A first conversation from hello to goodbye

A complete first conversation can use only about 15 short lines, and you already know all of them.

This unit puts everything together. A first conversation in English has a simple shape. You greet, you give names, you ask one or two easy questions, you react to the answers, and you close politely. Each part uses lines from the earlier units. If you can do these five steps, you can start a conversation with a classmate, a colleague, a neighbor or someone at a party.

Step by step

Step one is the greeting: Hi! or Good morning! Step two is names: I’m Minji. Nice to meet you. Step three is one or two questions: Where are you from? What do you do? Step four is reacting. Short reactions show you are listening: Oh, really? That’s interesting. Me too! Cool. Step five is the close: Well, it was nice meeting you. See you later!

Reactions are the part learners most often skip. In some languages, listeners show attention with a small sound or a nod. In English, listeners often add short words like Really? Oh, nice! or Wow. If you only answer questions and never react, the talk can feel like an interview. One reaction plus one question back is a good habit: Oh, you’re from Canada? Nice! Which city?

When you do not understand

You will not understand everything, and that is normal. Use the lines from the last unit: Sorry, could you say that again? Could you speak more slowly, please? You can also check a word: Sorry, what does that mean? If you cannot find a word, describe it or say I don’t know the word in English. People are usually patient with a learner who keeps trying.

Closing politely

A good close has two parts: a reason or signal, and a goodbye. Well, I have to go. Oh, my bus is here. I should get back to work. Then: It was nice meeting you. See you around! Take care! If you want to meet again, add: Maybe we can have coffee sometime. Do not walk away in silence after the last answer. A clear close leaves a good last memory.