From the verb *встретить* ("to meet"), which derives from Old East Slavic *встрѣтити*, related to the prefix *вс-* (a variant of *воз-*, indicating motion toward) and the root *рет-* connected to the idea of encountering or going against. Cognates appear across Slavic languages, e.g., Polish *spotkanie*, Ukrainian *зустріч*.

In Russian culture, встречи — especially unexpected ones with old friends — carry a warm, almost nostalgic connotation. The phrase *до встречи!* ("until we meet!") is a very common and affectionate way to say goodbye, equivalent to "see you!" Note that встреча can mean anything from a casual run-in to a formal business meeting, covering ground that English splits between "meeting," "encounter," and "reunion."