Encantado em conhecê-lo
Delighted to meet you (male). A charming and warm way to greet a man you're meeting.
Literally: Enchanted in knowing-you
In 15 Seconds
- A sophisticated way to say 'Pleased to meet you.'
- Change to 'Encantada' if you identify as female.
- Best for interviews, formal events, or meeting elders.
Meaning
This is a polite way to say 'Delighted to meet you' or 'Pleased to meet you.' It adds a touch of charm and extra warmth compared to a simple 'Nice to meet you.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Starting a job interview
Muito obrigado pela oportunidade, estou encantado em conhecê-lo.
Thank you for the opportunity, I am delighted to meet you.
Meeting a friend's mother
Olá, Dona Maria, encantada em conhecê-la!
Hello, Dona Maria, delighted to meet you!
At a formal gala or dinner
É um prazer estar aqui, encantado em conhecê-lo.
It's a pleasure to be here, delighted to meet you.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the 'Old World' charm still present in Lusophone etiquette. It stems from a tradition of chivalry where meeting someone was treated as a significant social event. Today, it is a hallmark of 'falar bem' (speaking well), signaling high social status or education.
The Gender Rule
Always remember: the first word matches *you*, the last part matches the *person you meet*. If you are a woman meeting a man: `Encantada em conhecê-lo`.
Don't Overdo It
Using this at a fast-food counter might get you some weird looks. Save it for when you want to impress or show deep respect.
In 15 Seconds
- A sophisticated way to say 'Pleased to meet you.'
- Change to 'Encantada' if you identify as female.
- Best for interviews, formal events, or meeting elders.
What It Means
Think of this as the 'fancy' cousin of the standard greeting. When you say Encantado em conhecê-lo, you are literally saying you are 'enchanted' by the meeting. It sounds a bit like a fairy tale, right? In reality, it is just a very polite, slightly old-school way to show genuine pleasure. It shows you have great manners. It makes the other person feel special immediately.
How To Use It
You use this right after someone is introduced to you. It usually follows a handshake or a polite nod. If you are a man, use Encantado. If you are a woman, you must say Encantada. The lo at the end refers to 'him' or 'you' (formal). If you are talking to a woman, you say conhecê-la. It sounds smooth and very sophisticated. Don't worry about the grammar too much at first. Just focus on the 'o' or 'a' at the end of the first word!
When To Use It
Use this when you want to make a killer first impression. It is perfect for a job interview in Lisbon or São Paulo. Use it when meeting your partner's grandparents for the first time. It works beautifully at a gallery opening or a formal dinner. It tells people you are cultured and respectful. It is the verbal equivalent of wearing a nice blazer. You will definitely stand out in a good way.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a loud beach party with teenagers. It will make you sound like a time traveler from 1920. Avoid it when meeting your friend's rowdy roommates at a bar. In very casual settings, it can feel a bit stiff or even sarcastic. If everyone is in flip-flops, stick to a simple Prazer. Also, don't use it with people you already know. That would just be weird and confusing!
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture often values 'gentileza' (kindness) and formal etiquette in first encounters. The word Encantado comes from the same root as 'enchantment' or 'magic.' Historically, it reflects a society that prized gallantry and poetic speech. While modern life is faster, these 'magic words' still open many doors. In Portugal, people might be slightly more formal than in Brazil. However, both cultures appreciate the effort of using high-level vocabulary.
Common Variations
The most common shortcut is just saying Encantado or Encantada. You can also say Muito prazer em conhecê-lo. If you want to be even more formal, try É uma honra conhecê-lo. In Brazil, you might hear Prazer em te conhecer more often in daily life. But Encantado remains the gold standard for elegance. It is a classic that never truly goes out of style.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits firmly in the formal register. Use the masculine 'Encantado' or feminine 'Encantada' based on your own gender, and ensure the suffix '-lo' (him/you) or '-la' (her/you) matches the person you are addressing.
The Gender Rule
Always remember: the first word matches *you*, the last part matches the *person you meet*. If you are a woman meeting a man: `Encantada em conhecê-lo`.
Don't Overdo It
Using this at a fast-food counter might get you some weird looks. Save it for when you want to impress or show deep respect.
The 'Prazer' Shortcut
In Brazil, people often just say `Prazer!` with a big smile. `Encantado` is your 'secret weapon' for when you need to be extra classy.
Examples
6Muito obrigado pela oportunidade, estou encantado em conhecê-lo.
Thank you for the opportunity, I am delighted to meet you.
Shows high respect to the interviewer.
Olá, Dona Maria, encantada em conhecê-la!
Hello, Dona Maria, delighted to meet you!
The female speaker uses 'Encantada' and 'la' for the lady.
É um prazer estar aqui, encantado em conhecê-lo.
It's a pleasure to be here, delighted to meet you.
Fits the elegant atmosphere perfectly.
Foi um prazer nossa conversa, encantado em conhecê-lo.
Our conversation was a pleasure, delighted to have met you.
Slightly formal but very professional for a first follow-up.
Oh, um príncipe! Encantado em conhecê-lo, Vossa Alteza.
Oh, a prince! Enchanted to meet you, Your Highness.
Used jokingly when a friend acts posh.
Finalmente nos encontramos, estou encantada em conhecê-lo.
We finally meet, I am delighted to meet you.
Expresses genuine warmth and emotion.
Test Yourself
If you are a woman meeting a man, which version is correct?
___ em conhecê-lo.
The adjective must match the gender of the speaker. A woman always says 'Encantada'.
Complete the phrase to address a woman formally.
Encantado em conhecê-___.
The object pronoun 'la' is used when referring to a female 'you' in this formal structure.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of Greetings
Friends and peers
Oi! Tudo bem?
Everyday polite
Prazer em conhecer.
Professional/Respectful
Encantado em conhecê-lo.
Where to use 'Encantado'
Job Interview
Meeting the CEO
First Date
At a fancy restaurant
Meeting Elders
Partner's parents
Diplomacy
Official events
Practice Bank
2 exercises___ em conhecê-lo.
The adjective must match the gender of the speaker. A woman always says 'Encantada'.
Encantado em conhecê-___.
The object pronoun 'la' is used when referring to a female 'you' in this formal structure.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot anymore! While it comes from the word for magic, in this context it just means 'delighted' or 'very pleased.' It is a common social convention.
Yes, it is excellent for formal emails. You can write Estou encantado em conhecê-lo after a first digital introduction.
The meaning is the same, but you are more likely to hear it in Portugal where formal speech is slightly more common. Brazilians use it mostly in high-stakes professional settings.
You would say Encantado em conhecê-los. The los pluralizes the 'you' to address the whole group.
Neither is 'better,' they just have different vibes. Prazer is like a t-shirt (versatile), while Encantado is like a tuxedo (special occasions).
Men saying Encantada or women saying Encantado. Always match the ending to your own gender!
It sounds a bit too formal for a child. A simple Oi, tudo bem? or Prazer is much more natural for kids.
The best response is O prazer é todo meu (The pleasure is all mine). It keeps the level of politeness equal.
Yes! It can be quite charming and 'gentlemanly' or 'ladylike' on a first date at a nice location.
It is a formal object pronoun. In casual Portuguese, people say conhecer você, but conhecê-lo is the grammatically correct formal version.
Related Phrases
Muito prazer
Much pleasure / Nice to meet you
O prazer é meu
The pleasure is mine
Igualmente
Likewise
É uma honra
It is an honor
