Have you ever heard the phrase “it was great meeting you” used in conversation and felt confused about what it means? If so, you’re not alone. This common phrase can be tricky to understand for English learners and native speakers. In this article, we’ll explain what it means if someone says that it was great to meet you and how you should respond.
What Does “It Was Great Meeting You” Mean?
When someone says, “It was great meeting you,” they are telling you that they enjoyed their first conversation with you. Perhaps a friend introduced you two, or you met at an event and exchanged names. Now that you have officially met, this person is trying to let you know that they are happy to have made a connection with you.
Examples:
- It was great meeting you at the event today. I hope we can continue to be friends.
- Would you like to get coffee together one day? It was great meeting you, and I’d enjoy spending time with you again.
How to Respond to It was Great Meeting You
Now you know what this phrase means, but how should you answer? The right response depends on the situation; you should respond differently to “It was great meeting you” in formal situations vs informal situations. Keep in mind that saying a simple “bye” or “goodbye” can come off as rude.
Formal Contexts
In formal contexts, like professional settings, you should respond to people in a respectful and polite way. Use the following responses to sound professional when someone tells you they enjoyed meeting you in a formal situation.
I Enjoyed Making Your Acquaintance
This response works great for formal conversations and formal writing. It is polite and not overly casual. It also shows the other person that you are thoughtful and that you are happy to know a little bit about them.
It Was a Pleasure Meeting with You Yesterday
This response works well for a formal follow-up email. If you went to a networking business event and connected with someone new, this can be a great message to send the next day. It keeps your conversation going and establishes shared respect.
Likewise, It Was a Pleasure Meeting You
This response uses formal language to set a polite tone. It shows that you have good manners and makes the other person feel good about your new connection.
Informal Contexts
In informal contexts or casual settings, like parties or dates, you can loosen up with your response.
I’m Happy We Met
This short and sweet response gets your point across well. It shows your conversation partner that you enjoy their presence.
I’m Glad I Finally Got to Meet You, Too
This response comes across as very genuine and kind. The word “finally” shows that you were excited to meet the person.
It Was Nice Meeting You
Simple but effective, this casual response lets the other person know that you also enjoyed getting to meet them.
When to Use It Was Great Meeting You?
You should use this phrase when you meet someone new for the first time and want to let them know that you enjoyed the experience. Use it:
- When you meet someone at a party and want to finish the conversation politely.
- When you’re texting someone who gave you their contact information for the first time.
- When you part ways with your new date at the end of the evening.
Other Ways to Say It Was Great Meeting You
There are alternative ways you can get the same meaning across without saying, “It was great meeting you,” every time. Let’s explore some formal and informal synonyms for this phrase.
Formal Ways
Here are some different ways you can tell someone it was nice to meet them in a formal setting.
- It was wonderful to make your acquaintance.
- I am excited that we were able to connect.
- I am so pleased that we’ve been introduced.
- It was delightful to meet you.
Informal Ways
To tell someone it was great to meet them in a more casual context, try out these alternatives.
- I had fun meeting you, let’s stay in touch.
- It was nice to break the ice with you.
- I am pleased to have met you.
- I’m so glad we got to meet!
Final Thoughts
If someone says, “It was great meeting you,” that just means that they are happy they got the opportunity to know you. And by responding in a kind way, whether in formal or informal situations, you can let the other person know that you are also glad to meet them.
