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PhrasesMeeting Someone NewMolto lieto di conoscerla.
A2formal

Molto lieto di conoscerla.

Very pleased to meet you.

Pronunciation

'Lieto' = LYEH-toh; 'conoscerla' = ko-NO-shehr-la. The double 'l' in 'molto' should be clearly articulated.

When to use it

Use in formal business meetings, academic settings, or when meeting someone significantly older or of higher social status. It conveys genuine respect and polish. Common in northern Italian business culture especially.

What it means

'Lieto' is an adjective meaning 'glad/pleased' and agrees with the speaker's gender (a woman would say 'lieta'). 'Conoscerla' uses the formal 'La' object pronoun. The entire phrase is a fixed formal expression widely expected in professional introductions.

Variations

Molto lieta di conoscerla.

Very pleased to meet you. (said by a woman)

Feminine form — Italian adjectives must agree with the speaker's gender.

È un piacere conoscerla.

It is a pleasure to meet you.

Slightly less stiff than 'molto lieto' — equally formal but more conversational.

Sono felice di fare la sua conoscenza.

I am happy to make your acquaintance.

The most elevated register; typical in written correspondence or very formal meetings.

Mini Dialogue

— Buonasera. Sono il professor Martini. — Molto lieto di conoscerla, professore. Mi chiamo Andrea Ferretti. — Il piacere è mio, dottor Ferretti. — La ringrazio.

— Good evening. I am Professor Martini. — Very pleased to meet you, professor. My name is Andrea Ferretti. — The pleasure is mine, Dr Ferretti. — Thank you.

Cultural Note

In Italy, using someone's title correctly on first meeting is a strong sign of respect. Skipping titles can be seen as presumptuous, especially in academic or medical contexts.