Making Small Talk
Use these phrases to chat with coworkers, neighbors, or acquaintances about everyday topics.
Key Phrases
Hola, ¿cómo va todo?
casualHi, how's everything going?
A very common and friendly way to say hello to people you know.
Buenos días, ¿cómo está usted?
politeGood morning, how are you?
More polite — use with strangers, older people, or in formal situations.
¿Qué hiciste el fin de semana?
casualWhat did you do over the weekend?
Use this on Mondays to start a friendly chat with colleagues or friends.
¿Qué hizo el fin de semana?
politeWhat did you do over the weekend?
The polite 'usted' form for talking to a boss or older neighbor.
¡Qué frío hace hoy!
casualIt's so cold today!
Weather is a perfectly safe topic. Change 'frío' to 'calor' for hot days.
Hace muy buen tiempo hoy, ¿verdad?
neutralThe weather is very nice today, right?
Adding '¿verdad?' (right?) invites the other person to agree and keep talking.
¡Qué bien!
casualThat's great! / How nice!
A natural reaction when someone shares good news or a fun weekend activity.
¿En serio? Qué interesante.
neutralReally? How interesting.
Use this to react nicely and encourage the other person to tell you more.
Bueno, me tengo que ir.
casualWell, I gotta go.
A normal way to smoothly end a casual chat with friends.
Tengo que volver al trabajo.
neutralI have to get back to work.
A standard and polite way to end a chat with a coworker.