Conversation Starters: Greetings and Introductions

TL;DR: Learn how to start conversations naturally in English. These greetings and introductions are used when you meet someone new or when you want to begin…

Learn how to start conversations naturally in English. These greetings and introductions are used when you meet someone new or when you want to begin a fri

Conversation Starters: Greetings and Introductions

• Hi, I am Ravi. What is your name? — A casual, friendly way to introduce yourself and ask someone their name (e.g. Hi, I am Ravi. What is your name? Nice to meet you.)
• Hello! How have you been? — A warm greeting to someone you have not seen for a while (e.g. Hello! How have you been? It has been months since we last met.)
• What a beautiful day, isn't it? — A comment about the weather as a conversation starter with strangers (e.g. What a beautiful day, isn't it? Perfect weather for a picnic.)
• I have heard so much about you. — To say that someone has told you good things about the person (e.g. I have heard so much about you from Priya. She says you are very talented.)
• It is good to see you again. — To express happiness at meeting someone you know (e.g. It is good to see you again! You look healthy and happy.)
• How do you know each other? — To ask how two people became acquainted or friends (e.g. How do you know each other? Did you meet in college?)
• Where do you study? — To ask which school or college someone attends (e.g. Where do you study? I am in Delhi Public School.)
• What brings you here? — To politely ask why someone has come to this place (e.g. What brings you here? Are you visiting or do you live in this city?)
• I am so glad you came. — To express happiness that someone has arrived or showed up (e.g. I am so glad you came! I was worried you might not make it.)
• Can we be friends? — To ask if someone is willing to be your friend (e.g. Can we be friends? I think we have a lot in common.)
• It has been a long time. — To say that a lot of time has passed since you last saw someone (e.g. It has been a long time since we spoke. How is your family?)
• Welcome to my home. — To greet a guest when they arrive at your house (e.g. Welcome to my home! Come in, come in. Let me show you around.)
• I am delighted to meet you. — A formal, polite way to express that you are happy to meet someone (e.g. I am delighted to meet you, Mr. Sharma. Your reputation is well known.)
• Tell me about yourself. — To ask someone to share information about their life and interests (e.g. Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do in your free time?)
• What have you been doing lately? — To ask what activities or projects someone has been involved in recently (e.g. What have you been doing lately? I heard you started a business.)
• Do we have any mutual friends? — To ask if there are people that both you and someone else know (e.g. Do we have any mutual friends? I feel like I should know you from somewhere.)
• I am happy to see you. — A sincere expression that you are pleased to see someone (e.g. I am happy to see you! You have not changed a bit since school.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'Hi' and 'Hello'?

'Hi' is more casual and informal, used with friends and people you know. 'Hello' is more formal and proper, used in professional settings. Both are understood everywhere, but use 'Hi' with friends and 'Hello' with new people or in formal situations.

Why do people ask about the weather when they meet?

Asking about the weather is a safe and easy way to start a conversation with someone you do not know well. It shows you are friendly and gives both people time to become comfortable talking to each other. This is called 'small talk'.

More Vocabulary Sets

• Conversation at School: Classroom and Friends
• Conversation While Shopping: Shops and Markets
• Conversation While Traveling: Trains, Buses, and Hotels
• Conversation on the Phone: Calls and Messages

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