English small talk phrases: 12 openers that always work

A2–B112 sanaa

Small talk is a fixed set of moves rather than free conversation: an opener, a comment, a question back. Once you own a handful of these phrases, the first two minutes with a stranger stop being the hardest part of speaking English.

Missä tarvitset sitä: Meeting people, offices, parties and waiting rooms.

Small Talk PhrasesSanalista

SanaMerkitys
How's it going?A casual way to ask how someone is.Hey, how's it going?
What do you do?Asking about someone's job.So, what do you do for work?
How was your weekend?A standard Monday opener.Morning — how was your weekend?
Long time no seeSaid when you meet someone after a while.Ben! Long time no see.
I've heard a lot about youA polite thing to say when introduced.Nice to meet you, I've heard a lot about you.
How do you two know each other?Asking about a shared connection.So how do you two know each other?
Are you from around here?Asking where someone lives.Are you from around here originally?
Same hereAgreeing that you feel the same.“I'm exhausted.” “Same here.”
Fair enoughAccepting what someone said as reasonable.Fair enough, let's do it your way.
Anyway, I should get goingA polite way to end a chat.Anyway, I should get going — see you Thursday.
It was nice talking to youA friendly closing phrase.It was nice talking to you, take care.
Let's catch up soonSuggesting to meet again.Let's catch up soon — coffee next week?

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Studying small talk phrases pairs well with our adjectives to describe personality, everyday English slang words and job interview word list, or browse all free English word lists.

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