Portuguese Phrase
Prazer em te conhecer
Meaning
This phrase is the standard Portuguese greeting used when meeting someone for the first time. It literally translates to 'pleasure in knowing you,' where the verb 'conhecer' specifically refers to becoming acquainted with a person rather than knowing a fact.
When to use
Use this phrase immediately after an introduction in both social and professional settings. It is a polite and friendly way to acknowledge a new acquaintance.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Prazeremteconhecer
Prazer
A noun meaning 'pleasure', functioning as the core of this polite exclamation.
Te
The object pronoun for 'you' (informal). In formal European Portuguese, 'conhecê-lo' or 'conhecê-la' is more frequent.
Conhecer
The infinitive verb 'to know' or 'to meet' someone. Unlike 'saber', it is used for familiarity with people and places.
🗨In Conversation
Oi, eu sou o Gabriel.
Hi, I am Gabriel.
Prazer em te conhecer, Gabriel. Eu sou a Julia.
Nice to meet you, Gabriel. I am Julia.
✕Common Mistakes
Prazer em te saber
Use 'conhecer' for people and 'saber' for facts or information.
Muito prazer de te conhecer
The preposition 'em' is the standard connector used after 'prazer' in this idiomatic expression.
↔Alternatives
Muito prazer
Much pleasure / Nice to meet you
Prazer em conhecê-lo
Pleasure to meet you (formal/masculine)
Encantado
Charmed / Delighted (masculine)
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'Prazer em te conhecer' is often accompanied by a handshake or, in more informal settings among friends of friends, air kisses on the cheeks. In Portugal, the phrase remains common but the social distance during the first meeting might be slightly more formal than in Brazil.