Meaning
A very formal greeting, used especially when being introduced to someone for the first time.
Primary Function
Formal face-to-face introduction
Communicative Purpose
To perform a ritual introduction without expecting an actual answer
Pattern
How do you do?
Core Structure
How do you do?
Função primária
Formal face-to-face introduction
Propósito comunicativo
To perform a ritual introduction without expecting an actual answer
Situações de gatilho
Formal receptions, very formal introductions, some British contexts
Contextos
Very formal social, diplomatic, traditional
Padrão
How do you do?
Estrutura central
How do you do?
Slots de substituição
None
Colocados típicos
- How do you do?
Substituições comuns
- Pleased to meet you.
Erros comuns
Responding with "I'm fine, thank you." The correct response is "How do you do?".
Similar / contraste
Pleased to meet you (less rigid), How are you? (not for first intros)
Interferências
Many learners mistakenly interpret it as a real question; it's a set exchange.
Família do chunk
- Ritual introductions: Delighted
- I'm honored to meet you
Nuance
Extremely formal and traditional; creates distance.
Efeito pragmático
Marks the situation as highly formal or traditional.
Dica de memória
formal greeting
Nota
This is a set phrase used in formal introductions, not a genuine question about someone's well-being. The correct response is repeating the phrase back.
Upgrade path
Nice to meet you → Pleased to meet you → How do you do?
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