Lesson 1. Learn greetings and introductions via the series The Big Bang Theory
Watch the video closely
Useful Expressions for greeting and introducing in the video
These are the same expressions from the video, grouped by function.
Greetings
Hi. / Hello. / Oh, hi.
Great to see you.
Welcome to the building.
Introducing yourself
I'm [Name].
I'm [Name], by the way.
Excuse me, I'm [Name].
(I) Guess I'm your new neighbor. I'm [Name].
Introducing someone else
This is [Name].
This is my boyfriend/girlfriend, [Name].
I want you to meet my [relationship], [Name].
Responding
Nice to meet you. / So nice to meet you.
It's an honor to meet you (formal).
Just call me [First Name].
I've heard a lot about you.
And you are?
Small talk follow-ups
We live across the hall.
I've never seen you here before.
I haven't heard a thing about you.
How was your flight?
Very pleasant. And yours?
Lovely.
Other natural expressions
We don't mean to (do something): a polite way to say that you are doing something by accident, or that you do not want to cause a problem
Example: We don't mean to interrupt.
Maybe we can (do something) sometime: suggest an activity for the future without picking a specific day or time
Example: Maybe we can have coffee sometime.
May I (do something)?: a polite way to ask for permission or to offer something
Example: May I buy you a beverage?
Pick someone's brain for something: to talk to someone who is an expert or knows a lot about a topic so you can get their ideas or advice
Ex: Do you think I could pick your brain for my movie sometime?
To be out of something: you have used all of something and there is nothing left
Example: I'm out of coffee.
Practice
Activity: Introduce yourself
Fill in the blanks with your real information. Then say the full conversation out loud.
Tin: Hi. I'm Tin.
You: Oh, hi. I'm _______. _____________________________.
Tin: Nice to meet you too. I've never seen you here before.
You: Yeah, I just moved in. I live ____________________________.
Tin: Welcome to Just Tin English! How was your day?
You: _____________________.
Repeat until it feels natural. Record yourself if you can.
Activity: Introduce someone else
Imagine you're introducing a friend, family member, or coworker. Fill in and say it aloud.
This is my _______, _______.
[Name], this is _______.
I want you to meet my _______, _______.
Activity: Apply
Pick one situation below. Write a short conversation (4 to 6 lines) using at least 3 expressions from the lesson. Then say it out loud. Ask someone to practice the conversation with you
You're meeting your new neighbor for the first time.
You're introducing your friend to your mother.
You're meeting a coworker you've only heard about.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between "Hi" and "Hello"?
Both mean the same thing. "Hi" is more casual. Use it with friends, classmates, or neighbors. "Hello" is slightly more formal. Both are fine in most situations.
2. When do I say "Nice to meet you" vs "Great to see you"?
Say "Nice to meet you" the first time you meet someone. Say "Great to see you" when you meet someone again.
3. Can I introduce myself by just saying my name?
Yes. "I'm Tin" is enough. You can also add "by the way" at the end to sound more casual: "I'm Tin, by the way." Use this when the introduction happens in the middle of a conversation.
4. What do I say after "Nice to meet you"?
The most common reply is "Nice to meet you too." You can also start small talk: "I've never seen you here before" or "How was your flight?" Keep it short and simple.
5. Is "It's an honor to meet you" used often in daily life?
Not often. Use it when meeting someone you respect a lot, like a famous person or an expert in your field. In normal situations, "Nice to meet you" is enough.
6. What does "Just call me [First Name]" mean?
It means the person wants you to use a shorter or more casual name. For example, if someone says "I'm Amy Farah Fowler," she might add "Just call me Amy." It is an invitation to be less formal.
7. Do I need to use small talk after introductions?
You do not have to, but it helps. A short follow-up question like "How was your flight?" or "I've never seen you here before" makes the conversation feel more natural and friendly.
8. What is the difference between "sometimes," "sometime," and "some time"?
"Sometimes" means occasionally, not often. Example: "I sometimes watch TV before bed."
"Sometime" means a point in the future or past that is not specific. Example: "Maybe we can have coffee sometime."
"Some time" means a period of time. Example: "I need some time to think."