Words
Word meaning extremely high or expensive
*Use it in a sentence
Astronomical
An idiom used to describe something that costs a lot of money.
*Use it in a sentence or as an expression
A steep price tag
A natural, friendly question to ask a coworker or classmate on a Monday morning.
"How was your weekend?" / "Did you do anything fun over the weekend?"
Someone asks you "How's it going?" What are two natural responses if you are doing well?
"Not bad, how about you?" / "Pretty good, thanks! How are you?"
True or False: When an American stranger or barista asks "How are you today?", they expect a long, detailed explanation of your feelings.
False! (It's a polite greeting; keep it brief, e.g., "Good, thanks! How are you?")
Verb that means accepting a lower standard or making trade-offs to reach an agreement or solution.
*Use it in a sentence
Compromise
An idiom meaning to be flexible and relaxed when plans change rather than trying to control everything.
*Use it in a sentence or as an expression
Go with the flow
A safe, lighthearted comment/question to start a conversation while waiting at a bus stop or standing in line outside on a hot day.
"It's really warm today, isn't it?" / "Sure is hot out today!"
Someone says: "I love your shirt!" How do you accept the compliment smoothly and keep the conversation going?
"Thank you! I actually got it at [store/market]." / "Thanks so much! It's super comfortable."
An American acquaintance says: "We should totally get coffee sometime!" What does this usually mean?
It is often a friendly, polite farewell gesture, not always a firm commitment to make plans right away.
An adjective describing a group made up of many different backgrounds, cultures, or types of people.
*Use it in a sentence
Diverse
An idiom for a situation where you have to learn a lot of difficult information or skills in a short amount of time.
*Use it in a sentence or as an expression
A steep learning curve
You see a colleague holding a cup of coffee or takeout food that looks delicious. What is a natural small talk opener?
"That looks great! Where did you get it?"
Someone gives a short answer like "My weekend was fine." How do you ask a follow-up question to keep the small talk flowing?
"Did you get a chance to relax?" / "Did you do anything interesting?"
Why do Americans use "filler phrases" like "Oh, really?", "No way!", or "That's awesome!" while you are talking?
It shows "active listening"—proving they are engaged and paying attention to your story.
A verb meaning to make pain, stress, anxiety, or a problem less severe or more bearable.
*Use it in a sentence
Alleviate
An idiom meaning to do or say something to make people feel relaxed and comfortable when meeting for the first time.
*Use it in a sentence or as an expression
Break the ice
A friendly question to ask someone about their Friday or weekend plans when finishing work/school on Thursday afternoon.
"Got any fun plans for the weekend?" / "Any big plans for the weekend?"
You want to smoothly change the subject from talking about traffic to asking about lunch plans. What phrase can you use?
"Speaking of... / By the way, have you had lunch yet?"
What is a polite "exit phrase" to end a small talk conversation at a party or market when you need to walk away?
"Well, it was great catching up with you!" / "I should let you get back to your day, but it was nice talking to you!"
A verb meaning to encourage, support, or help develop the growth of relationships or ideas.
*Use it in a sentence
Foster
An idiom meaning to reach a stable, confident, and comfortable position in a new job, city, or situation.
*Use it in a sentence or as an expression
To find (ones) footing
You are at a community market or local event in Honolulu. How do you start a conversation with someone nearby?
"Have you been here before?" / "Is this your first time at this market?"
Someone expresses an opinion you slightly disagree with (e.g., "Honolulu traffic isn't that bad"). How do you disagree politely without sounding rude?
"I see what you mean, but in my experience..." / "That's true, though sometimes..."
In American small talk culture, what are two topics that are generally considered taboo or inappropriate to discuss with new acquaintances?
Money/Salary, Political Opinions, Personal Religion, or Age/Weight.