Meaning
A polite phrase used to express happiness upon meeting someone.
Cultural Background
In business, this phrase is often accompanied by a bow and the exchange of business cards (Meishi Koukan). Expressing joy at meeting a guest is a key part of Japanese hospitality. It makes the guest feel 'at home'. On platforms like Twitter or Instagram, users often use the casual version '{会|あ}えて{嬉|うれ}しい' when meeting followers in person (Off-kai). When giving a small souvenir (Omiyage) during a first meeting, saying this phrase helps to soften the atmosphere.
Add 'Zutto'
Say 'Zutto o-ai dekite ureshii desu' (I've wanted to meet you for a long time) to sound very sincere.
Don't over-bow
A small 15-degree bow is enough when saying this. Don't lose eye contact for too long.
Meaning
A polite phrase used to express happiness upon meeting someone.
Add 'Zutto'
Say 'Zutto o-ai dekite ureshii desu' (I've wanted to meet you for a long time) to sound very sincere.
Don't over-bow
A small 15-degree bow is enough when saying this. Don't lose eye contact for too long.
Smile!
Unlike some formal Japanese phrases, this one should be said with a genuine smile.
Test Yourself
Complete the polite greeting.
{田中|たなか}さん、お____できて{嬉|うれ}しいです。
The verb stem for 'to meet' is '{会|あ}い'.
Which phrase is best for a business introduction?
After saying 'Hajimemashite', what should you say?
This is the most polite and natural formal greeting.
Fill in the response.
A: {初|はじ}めまして、スミスです。 B: {初|はじ}めまして。____。
It follows 'Hajimemashite' perfectly in an introduction.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are meeting your Japanese teacher for the first time.
This is the appropriate level of politeness for a teacher.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{田中|たなか}さん、お____できて{嬉|うれ}しいです。
The verb stem for 'to meet' is '{会|あ}い'.
After saying 'Hajimemashite', what should you say?
This is the most polite and natural formal greeting.
A: {初|はじ}めまして、スミスです。 B: {初|はじ}めまして。____。
It follows 'Hajimemashite' perfectly in an introduction.
You are meeting your Japanese teacher for the first time.
This is the appropriate level of politeness for a teacher.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's a bit too formal. Use '{会|あ}えて{嬉|うれ}しい' instead.
In formal situations, yes. It shows respect to the person you are meeting.
'Hajimemashite' is 'How do you do'. This phrase is 'I am happy to meet you'. You can use both together.
Yes, it's very common in the first few lines of a formal email.
Say '{私|わたし}も、お{会|おあ}いできて{嬉|うれ}しいです' (I am also happy to meet you).
Yes, it is completely gender-neutral.
Yes, just add 'Minasan ni' (everyone) at the beginning.
It's better to say '{会|あ}えて{良|よ}かったです' (It was good to see you).
No, in this specific phrase, it's considered polite and warm, not overly emotional.
{お会|おあ}いできて{嬉|うれ}しかったです。
Related Phrases
{初|はじ}めまして
similarNice to meet you (for the first time).
お{目|め}にかかれて{光栄|こうえい}です
specialized formI am honored to meet you.
{会|あ}いたかったです
similarI wanted to see you.
よろしくお{願|ねが}いします
builds onPlease treat me well.
