Making Small Talk
Use these essential phrases to start a conversation, keep the chat going, and say goodbye naturally.
Key Phrases
Ciao, come va?
casualHi, how's it going?
Use with friends, neighbors, and close colleagues.
Buongiorno, come sta?
politeGood morning, how are you?
More formal — use with older neighbors or people you don't know well.
Che bel tempo oggi, vero?
neutralNice weather today, right?
A safe, universal conversation starter.
Che cosa hai fatto il fine settimana?
casualWhat did you do on the weekend?
Uses the passato prossimo. Great for Monday mornings.
Che cosa ha fatto il fine settimana?
politeWhat did you do on the weekend?
The formal version, changing 'hai' to 'ha'.
Come va il lavoro?
neutralHow is work going?
Common small talk topic; easily answered in one sentence.
Ah, davvero? Che bello!
casualOh, really? How nice!
Shows you are listening enthusiastically.
Davvero? È molto interessante.
politeReally? That is very interesting.
A slightly more measured, polite reaction.
Scusa, ma ora devo andare. Ciao!
casualSorry, but I have to go now. Bye!
A friendly and direct way to excuse yourself.
È tardi, devo andare. Buona giornata!
politeIt's late, I have to go. Have a good day!
Polite way to end a conversation with a stranger or boss.