Enchanté(e) is probably the first way you learned to say "nice to meet you" in French. While it's perfectly correct, the French language, much like its culture, is rich with nuances and alternatives that can help you make an even better first impression.

Learning different ways to express this common sentiment will not only expand your vocabulary but also make your conversations more natural and engaging.

Ready to diversify your greetings? Let's explore 9 fantastic ways to say "nice to meet you" in French!

“Enchanté(e)” – The classic, simple 'nice to meet you'

“Enchanté(e)” – The classic, simple ‘nice to meet you’ is the most common and polite way to express pleasure at meeting someone in French.

Enchanté(e) literally means 'enchanted' or 'delighted' and is the standard phrase to say 'nice to meet you' in French.

Like many French adjectives, enchanté must agree in gender with the speaker. A male speaker will say enchanté (without the 'e'), while a female speaker will say enchantée (with an 'e' at the end, pronounced the same).

This phrase is incredibly versatile and can be used in almost any situation, from casual introductions to more formal settings. It's always a polite and appropriate choice.

You typically say Enchanté(e) immediately after someone introduces themselves or after you've been introduced to them. It's a key part of initial greetings.

The most common and natural way to respond to Enchanté(e) is to simply say Enchanté(e) back (agreeing with your own gender), or Moi de même (Me too) for variety.

Remember that Enchanté(e) is specifically for the first time you meet someone. If you're seeing someone again, even if you haven't seen them in a while, you would use phrases like Ravi(e) de te/vous revoir (Nice to see you again).

💡 * Bonjour, je m'appelle Sophie. - Enchantée ! (Hello, my name is Sophie. - Nice to meet you! [female speaker])

• Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer. - Enchanté. (I am delighted to meet you. - Nice to meet you. [male speaker])
• Enchantée, moi aussi. (Nice to meet you, me too. [female speaker responding])
• Nous sommes enchantés de faire votre connaissance. (We are delighted to make your acquaintance. [plural/formal])

"Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer" – The formal 'delighted to meet you'

When you wish to express that you are truly delighted or pleased to meet someone in a formal or respectful context, the essential French phrase is Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer.

The (e) in Ravi(e) signifies gender agreement. A male speaker says Ravi de vous rencontrer, while a female speaker says Ravie de vous rencontrer. The pronunciation of the phrase remains identical for both forms.

The use of vous is crucial for formality. It's the polite 'you' in French, making this phrase perfect for professional interactions, addressing elders, or anyone you wish to show respect to.

This phrase is perfectly suited for initial introductions at business events, formal gatherings, or when you are introduced to someone new in a setting that calls for politeness and respect.

While Enchanté(e) is a common and polite 'pleased to meet you,' Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer conveys a slightly stronger, more explicit sense of genuine delight. It's often reserved for situations where you truly are very happy to make someone's acquaintance.

💡 * Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer, Monsieur Dubois. (I am delighted to meet you, Mr. Dubois. - male speaker)

• Elle était ravie de vous rencontrer. (She was delighted to meet you. - feminine subject)
• Nous sommes ravis de vous rencontrer tous. (We are delighted to meet you all. - plural speaker, mixed or masculine group)
• Ravi de vous rencontrer, enchanté. (Delighted to meet you, pleased. - male speaker, combining phrases)
• C'était un plaisir, ravie de vous rencontrer. (It was a pleasure, delighted to meet you. - feminine speaker, after the meeting)

"Heureux(se) de faire votre connaissance" – The elegant 'happy to make your acquaintance'

When you want to express your pleasure at meeting someone new in French, especially in a formal or respectful context, the phrase "Heureux(se) de faire votre connaissance" is a perfect choice. It translates directly to "Happy to make your acquaintance."

Just like many French adjectives, the form of "heureux" changes based on the speaker's gender. A male speaker would say "heureux de faire votre connaissance," while a female speaker would say "heureuse de faire votre connaissance." The 'e' at the end of 'heureuse' signifies the feminine form.

The use of "votre connaissance" (your acquaintance) is key to the phrase's elegance and formality. 'Votre' is the formal 'your,' reinforcing that this expression is typically reserved for interactions where politeness and respect are paramount, such as meeting a new client, a superior, or an elder.

Breaking down the phrase: 'Heureux(se)' means 'happy,' 'de faire' means 'to make,' and 'votre connaissance' means 'your acquaintance.' This literal translation highlights its sophisticated nature, conveying a genuine sense of honor or pleasure in the introduction, rather than just a casual greeting.

This phrase is ideal for first encounters in professional settings, formal social gatherings, or any situation where you wish to convey respect. It's a classic and well-regarded way to make a positive first impression in French-speaking environments, signaling your command of polite French etiquette.

While "Heureux(se) de faire votre connaissance" is elegant, a slightly more common and often less formal alternative you might hear is "Enchanté(e)." This shorter phrase also means 'pleased to meet you' or 'delighted,' and similarly changes to 'enchantée' for a female speaker. Both are excellent choices, with "Heureux(se) de faire votre connaissance" carrying a touch more gravitas.

💡 * Bonjour Monsieur Dubois, heureux de faire votre connaissance. (Hello Mr. Dubois, pleased to make your acquaintance.)* Bonjour Madame Dupont, heureuse de faire votre connaissance. (Hello Mrs. Dupont, pleased to make your acquaintance.)* C'est un plaisir de faire votre connaissance. (It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.)* Nous sommes très heureux de faire votre connaissance. (We are very pleased to make your acquaintance.)

C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer" – The polite 'it's a pleasure to meet you'

The phrase "C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer" directly translates to 'It's a pleasure to meet you' and is the standard, polite way to express this sentiment in French.

This expression uses the formal pronoun "vous", making it suitable for professional settings, meeting new acquaintances, or when addressing someone older or in a position of authority. It conveys respect and politeness.

Let's break it down: "C'est un plaisir" means 'It's a pleasure', and "de vous rencontrer" means 'to meet you'. The structure is straightforward and universally understood.

While "C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer" is the most complete and polite form, shorter variations like "Enchanté(e)" (Delighted/Charmed) or simply "Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer" (Pleased to meet you) are also common, with "Enchanté(e)" being a very popular and slightly less formal option.

💡 * Bonjour Madame Dubois, c'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer. (Hello Mrs. Dubois, it's a pleasure to meet you.)

• C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer également, Monsieur Martin. (It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Martin.)
• Nous sommes ravis de vous rencontrer tous les deux. (We are delighted to meet both of you.)
• Enchanté! (Delighted! - often used as a standalone response)

"Ravi(e) de te rencontrer" – The informal 'delighted to meet you' (for friends/family)

Ravi(e) de te rencontrer is the go-to informal expression in French for "delighted to meet you."

This phrase literally translates to "delighted/pleased to meet you" and is reserved for casual encounters among friends or family.

The (e) in ravi(e) indicates gender agreement. A male speaker uses ravi, while a female speaker uses ravie (pronounced the same, but spelled differently).

You'll use Ravi(e) de te rencontrer when meeting new friends, family members, or anyone in a relaxed, non-professional setting.

It's the informal counterpart to Enchanté(e) (also "delighted to meet you," but can be used in slightly more formal contexts) or Je suis ravi(e) de faire votre connaissance (more formal).

This phrase conveys genuine pleasure and warmth, making it perfect for building rapport in informal social situations.

💡 * Salut Marie, ravi de te rencontrer ! (Said by a male) (Hi Marie, delighted to meet you!)

• Bonjour Jean, ravie de te rencontrer. (Said by a female) (Hello Jean, delighted to meet you.)
• C'est super de te rencontrer enfin, je suis ravie ! (It's great to finally meet you, I'm delighted!)
• On m'a beaucoup parlé de toi, ravi de te rencontrer. (I've heard a lot about you, delighted to meet you.)

"Heureux(se) de faire ta connaissance" – The informal 'happy to make your acquaintance'

The phrase "Heureux(se) de faire ta connaissance" directly translates to "happy to make your acquaintance" and serves as a polite, yet informal, way to say "nice to meet you" in French.

This expression is used in informal settings, indicated by ta (your, informal singular). The ending changes based on the speaker's gender: a man says heureux and a woman says heureuse. This is a key grammatical point for learners.

While "Enchanté(e)" is a very common and simpler informal greeting for "nice to meet you," "Heureux(se) de faire ta connaissance" offers a slightly more complete and perhaps warmer sentiment. It implies a genuine pleasure in the meeting.

You'd typically use this phrase when introduced to new people in casual social circles, like friends of friends, at parties, or informal gatherings. It's perfect when you want to express a bit more than just a quick Enchanté.

💡 * Salut Marc, heureux de faire ta connaissance ! (Hi Marc, happy to meet you! - said by a man)

• Bonjour Sophie, heureuse de faire ta connaissance. (Hello Sophie, happy to meet you. - said by a woman)
• C'était vraiment un plaisir de faire ta connaissance hier soir. (It was truly a pleasure to meet you last night.)
• Je suis heureuse de faire ta connaissance, enfin ! (I'm happy to finally meet you! - said by a woman)

"C'est un plaisir de te rencontrer" – The informal 'it's a pleasure to meet you'

When you want to express "it's a pleasure to meet you" in an informal setting in French, the go-to phrase is "C'est un plaisir de te rencontrer." This greeting is perfect for casual introductions among friends, peers, or family.

The phrase breaks down into: C'est un plaisir (It's a pleasure) + de (to) + te rencontrer (to meet you, informal 'you'). The use of "te" is the crucial indicator of informality, directly addressing a single person you would use the familiar "tu" with.

Utilize "C'est un plaisir de te rencontrer" when meeting someone new in a relaxed social context. This includes meeting friends of friends, people at a casual gathering, or anyone you'd naturally address with "tu." For formal situations, such as meeting a superior, an elder, or someone in a professional context, you would opt for the formal "vous" form: "C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer."

💡 * C'est un plaisir de te rencontrer, Sophie ! (It's a pleasure to meet you, Sophie!)

• Je suis ravi de te rencontrer enfin. (I'm delighted to finally meet you.)
• C'est un plaisir de te rencontrer, je suis le frère de Paul. (It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Paul's brother.)
• Nous sommes contents de te rencontrer. (We are happy to meet you.)

"Je suis ravi(e) de vous rencontrer" – The emphatic 'I am delighted to meet you'

The phrase Je suis ravi(e) de vous rencontrer directly translates to "I am delighted to meet you" or "I am thrilled to meet you." It's a very warm and enthusiastic way to express pleasure upon meeting someone new in French.

The (e) in ravi(e) indicates gender agreement. A male speaker or a group of mixed/male individuals would say Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer. A female speaker would say Je suis ravie de vous rencontrer (with an 'e'). This agreement is crucial for correct usage.

This expression conveys a stronger sense of pleasure than a simple Enchanté(e). It's appropriate in both formal and informal settings when you genuinely want to express your delight at meeting someone, often for the first time or after a long anticipation.

While Enchanté(e) is a polite standard, Je suis ravi(e) de vous rencontrer adds an extra layer of genuine enthusiasm and warmth. It's an excellent phrase to make a positive and memorable first impression.

💡 * Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer, Monsieur Dubois. (I am delighted to meet you, Mr. Dubois.)

• Je suis ravie de vous rencontrer, Madame Dupont. (I am delighted to meet you, Mrs. Dupont.)
• Nous sommes ravis de vous rencontrer tous les deux. (We are delighted to meet both of you.)
• Ah, enfin ! Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer en personne. (Ah, finally! I am delighted to meet you in person.)

"Quel plaisir de vous rencontrer !" – The enthusiastic 'what a pleasure to meet you!'

The French phrase "Quel plaisir de vous rencontrer !" directly translates to "What a pleasure to meet you!" It's a very common and enthusiastic way to express delight when meeting someone new, or even someone you haven't seen in a while but are formally addressing.

Let's break down the components of this expressive phrase: Quel ('What a', exclamative adjective), plaisir ('pleasure', noun), de ('to', preposition), vous ('you', formal singular or plural object pronoun), and rencontrer ('to meet', infinitive verb). This structure emphasizes the 'what a' aspect, making it more impactful than a simple 'It's a pleasure to meet you.'

The use of vous in "Quel plaisir de vous rencontrer !" is crucial. It indicates either a formal singular address (to someone you don't know well, an elder, or a professional contact) or a plural address. While you could theoretically say "Quel plaisir de te rencontrer !" to a close friend, it's far less common and sounds overly dramatic for informal contexts. For casual meetings with friends, simpler phrases like "Ravi(e) de te voir !" (Glad to see you!) are often preferred. This phrase is ideal for first impressions or formal reconnections.

While "Quel plaisir de vous rencontrer !" is a complete and excellent phrase, you might also hear or use shorter, equally polite alternatives. The most common include: Enchanté(e) ! ('Charmed!' or 'Delighted!', a very common, concise way to say 'Nice to meet you,' especially when first introduced), and Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer ! ('Delighted to meet you!', a slightly less emphatic but still warm alternative).

💡 *Bonjour Monsieur Dubois, quel plaisir de vous rencontrer ! (Hello Mr. Dubois, what a pleasure to meet you!)
*Quel plaisir de vous rencontrer enfin après toutes ces discussions par e-mail. (What a pleasure to finally meet you after all these email discussions.)
*Je suis ravie de vous rencontrer, Madame Dupont. (I am delighted to meet you, Mrs. Dupont. - A common variation)
*Enchanté ! C'est un honneur de faire votre connaissance. (Charmed! It's an honor to make your acquaintance. - An alternative expression)

Are there other ways to say 'nice to meet you' in French?

Are there other ways to say 'nice to meet you' in French?

Our list features the most common ways to say 'nice to meet you' in French. But there are other expressions, from more formal ones, to regional ones, to modern slang that even this author might not be fully aware of!

You can also do an online search for “comment dire ravi de vous rencontrer en ___” followed by a specific Francophone country or region.

You might find some interesting alternatives for enchanté or ravi de vous rencontrer on your journey. Of course, make sure to check a word’s definition and try to see it used in context before you use it.

Pay attention as you read, watch, and listen to things in French — you may discover different ways to express the pleasure of meeting someone.

And if you’re looking for ways to express pleasure in meeting someone, or phrases related to initial greetings in French, the WordReference entry for enchanter or rencontrer can be a great place to start!

I hope you found this article helpful. Here’s what I think is a perfect quote to finish it with, emphasizing the importance of polite interactions, courtesy of Molière: La politesse est la plus agréable des vertus. (Politeness is the most pleasant of virtues.)