Stop saying 很高兴认识你. Say this instead.

Five better ways to say “nice to meet you”

If you’ve studied Chinese from a textbook, the first sentence you probably learned was 很高兴认识你 (hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ) — “nice to meet you.” Correct, understandable, and used in almost every business meeting by almost every learner.

Which is exactly the problem. Everyone learns it. Almost nobody in real business settings actually leads with it.

If you’re doing business with Chinese partners, here are five phrases that’ll make you sound like you actually know what you’re doing — each one for a different moment, not just interchangeable filler.

Your everyday upgrade. Often doubled for warmth — 幸会幸会. Use it in any formal introduction instead of the textbook line.

For meeting someone whose reputation precedes them. Literally “I’ve long admired you.” Use it when you’re finally meeting someone you’ve heard a lot about.

Same family as 久仰, more literal: “your name is famous.” Reserve this for someone you genuinely, deeply respect — a senior executive, a well-known figure in your industry.

Not really “nice to meet you” at all — it’s what you say right after the introduction, signaling “I look forward to working together, please look out for me.” The phrase that opens a relationship, not just a meeting.

A polite, humble phrase meaning roughly “please guide me.” Perfect after introducing yourself to someone senior — shows modesty and sincerity without sounding weak.