Haven't we met before Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhævən/, /ˈhævənt/ /ˈwi/ /ˈmɛt/ /ˌbiˈfɔɹ/, /bɪˈfɔɹ

HAV-uhnt wee MET bih-FOR

UK

ˈhævənt/ /wˈiː/ /mˈɛt/ /bɪfˈɔː

HAV-uhnt wee MET bih-FAW

Definition

This polite question is used when you think you recognize someone and want to ask if you have met in the past.

Usage & Nuances

Common in introductions or social situations, sometimes used as a conversation starter. Tone is polite or friendly, often to break the ice. Can be literal or sometimes flirty. Often confuses learners with tense (present perfect). Variations: 'Have we met before?' 'We have met before, haven't we?'

• Spanish: ¿no nos hemos conocido antes? - ¿no nos hemos visto antes?
• Portuguese (BR): nós já não nos conhecemos? - nós já não nos vimos antes?
• Portuguese (PT): já não nos conhecemos antes? - já nos vimos antes, não?
• Chinese (Simplified): 我们以前见过吗？
• Chinese (Traditional): 我們以前見過嗎？
• Hindi: क्या हम पहले नहीं मिल चुके हैं?
• Arabic: ألم نلتقِ من قبل؟
• Bengali: আমরা কি আগে দেখা করেছি না
• Russian: разве мы раньше не встречались
• Japanese: 以前にお会いしたことありませんか
• Vietnamese: chúng ta đã gặp nhau trước đây phải không
• Korean: 우리 예전에 만난 적 있지 않아요
• Turkish: daha önce tanışmamış mıydık
• Urdu: کیا ہم پہلے نہیں ملے
• Indonesian: bukankah kita pernah bertemu sebelumnya

Example Sentences

Haven't we met before at the library?

basic

Haven't we met before? Your face looks familiar.

basic

I think haven't we met before at a conference?

basic

Haven't we met before? Maybe at Tom's party last year.

natural

Hey, haven't we met before somewhere? I swear I remember you!

natural

People always say 'haven't we met before' when they can't remember someone's name.

natural