Meeting New People in English
Learn how to meet new people in English. Kiora and Ethan show you how to introduce yourself, ask questions back, and make a great first impression.
The lesson
Saying Hello and Introducing Yourself
When you meet someone for the first time, start with a friendly hello. You can say, "Hi, I'm Sarah. Nice to meet you." The other person usually answers, "Nice to meet you too." A smile and a small wave make you look warm and open. Keep it simple and relaxed, because most people feel a little shy at first.
Sharing Your Name, Home, and Job
After you say hello, you can share a few basic facts about yourself. You might say, "I'm from Canada, and I work as a teacher." These small details help the other person know you better. You can also mention what you are doing there, like, "I'm here for the class." Sharing first makes it easier for the other person to open up too.
Asking Questions Back and Finding Things in Common
A good conversation goes both ways, so ask the same questions back. You can say, "What about you? Where are you from?" or "What do you do?" Listen for things you both like, such as the same city, hobby, or job. When you find something in common, you can say, "Oh, me too!" These shared topics make the talk feel easy and fun.
Tip: Keeping in Touch After You Meet
If you enjoy talking to someone, it is okay to ask to stay in touch. You can say, "Can I get your number?" or "Let's connect on social media." People often meet new friends at a party, in a class, or at work. Be polite and friendly, and remember that a short, kind goodbye leaves a good impression. Practice these phrases out loud so they feel natural next time.
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Key vocabulary
introduce
/ˌɪntrəˈduːs/To tell someone your name or to make two people know each other for the first time.
“Let me introduce myself: I'm Daniel.”
Traduction
présenter
nice to meet you
/naɪs tə ˈmiːt juː/A polite phrase you say when you meet someone for the first time.
“Hi, I'm Maria. Nice to meet you!”
Traduction
enchanté(e) de vous rencontrer
hometown
/ˈhoʊmtaʊn/The town or city where you were born or where you grew up.
“My hometown is a small city near the coast.”
Traduction
ville natale
in common
/ɪn ˈkɑːmən/Shared between two or more people, like the same interest or experience.
“We have a lot in common; we both love soccer.”
Traduction
en commun
follow-up question
/ˈfɑːloʊ ʌp ˈkwestʃən/A new question you ask to learn more about what someone just said.
“She asked a follow-up question about my trip.”
Traduction
question de suivi
keep in touch
/kiːp ɪn ˈtʌtʃ/To stay in contact with someone after you meet them.
“It was great talking to you. Let's keep in touch!”
Traduction
rester en contact
co-worker
/ˈkoʊˌwɜːrkər/A person who works with you at the same job or company.
“I met my new co-worker at the office today.”
Traduction
collègue
Test yourself
1. What is a natural way to introduce yourself when you meet someone new?
2. Someone says "Nice to meet you." What is the best reply?
3. Which question asks about a person's job?
4. You both love the same band. How can you show you share this interest?
5. What can you say if you want to stay in contact after meeting someone?