nice to meet you vs. nice meeting you?

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Forums · General English Grammar & Vocabulary, Listening & Speaking · General English Grammar Questions
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Is there a difference in meaning between 'nice meeting you' and 'nice to meet you' ??
Full Member128
Hi,
Is there a difference in meaning between 'nice meeting you' and 'nice to meet you' ??

Yes. The use of these expressions is quite idiomatic.

'nice meeting you' Say this when you meet someone for the first time, but say it at the end of the encounter. It's a bit like 'Goodbye'.
You can also say this at the end of subsequent meetings. Although not if you meet the same person several times a day.

'nice to meet you' Say this as soon as you meet someone for the first time. Think of it as 'Hello, new person'.

Best wishes, Clive

Veteran Member78,577
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thank you for your answer!

then could you explain why (b) is the correct answer in the following question?
It was nice meeting you, Tom.
(a) It's nice of you to say so.
(b) Great to meet you, too.

don't you have to say "great meeting you?? "
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Hi,

We were discussing the two specific expressions, using 'nice', that you asked about. I told you that their use is quite idiomatic.

There are also lots of other things you can say, and with many of them the first meeting/later meetings situation is less clear.

Answer B makes me think that Tom is perhaps saying good-bye after meeting the person for the first time.

Best wishes, Clive
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I am not a native English speaker, but when people say "nice meeting you", it sounds like "I will probably not see you again, but take care." So when you hear "nice meeting you" in a job interview for example, that means you did not get the job.

Name withheld,
Tokyo, Japan
.
Not true, Name withheld. 'Nice meeting you' is merely a complimentary farewell, and carries no implications beyond that.
.
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what should i reply for this.?
A: Nice meeting you.
B1: Nice meeting you, too.
B2: Good to meet you, too.
B3: Yes, indeed.
SystemAdministrator: A system administrator takes care of the inner workings of the entire system. These users have the ability to promote, ban and modify other users.Teachers: Users in this role are certified teachers. This may include DELTA, CELTA, TESOL, TEFL qualified professionals. Email a scan of your qualification to an admin, if you wish to be considered.
Can I say....."Good meeting you, too"?
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