50 English conversation starters
English has one 'you' for everyone, so you never need to choose a formal or informal form. Your partner may be a native speaker or, just as often, someone using English as a second language. Keep sentences short, avoid slang and idioms, and ask one question at a time. Friendly, clear English beats clever English every time.
Two useful culture notes: 'How are you?' is often just a greeting, so a short 'Good, thanks, and you?' is the normal reply. And in Britain, Ireland and elsewhere, talking about the weather is a classic, comfortable way to start a chat with anyone.
Saying hello
1. Hi! How are you?
The standard friendly opener. Works with anyone.
Usual reply: Good, thanks. And you?
2. Hello there! Nice to meet you.
A warm, slightly more polite start.
3. Good morning! Or is it evening for you?
A playful way to notice the time difference.
4. I'm Sam. What should I call you?
A gentle way to ask for a first name only.
A nickname or first name is plenty.
5. How's your day going so far?
Invites a longer answer than 'How are you?'.
6. Thanks for chatting with me!
A kind thing to say early on.
Where you are and time zones
7. Where are you from?
Asks about country or region. That's all you need.
Don't ask for a city address or neighbourhood.
8. I'm from Korea. Have you heard much about it?
Share first, then ask. It keeps things balanced.
Swap in your own country.
9. What time is it where you are?
Simple and very common.
Simpler: What time is it there?
10. It's nearly midnight here!
Tells them your time without numbers.
11. Is it a busy day for you, or are you relaxing?
Friendly and easy to answer.
12. What's your country like? I'd love to know more.
An open question that lets them choose what to share.
13. What's one thing people often get wrong about your country?
Starts a deeper, interesting conversation.
Simpler: What do people not know about your country?
Food
14. What's a typical meal where you live?
Almost everyone enjoys this question.
15. What's your favourite food?
Short and clear.
US spelling: favorite. Both are correct.
16. What should I try if I ever visit?
Invites a recommendation.
17. Do you cook, or do you usually eat out?
Easy either/or question.
18. Do you like spicy food?
A classic yes/no question.
19. That sounds delicious!
Say this when they describe a dish.
Casual: That sounds so good!
20. What do people usually have for breakfast there?
Breakfast differs a lot between countries.
Weather and seasons
21. What's the weather like today?
The easiest small-talk question in English.
22. It's really hot here today.
Share your weather first.
Or: It's freezing here! (very cold)
23. It's been raining all day.
Natural way to talk about ongoing weather.
24. Which season do you like best?
Good follow-up question.
In the US, autumn is usually called fall.
25. When is the best time of year to visit?
Useful travel question.
26. Do you get snow in winter?
Simple and specific.
Hobbies and music
27. What do you like to do in your free time?
The standard hobby question.
Simpler: What are your hobbies?
28. I really enjoy hiking and reading.
Give one or two hobbies so they can respond.
29. What kind of music do you listen to?
Opens up lots of topics.
30. Any songs or artists you'd recommend?
A casual way to ask for recommendations.
31. Do you play or watch any sports?
Covers both playing and being a fan.
32. Have you seen any good shows or films lately?
Good for finding shared interests.
US English often says movies instead of films.
Travel and local tips
33. If someone visits your city, what should they see?
Asks for local tips without being personal.
34. Is there a local custom visitors should know about?
Shows respect for their culture.
35. Do people usually tip in restaurants there?
A genuinely useful travel question.
In the US tipping around 15 to 20 percent is expected; in many countries it is not.
36. What's the best way to get around, by train or bus?
Practical and easy to answer.
37. Is there a local saying you like?
A fun way to learn about culture and language.
38. That's a great tip, thank you!
Say this when they share advice.
Practising the language
39. I'm practising my English, so please correct me.
Lets them know corrections are welcome.
US spelling: practicing.
40. Sorry, could you say that more simply?
Polite way to ask for easier wording.
41. What does that word mean?
Short and clear.
42. How do you say this in your language?
Turns the chat into an exchange.
43. Does that sound natural?
Ask after writing a sentence you're unsure of.
44. Your English is really good!
Encouraging for non-native speakers.
45. Sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you explain?
'Didn't catch' means you didn't quite understand.
Simpler: Sorry, I don't understand.
Wrapping up politely
46. It was really nice talking to you.
The standard warm goodbye.
47. Thanks for all the tips!
Thank them for what they shared.
48. I have to go now, but this was fun.
A clear, kind way to end.
Casual: Gotta go, this was fun!
49. Have a great day!
Friendly and universal.
If it's night for them: Have a good night!
50. Take care!
A warm, simple goodbye.
Tips
- Use short sentences and common words; they translate better and are easier to read.
- Avoid idioms like 'break a leg' or 'piece of cake' unless you explain them.
- If your partner makes a mistake, it's kind to keep going unless they asked for corrections.
- Share a little about yourself with each question so it feels like a conversation.
Try them in a real chat: Open Shake & Talk ▶
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