English - Meeting New People

Nice to meet you.

say you are pleased to meet someone

Meaning: say you are pleased to meet someone

When to use: Use this when you meet someone for the first time.

How do you know ___?

ask how someone knows another person

Meaning: ask how someone knows another person

When to use: Use this to ask how two people are connected at social events.

Tip: Beginners sometimes say "How you know?" — remember to include do/does: "How do you know...?"

We know each other from ___.

say how you know someone

Meaning: say how you know someone

When to use: Use this to explain your connection with a person.

Are you new here?

ask if someone is new to a place

Meaning: ask if someone is new to a place

When to use: Use this to check if someone has recently arrived at a class, office, or event.

I'm new here.

say you are new to a place

Meaning: say you are new to a place

When to use: Use this to tell people you have just arrived somewhere.

Tip: Learners might drop the verb and say only "New here." — say the full phrase: "I'm new here."

Sorry, what was your name again?

ask someone to repeat their name

Meaning: ask someone to repeat their name

When to use: Use this politely when you didn't hear or remember a name.

Let me introduce myself.

start a self-introduction

Meaning: start a self-introduction

When to use: Use this to begin introducing yourself in a calm, polite way.

I don't think we've met.

say that you have not met someone before

Meaning: say that you have not met someone before

When to use: Use this to politely open a conversation when you think you have never met someone.

Have we met before?

ask if you have met someone before

Meaning: ask if you have met someone before

When to use: Use this when you think you may have seen someone but aren't sure.

I'd like you to meet ___.

introduce one person to another

Meaning: introduce one person to another

When to use: Use this to introduce someone to another person.

How do you spell your name?

ask for the spelling of a name

Meaning: ask for the spelling of a name

When to use: Use this to clarify how to write a name.

Tip: Beginners may say "How you spell?" — remember to use the auxiliary: "How do you spell your name?"

Please call me ___.

tell someone what name to use for you

Meaning: tell someone what name to use for you

When to use: Use this to give a preferred or shortened name.

Do you live around here?

ask if someone lives nearby

Meaning: ask if someone lives nearby

When to use: Use this as friendly small talk after introductions.