знакомиться vs познакомиться
znakomitsya vs poznakomitsya — get acquainted as a process vs meet/get acquainted once
Register: neutral
What it really means
Знакомиться is imperfective for getting acquainted as a process, habit, or general activity. Познакомиться is perfective for one completed first meeting. With a person, use с + instrumental: познакомиться с коллегой. Both forms are reflexive and do not take that person directly as an object.
Examples in natural speech
Мы знакомимся с новыми людьми.
We are getting to know new people.
Где вы познакомились?
Where did you meet?
Я хочу познакомиться с твоей сестрой.
I want to meet your sister.
Они познакомились в университете.
They met at university.
Давайте познакомимся.
Let us introduce ourselves.
Common mistakes
Say “познакомиться с Анной,” not “познакомиться Анну.” The direct-object verb познакомить means introduce someone to someone.
Memory tip
Meet with someone: знакомиться с кем?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between знакомиться and познакомиться?
Знакомиться is the process or repeated activity of getting acquainted; познакомиться is one first meeting.
Which case follows познакомиться?
Use с plus instrumental: познакомиться с другом, с Анной.
How do you say nice to meet you?
A common phrase is “Очень приятно познакомиться.”
Note: This site uses JavaScript for interactive drills, audio playback, and progress tracking. Please enable JavaScript for the full experience.