Running into an Old Friend
Unexpectedly meeting an old friend on the street and catching up briefly
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
recognize
To know someone or something because you have seen or heard them before. For example, 'I haven't seen her in years, I almost didn't recognize her!'
surprise
An unexpected event or piece of information. When you meet someone you didn't expect to see, you can say 'What a surprise!'
errands
Short journeys taken to deliver or collect something, or to do something for someone. For example, 'I need to run some errands, like going to the bank and picking up groceries.'
catch up
To meet someone you know, after a period of time, in order to find out what they have been doing. You can 'catch up' with friends over coffee.
touch base
To talk to someone for a short time to find out how they are or what they think about something. It's often used in a professional context but also works informally.
take care
A friendly way to say goodbye, meaning 'be careful' or 'look after yourself.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Oh my goodness, Sarah! Is that you? I almost didn't recognize you!
This is a very natural and enthusiastic way to express surprise when you see someone you know but haven't seen in a long time. 'Oh my goodness' is an exclamation of surprise, and 'I almost didn't recognize you' means you looked very different or it was truly unexpected.
Wow, what a surprise! It's so good to see you! How have you been?
This expresses strong positive emotion upon an unexpected meeting. 'What a surprise!' shows amazement. 'It's so good to see you!' is a warm greeting. 'How have you been?' is a common way to ask someone about their general well-being since the last time you saw them.
What brings you to this part of town?
This is a polite and idiomatic way to ask why someone is in a particular place, especially if it's unexpected for them to be there. It's more natural than saying 'Why are you here?'
Small world, right?
This is a common phrase used when you discover an unexpected connection or coincidence with someone. It implies that despite the size of the world, people often cross paths in surprising ways.
We should definitely catch up properly sometime soon.
This expresses a strong desire to meet again and spend more time together. 'Definitely' emphasizes the certainty, 'properly' means more than just a brief street encounter, and 'sometime soon' suggests in the near future.
Sounds like a plan!
This is an informal and enthusiastic way to agree to a suggestion or idea. It means 'That's a good idea, let's do it!'
Great seeing you, Sarah.
This is a polite and friendly way to end a conversation with someone you've just met or unexpectedly run into. It's a common closing remark.