Vocabulary for social conversation and small talk

Core words

Start with the most useful words for this topic. Read the meaning, notice the example, and reuse the phrase in your own sentence.

hometown

Meaning: the town or city where you grew up

Example: My hometown is near the coast.

Tip: People often mention hometowns during introductions.

hobby

Meaning: an activity you enjoy in your free time

Example: Reading is one of my favorite hobbies.

Tip: Hobby is a common word in both formal and informal introductions.

weekend plans

Meaning: the things you want to do on Saturday or Sunday

Example: My weekend plans include visiting my family.

Tip: This is one of the most common small-talk topics.

colleague

Meaning: a person you work with

Example: I met one of my colleagues for coffee after work.

Tip: Colleague sounds a little more formal than coworker.

neighbor

Meaning: a person who lives near you

Example: Our new neighbor is very friendly.

Tip: British English spells it neighbour.

free time

Meaning: time when you are not working or studying

Example: In my free time, I like to cook and walk outside.

Tip: You can talk about free time, spare time, or time off.

small talk

Meaning: light conversation about simple topics

Example: Weather is a classic topic for small talk.

Tip: Small talk helps people feel comfortable before deeper conversation.

contact details

Meaning: information such as your phone number or email address

Example: Can I have your contact details in case the plan changes?

Tip: People exchange contact details after meeting or networking.

Useful phrasal verbs

These verb combinations appear often in natural conversations, so they are worth memorizing as full expressions.

hang out

Meaning: to spend relaxed time with someone

Example: We usually hang out after class on Fridays.

Tip: Hang out is very common in friendly conversation.

get along

Meaning: to have a friendly relationship with someone

Example: I get along well with my coworkers.

Tip: You can get along with friends, family, neighbors, or teammates.

catch up

Meaning: to talk and share recent news after not seeing someone for a while

Example: Let's catch up over coffee next week.

Tip: Catch up is a great phrase for reconnecting with people.

keep in touch

Meaning: to continue communicating with someone

Example: It was great meeting you. Let's keep in touch.

Tip: This phrase is especially useful after meeting someone new.

Questions you can ask

Practise these ready-made questions so you can react faster in real conversations.

Where are you from?

When to use it: Use this when you meet someone for the first time and want a simple opening question.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When to use it: Use this when you want to learn about someone's hobbies and interests.

How do you know the host?

When to use it: Use this at parties, events, or dinners when you are meeting new people.

What kind of music do you like?

When to use it: Use this when the conversation needs a light, friendly topic.

Are you doing anything this weekend?

When to use it: Use this in small talk with friends, coworkers, or classmates.

Can I have your number?

When to use it: Use this when you want to stay in touch after a good conversation.

Quick practice

Use these short exercises to check the lesson before you move on.

Practice

Complete the sentence: A thing you enjoy doing in your free time is a ______.

Hobby is the common word for a personal activity you enjoy.

Practice

Which phrasal verb means to stay in contact with someone?

Keep in touch is the standard phrase for continuing communication.

Practice

Choose the better question: Where are you from? / From where you are?

The first sentence is the natural question form in English.

Practice

Correct the sentence: I like talk with people in my free time.

Use like to talk or like talking after the verb like.