...) to show you are an advanced learner.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
من ___ آشنایی با شما خوشحالم.
In Persian, we are happy 'from' (az) something.
Which is the most polite way to say 'Nice to meet you' to a doctor?
Meeting a doctor for the first time:
This is the standard polite form for professionals.
Match the Persian word to its English meaning.
Vocabulary Match
These are the core components of the phrase.
Complete the response.
Person A: 'از آشنایی با شما خوشحالم.' Person B: 'من ___ از آشنایی با شما خوشحالم.'
'Ham' means 'also', making the response 'I am also happy...'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن ___ آشنایی با شما خوشحالم.
In Persian, we are happy 'from' (az) something.
Meeting a doctor for the first time:
This is the standard polite form for professionals.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core components of the phrase.
Person A: 'از آشنایی با شما خوشحالم.' Person B: 'من ___ از آشنایی با شما خوشحالم.'
'Ham' means 'also', making the response 'I am also happy...'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is still polite and appropriate, though you might use 'to' instead of 'shomā' if they are a child.
Neither is 'better'. 'Khoshvaqtam' is more like 'Pleased to meet you', while 'Az āshnāyi...' is like 'I'm happy to meet you'.
Usually when arriving/being introduced. For leaving, use 'Az didāretun khoshhāl shodam' (I was happy to see you).
Related Phrases
خوشوقتم
synonymPleased to meet you (lit. I am happy-timed)
مشرفم
specialized formI am honored
خوشبختم
synonymI am lucky/happy
