Meaning
Said when meeting someone for the first time.
Cultural Background
Handshaking is mandatory. When saying 'Me veseli,' a firm grip and looking the person in the eye is a sign of honesty and respect. In business, wait for the higher-ranking person or the host to initiate the introduction and the 'Me veseli' greeting. In villages, introductions are often followed by 'Od kod si?' (Where are you from?), as local identity is very important. Younger Slovenians might use 'Me veseli' less formally, often replacing the handshake with a wave or a 'fist bump' in very casual settings.
The 'Tudi Mene' Trick
If you forget how to say 'Nice to meet you too,' just say 'Tudi mene.' It's short and perfectly polite.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep 'veseli' in the 3rd person singular. Don't try to change it to match yourself.
Meaning
Said when meeting someone for the first time.
The 'Tudi Mene' Trick
If you forget how to say 'Nice to meet you too,' just say 'Tudi mene.' It's short and perfectly polite.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep 'veseli' in the 3rd person singular. Don't try to change it to match yourself.
Smile!
Slovenians can be reserved, but a smile while saying 'Me veseli' breaks the ice instantly.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the greeting.
Dober dan. ___ veseli.
'Me' is the correct accusative clitic used in this impersonal expression.
What is the most natural response to 'Me veseli'?
A: Me veseli. B: _______
'Tudi mene' (Me too) is the standard polite response.
Match the phrase to the correct level of formality.
1. Zelo me veseli, gospod predsednik. 2. Me veseli!
Adding 'Zelo' and a title makes it formal; the short version is neutral.
Complete the dialogue between two new neighbors.
Janez: Živjo, jaz sem Janez. Marija: Živjo, Janez. Jaz sem Marija. Janez: ________.
After introducing names, 'Me veseli' is the natural next step.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Me veseli'
Social
- • Parties
- • Weddings
- • Neighbors
Work
- • Interviews
- • Meetings
- • New Colleagues
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDober dan. ___ veseli.
'Me' is the correct accusative clitic used in this impersonal expression.
A: Me veseli. B: _______
'Tudi mene' (Me too) is the standard polite response.
1. Zelo me veseli, gospod predsednik. 2. Me veseli!
Adding 'Zelo' and a title makes it formal; the short version is neutral.
Janez: Živjo, jaz sem Janez. Marija: Živjo, Janez. Jaz sem Marija. Janez: ________.
After introducing names, 'Me veseli' is the natural next step.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with a boss or a new friend.
Yes, flipping the words is slightly more formal but means the same thing.
You can say 'Me veseli' to each one, or 'Me veseli, da smo se spoznali' to the whole group.
In Slovenia, yes. It is expected when saying this phrase.
It might sound a bit formal for a child; a simple 'Živjo' is usually enough.
It is 'Me' (accusative). 'Mi' would be dative and is incorrect here.
You don't! Use 'Lepo te je spet videti' (Nice to see you again).
Yes, 'Veseli me, da smo stopili v stik' (I'm glad we got in touch) is common.
No, 'Me veseli' stays the same regardless of who is speaking.
It literally means 'It gladdens me.'
Related Phrases
Lepo te je spoznati
synonymIt's nice to meet you
V čast mi je
specialized formIt is an honor
Veselim se srečanja
builds onI look forward to the meeting
Tudi mene
similarMe too
