A1 — Greetings & Introductions: Theory
Level A1
Everyday phrases
Politeness
Goal
Use simple greetings, introduce yourself, ask for someone’s name and country, exchange basic info, and close conversations politely.
Greetings: when to use
- Hi / Hello — neutral; use anytime.
- Good morning ≈ 5–11 a.m. Good afternoon ≈ 12–5 p.m.
- Good evening ≈ 5–10 p.m. Good night = goodbye/bedtime (not a greeting).
- Hey — very casual; friends only.
Introductions & names
- What’s your name? — My name is… / I’m …
- Nice to meet you. — reply: Nice to meet you, too. / You too.
- Use capitals for names and countries: I’m Alex. I’m from Armenia.
Asking about origin
- Where are you from? — I’m from + country/city.
- Nationality vs country: I’m Armenian. / I’m from Armenia.
Polite language
- Please (request), Thank you / Thanks (gratitude), You’re welcome (response).
- Sorry = apology. Excuse me = get attention / pass by / ask to repeat.
- Short answer set: I’m fine, thanks. And you?
Vocabulary — 30 new words & phrases
1. Hi
Hi, Anna!
2. Hello
Hello, everyone.
3. Good morning
Good morning, Mr. Lee.
4. Good afternoon
Good afternoon, class.
5. Good evening
Good evening, Mia.
6. Good night
Good night! See you tomorrow.
7. Bye
Bye! See you later.
8. See you later
See you later, Tom.
9. See you soon
See you soon!
10. How are you?
How are you today?
11. I’m fine, thanks.
I’m fine, thanks.
12. What’s your name?
What’s your name?
13. My name is…
My name is Omar.
14. I’m …
I’m Kate.
15. Where are you from?
Where are you from?
16. I’m from …
I’m from Poland.
17. Where do you live?
Where do you live?
18. I live in …
I live in Yerevan.
19. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
20. Nice to meet you, too.
You too!
21. This is …
This is my friend, Leo.
22. Excuse me
Excuse me, where is the bus stop?
23. Sorry
Sorry, I’m late.
24. Please
A coffee, please.
25. Thank you
Thank you very much.
26. You’re welcome
— Thanks! — You’re welcome.
27. What do you do?
What do you do?
28. I’m a student.
I’m a student.
29. Do you speak English?
Do you speak English?
30. A little.
A little, but I’m learning.
Tip: practise fixed chunks (e.g., Nice to meet you) — your speech will sound more natural.
Booster — 20 extra everyday words
1. phone number
What’s your phone number?
2. email address
My email address is…
3. address
What’s your address?
4. first name
My first name is Anna.
5. last name / surname
My last name is Ivanov.
6. How old are you?
How old are you?
7. student
I’m a student.
8. teacher
This is my English teacher.
9. job
What’s your job?
10. work
I work in a bank.
11. study
I study at university.
12. speak
I speak English.
13. a little
I speak a little English.
14. slowly, please
Speak slowly, please.
15. Can you repeat, please?
Can you repeat, please?
16. How do you spell that?
How do you spell that?
17. I don’t understand.
Sorry, I don’t understand.
18. favorite
My favorite color is blue.
19. friend
This is my friend, Leo.
20. family
I live with my family.
Use these “booster” words to make your first conversations easier (forms, contacts, study/work basics).
Mini-dialogues
- A: Hello! I’m Nina. What’s your name? — B: I’m Amir. Nice to meet you.
- A: Where are you from? — B: I’m from Georgia. And you? — A: I’m from Spain.
- A: Excuse me, are you Tom? — B: Yes. Hi! See you later.
Conversation pattern
- Hello! I’m … What’s your name?
- Nice to meet you, … Where are you from?
- I’m from … I live in … See you soon!
Keep sentences short. Smile, use a friendly tone, and add a closing line (See you later.).