5-MINUTE ENGLISH: Basic Conversation to Speak Like a Native

TO GREET SOMEONE

Formal

Informal

How are you?
How are you doing?
How have you been?
What's up? or S'up?

Hello
Good Morning
Good Afternoon
Good Evening
(Note: "Good night" is only used when going to bed)

Hi
Hey
Hey there
How's it going?
What's up?

Introduction

  • Give our name
    ex: I'm Nicholas
  • Response
    ex: Nice to meet you
  • Conversation

WHEN YOU WANT TO GO

  • I'd better be on my way
  • I've got to get going
  • Well, I'm off

END OF CONVERSATION

TALKING

To show interest

To show you agree

React to a happy comment

React to a funny story

React to a surprising story

React to a sad/ upsetting story

Formal

For someone you've just met

  • It was a nice meeting you
  • Respond: Same to you

Saying good bye

  • See you
  • Good bye/ bye
  • Talk to you later
  • Take it easy
  • Have a nice day (formal)

For someone you know

  • It was nice seeing you
  • It was nice talking to you
  • Always nice to see you
  • Respond: Likewise! Same to you