First Encounter on the Street/Hallway
Two neighbors meet coincidentally outside their homes or in a common area and initiate a brief, polite introduction.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
neighbor
A person who lives next to you or in the same building. Use this word when talking about people nearby in your community.
welcome
To greet someone warmly when they arrive somewhere new. It's a polite way to make others feel comfortable in a new place.
unpacked
To take items out of boxes after moving. This is common when describing settling into a new home.
hesitate
To pause or feel unsure before doing something. In offers, 'don't hesitate' means feel free to ask anytime.
knock
To tap on a door to get someone's attention. It's a basic way to politely ask to enter someone's home.
grocery store
A shop where you buy food and daily supplies. Useful for asking about local services in a new area.
super kind
Very nice and helpful. 'Super' adds emphasis to show strong appreciation for someone's friendliness.
take you up on that
To accept someone's offer or help. This is a casual idiom for saying you'll use the suggestion later.
no problem
It's not a bother at all. A common response to thanks, showing you're happy to help.
definitely
Certainly or without a doubt. Use it to agree strongly or confirm something will happen.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Oh, hello there! You must be one of the new neighbors, right? I'm Maria.
This is a friendly way to start a conversation with someone new. 'You must be' assumes something politely, and 'right?' seeks confirmation. Use it for casual introductions.
Welcome to the building! I'm in 12A, so we're right next door.
A warm greeting for newcomers. It explains location to build connection. Useful for small talk about living arrangements; note 'next door' means adjacent.
It's so nice to finally meet you.
Expresses pleasure in meeting someone. 'Finally' adds a sense of anticipation. This is a polite closer to introductions and shows friendliness.
If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to knock.
Offers help openly. 'Don't hesitate' encourages action without worry. Grammar: imperative form for advice. Use when offering support to neighbors.
That's super kind of you.
Thanks someone for their niceness. 'Kind of you' highlights the positive action. This is a natural response to offers, building rapport.
We might just take you up on that!
Accepts an offer casually. The idiom 'take up on' means to use it later. Useful in conversations to show appreciation without committing immediately.
No problem at all. Well, I won't keep you.
Dismisses thanks politely and ends the talk. 'Keep you' means hold up your time. This is a courteous way to wrap up small talk without being rude.
It was great meeting you. Have a great day.
A positive goodbye after meeting. Simple past 'was' for recent events. Use these phrases to end conversations on a friendly note.