23 introductions
23.1 The general format of introductions
Formal introductions use the polite classifier for people, 位 wèi.这位是刘晓东。这位是王玫玲。
這位是劉曉東。這位是王玫玲。
Zhè wèi shì Liú Xiǎodōng. Zhè wèi shì Wáng Méilíng.
This (person) is Liu Xiaodong. This (person) is Wang Meiling.
Neutral introductions have the following format.这是刘晓东。这是王玫玲。
這是劉曉東。這是王玫玲。
Zhè shì Liú Xiǎodōng. Zhè shì Wáng Méilíng.
This is Liu Xiaodong. This is Wang Meiling.The most common and neutral response to an introduction is:你好。
Nǐ hǎo.
Hello. (lit. ‘How are you?’)
More formal responses to an introduction include:很高兴认识你。
很高興認識你。
Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ.
I’m very happy to meet you.久仰。
Jiǔ yǎng.
I have wanted to make your acquaintance for a long time.久仰 jiǔ yǎng is often said twice.久闻大名。
久聞大名。
Jiǔ wén dàmíng.
I have heard so much about you. (lit. ‘I have long heard of your great fame.’)
or久仰大名。
Jiǔ yǎng dàmíng.I have heard so much about you. (lit. ‘I have long admired your famous name.’)