Meeting someone new can be a great opportunity to make a lasting impression. If it’s at a networking event, a social gathering, or just a casual encounter, how you respond to “Nice to meet you” can set the tone for future interactions.
Here are 30 best responses to “Nice to meet you,” complete with stories, tips on when to use each response, and examples to help you navigate these introductions smoothly.
Best Responses to “Nice to Meet You” 👋
1. “Nice to meet you too!”
- Story: At a work event, after introducing myself to a new colleague, they said, “Nice to meet you!” I replied, “Nice to meet you too!” It’s a classic and straightforward way to reciprocate their sentiment.
- When to use: Ideal for any situation where you want to mirror their greeting politely.
- When not to use: If you’ve already had an in-depth conversation and want to acknowledge a deeper connection.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Nice to meet you too!”
2. “The pleasure is mine!”
- Story: When I met a potential client for the first time, they said, “Nice to meet you,” and I responded with, “The pleasure is mine!” It felt like a warm and respectful way to acknowledge the meeting.
- When to use: In more formal settings or when you want to convey genuine appreciation for the introduction.
- When not to use: In very casual settings where a simpler response is more appropriate.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “The pleasure is mine!”
3. “Likewise!”
- Story: During a casual meetup with friends’ acquaintances, someone greeted me with, “Nice to meet you,” and I replied, “Likewise!” It was a casual and friendly way to show that I felt the same.
- When to use: When you’re in a relaxed environment and want a brief, friendly response.
- When not to use: If you’re in a more formal or professional context where a more elaborate response might be preferred.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Likewise!”
4. “It’s great to meet you!”
- Story: At a networking event, a fellow attendee introduced themselves with, “Nice to meet you,” and I responded with, “It’s great to meet you!” It conveyed enthusiasm and positivity.
- When to use: When you want to express genuine pleasure in meeting someone, especially in a networking or social setting.
- When not to use: In situations where a more reserved or formal approach is required.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “It’s great to meet you!”
5. “I’ve heard a lot about you!”
- Story: When meeting a friend’s family member, I said, “I’ve heard a lot about you!” It was a nice way to acknowledge prior conversations and show that I was excited to meet them.
- When to use: When you’ve heard about the person before meeting them and want to acknowledge that connection.
- When not to use: If you’ve never heard of the person before and might come off as insincere.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “I’ve heard a lot about you!”
6. “I’m glad we finally met!”
- Story: After a long email exchange with a colleague, I said, “I’m glad we finally met!” It was a way to acknowledge the importance of the face-to-face meeting.
- When to use: When you’ve had previous interactions with the person and want to highlight the significance of meeting in person.
- When not to use: If you’ve only briefly interacted or don’t have a prior connection.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “I’m glad we finally met!”
7. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you!”
- Story: Meeting a potential business partner for the first time, I said, “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you!” It conveyed eagerness and respect for the introduction.
- When to use: When you’ve anticipated the meeting or are excited about the interaction.
- When not to use: If you’ve had no prior connection or communication with the person.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you!”
8. “It’s a pleasure to meet you!”
- Story: At a formal event, a new acquaintance introduced themselves, and I replied with, “It’s a pleasure to meet you!” It was a courteous and formal way to acknowledge the introduction.
- When to use: In professional or formal settings where a polite and respectful tone is appropriate.
- When not to use: In very casual or informal situations where a more relaxed response is better.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “It’s a pleasure to meet you!”
9. “I’ve been wanting to meet you!”
- Story: When I met a well-known industry figure at a conference, I said, “I’ve been wanting to meet you!” It expressed my enthusiasm and respect for their work.
- When to use: When meeting someone notable or influential whom you’ve been eager to connect with.
- When not to use: If you’ve had no prior interest or connection with the person.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “I’ve been wanting to meet you!”
10. “It’s wonderful to meet you!”
- Story: After being introduced to a friend’s partner, I replied, “It’s wonderful to meet you!” It was a warm and positive way to show that I was pleased with the introduction.
- When to use: When you want to convey a high level of warmth and friendliness.
- When not to use: In very formal settings where a more neutral response might be more appropriate.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “It’s wonderful to meet you!”
11. “I’m excited to meet you!”
- Story: When meeting a potential collaborator for a project, I said, “I’m excited to meet you!” It conveyed my enthusiasm and eagerness for the new opportunity.
- When to use: When you’re looking forward to the meeting or project and want to express your excitement.
- When not to use: If you need to maintain a more reserved or professional demeanor.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “I’m excited to meet you!”
12. “Nice to finally put a face to the name!”
- Story: After corresponding with someone via email for months, I met them in person and said, “Nice to finally put a face to the name!” It was a way to acknowledge our previous interactions.
- When to use: When you’ve had prior communication with the person and want to acknowledge the transition to an in-person meeting.
- When not to use: If you’ve never interacted with the person before.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Nice to finally put a face to the name!”
13. “I’ve heard great things about you!”
- Story: When meeting a friend’s new colleague, I said, “I’ve heard great things about you!” It was a positive way to show that I was already familiar with their reputation.
- When to use: When you’ve heard positive feedback about the person and want to acknowledge it.
- When not to use: If you haven’t heard anything about them or if you don’t know them well.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “I’ve heard great things about you!”
14. “It’s nice to meet you as well!”
- Story: During a team meeting, a new member introduced themselves and I responded with, “It’s nice to meet you as well!” It was a polite way to reciprocate their greeting.
- When to use: When you want to acknowledge their greeting in a formal or professional setting.
- When not to use: If you’re looking for a more casual or enthusiastic response.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “It’s nice to meet you as well!”
15. “I’m pleased to meet you!”
- Story: At a formal dinner, I met a guest of honor and replied, “I’m pleased to meet you!” It was a respectful and formal way to acknowledge the introduction.
- When to use: In formal or professional settings where a courteous response is appropriate.
- When not to use: In casual or informal settings where a more relaxed approach might be better.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “I’m pleased to meet you!”
16. “Great to meet you!”
- Story: When meeting a new client, I said, “Great to meet you!” It was a friendly and enthusiastic way to start our interaction.
- When to use: When you want to express positive energy and friendliness.
- When not to use: If you need to maintain a more formal or reserved tone.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Great to meet you!”
17. “It’s been nice meeting you!”
- Story: After a productive conversation with a new contact, I said, “It’s been nice meeting you!” It acknowledged the positive experience of the meeting.
- When to use: When you want to end the interaction on a positive note.
- When not to use: If you want to continue the conversation or need to keep it more open-ended.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “It’s been nice meeting you!”
18. “It’s a pleasure meeting you!”
- Story: At a networking event, I met a potential partner and replied, “It’s a pleasure meeting you!” It was a polite and slightly formal way to express my enjoyment of the introduction.
- When to use: When you want to convey formality and politeness.
- When not to use: In very casual or informal settings where a simpler response is better.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “It’s a pleasure meeting you!”
19. “I’m happy to meet you!”
- Story: During a casual gathering, I met a friend of a friend and responded with, “I’m happy to meet you!” It was a warm and friendly way to show that I was pleased with the introduction.
- When to use: In informal settings where a warm and approachable tone is appropriate.
- When not to use: In formal settings where a more professional response might be needed.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “I’m happy to meet you!”
20. “I’m delighted to meet you!”
- Story: When introduced to a new business contact, I said, “I’m delighted to meet you!” It conveyed a high level of enthusiasm and formality.
- When to use: When you want to show a high level of enthusiasm and respect.
- When not to use: If a more neutral or casual response is needed.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “I’m delighted to meet you!”
21. “Nice to meet you, how are you today?”
- Story: At a social event, someone introduced themselves, and I replied, “Nice to meet you, how are you today?” It was a way to show interest in the person beyond the initial greeting.
- When to use: When you want to continue the conversation and show genuine interest in the person’s well-being.
- When not to use: If the setting is too formal or if you’re in a hurry.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Nice to meet you, how are you today?”
22. “Nice to meet you! What brings you here?”
- Story: When meeting someone at a conference, I said, “Nice to meet you! What brings you here?” It was a friendly way to start a conversation and learn more about them.
- When to use: When you want to engage in a deeper conversation right away.
- When not to use: If the person seems busy or if a more reserved response is needed.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Nice to meet you! What brings you here?”
23. “It’s nice meeting you! What do you do?”
- Story: During a networking event, after an introduction, I asked, “It’s nice meeting you! What do you do?” It was a way to learn more about the person’s background and start a meaningful conversation.
- When to use: When you want to learn more about the person and keep the conversation going.
- When not to use: If you’re in a casual setting where personal questions might be too forward.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “It’s nice meeting you! What do you do?”
24. “Nice to meet you! How do you know [Mutual Friend]?”
- Story: At a friend’s party, I met someone who knew a mutual friend and said, “Nice to meet you! How do you know [Mutual Friend]?” It was a way to connect over shared acquaintances.
- When to use: When you have mutual connections and want to find common ground.
- When not to use: If you don’t know if the person has mutual connections or if the context is inappropriate.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Nice to meet you! How do you know [Mutual Friend]?”
25. “Nice to meet you! What are you working on?”
- Story: Meeting a new colleague, I said, “Nice to meet you! What are you working on?” It was a way to show interest in their current projects and start a conversation.
- When to use: When you want to learn about the person’s current work or interests.
- When not to use: If you’re in a very casual setting where discussing work might be inappropriate.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Nice to meet you! What are you working on?”
26. “Nice to meet you! Any fun plans for the weekend?”
- Story: At a casual gathering, I met someone and said, “Nice to meet you! Any fun plans for the weekend?” It was a friendly way to engage and keep the conversation light.
- When to use: When you want to keep the conversation casual and engaging.
- When not to use: If you’re in a formal setting or if you need to keep the conversation focused on business.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Nice to meet you! Any fun plans for the weekend?”
27. “Nice to meet you! What’s your story?”
- Story: At a networking event, I met someone and asked, “Nice to meet you! What’s your story?” It was a way to prompt a more in-depth conversation and learn about their background.
- When to use: When you want to engage in a meaningful conversation and learn more about the person.
- When not to use: If the context is too casual or if the person might not be comfortable sharing their story.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Nice to meet you! What’s your story?”
28. “Nice to meet you! Have you been here long?”
- Story: When meeting someone at a new office, I asked, “Nice to meet you! Have you been here long?” It was a way to start a conversation and understand their experience at the company.
- When to use: When you want to engage in conversation about the environment or setting you’re in.
- When not to use: If you’re meeting someone in a context where their tenure isn’t relevant.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Nice to meet you! Have you been here long?”
29. “Nice to meet you! What do you enjoy doing in your free time?”
- Story: At a social event, I met someone and asked, “Nice to meet you! What do you enjoy doing in your free time?” It was a friendly way to learn about their hobbies and interests.
- When to use: When you want to engage in a more personal conversation and find common interests.
- When not to use: If the context is professional or if you need to keep the conversation more focused on business.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Nice to meet you! What do you enjoy doing in your free time?”
30. “Nice to meet you! Have you tried [Local Place/Activity]?”
- Story: Meeting someone at a local event, I said, “Nice to meet you! Have you tried [Local Place/Activity]?” It was a way to connect over local experiences and suggest conversation topics.
- When to use: When you’re in a local setting and want to engage about shared experiences or local knowledge.
- When not to use: If you’re in a setting where local references aren’t relevant.
Example:
Person: “Nice to meet you!”
You: “Nice to meet you! Have you tried [Local Place/Activity]?”
