You could also say: Warming up means the temperatures will be rising and it’s getting warmer. Weather In some cultures, such as Japanese culture, talking about the weather is a common form of small talk. So we end up talking about - what else? There are captions that are interactive. The ultimate in inconsequential neutral talk: the subject matter is the weather. 3. Sometimes even friends and family members discuss the weather when they meet or start a conversation. Cross-posted from National Journal.. They have to be. Conversation starter phrases about the weather in English Unlike traditional language learning sites, FluentU uses a natural approach that helps you ease into the English language and culture over time. I hear they're calling for thunderstorms all weekend. Religion and politics don’t tend to find their way into small talk. If you liked this post, something tells me that you'll love FluentU, the best way to learn English with real-world videos. So there you have it—a great list of weather words and phrases to get you talking about the weather like a native speaker. #_form_3_ ._form-body { margin-bottom:30px; } As an immigrant from South America, I tried hard to avoid it: arriving late to all meetings, speaking Español to my Uber driver, or keeping it under 12 items so I could use the self-checkout machine at the grocery store. #_form_3_ ._error._below ._error-arrow { top:0; right:15px; border-left:5px solid transparent; border-right:5px solid transparent; border-bottom:5px solid #f37c7b; } Be sure to turn on your headlights when driving through foggy areas. #_form_3_ input[type="radio"],#_form_3_ input[type="checkbox"] { display:inline-block; width:1.3em; height:1.3em; font-size:1em; margin:0 0.3em 0 0; vertical-align:baseline; } On cool days like today, you should be fine with a light jacket. Of course, we have to comment on the temperature. A: Yeah, especially since it's ninety degrees outside. It also emerged three quarters of Brits consider the weather to be their go-to subject when making small talk with a stranger or when an awkward silence crops up in conversation. I admit that I'm not very good at small talk. #_form_3_ ._form_element { position:relative; margin-bottom:10px; font-size:0; max-width:100%; } #_form_3_ ._form_full_field { display:block; width:100%; margin-bottom:10px; } A: Yes, it would be. Search for commonalities.. Talking about shared interests is the easiest way to make a connection … When it’s warm though, temperatures are fairly high but bearable. Would you talk to a stranger who asked you questions an elevator? The weather becomes a shared experience that ties residents together. When I’m with friends, I can just Shoot the breeze All day long. #_form_3_._form-left { left:0; } #_form_3_ ._error-arrow { position:absolute; width:0; height:0; } I admit that I’m not very good at Small talk. #_form_3_ ._row span label { margin:0 !important; width:initial !important; vertical-align:middle !important; } Some of them are very similar in meaning (i.e., hot and warm) and a little harder to distinguish, while others are completely different (i.e., rainy and sunny) and easier to remember. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning. Small Talk About the Weather is a touchstone for the communal sharing of life experiences. Cold refers to very low temperatures, close to freezing—the type of weather that requires a heavy coat to go outside. For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you'll see this: Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. (Well, it’s a horrible day.) It’s based on a story my dentist told me about something that happened to him. A: That would be great, then we could plan things sooner. #_form_3_ { position:relative; text-align:left; margin:25px auto 0; padding:20px; -webkit-box-sizing:border-box; -moz-box-sizing:border-box; box-sizing:border-box; *zoom:1; background:#fff !important; border:0px solid #b0b0b0 !important; width:600px; -moz-border-radius:3px !important; -webkit-border-radius:3px !important; border-radius:3px !important; color:#000 !important; } The weather is constantly changing. This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you /* ----------------------------------------- */. Small Talk About the Weather. Rainy days are the best time to stay home and read a book. Bush fires are common around here when the weather is dry. A clear day is bright with no signs of bad weather. Small Talk About the Weather is a touchstone for the communal sharing of life experiences. #_form_3_ input[type="text"]._has_error,#_form_3_ textarea._has_error { border:#f37c7b 1px solid; } FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons, downloading the app from the iTunes or Google Play, Talk Clearly and More Confidently with 7 Basic English Conversation Courses, 9 Online English Speaking Courses to Become a Confident English Speaker, 8 Ways to Learn Professional English by Living Your Life, 7 English Pronunciation Apps to Speak Clear, Confident English in 2021, Game On! #_form_3_ ._row input[type="checkbox"],#_form_3_ ._row input[type="radio"] { margin:0 !important; vertical-align:middle !important; } Why talking about the weather is popular. Forecast simply refers to what kind of weather is expected in the coming days or weeks. /* ----------------------------------------- */ Now let’s get to those common terms you’ll need to talk about all kinds of weather. 2. Being able to talk about the weather is an essential skill and reading weather forecasts is a great start. B: True. With cool, however, we’re talking about fairly low, spring-like temperatures when you may only need to wear a sweater out. } Fog (noun) forms closer to the ground and is thicker and more difficult to see through. Do you find small talk hard in English? #_form_3_ ._error._above ._error-arrow { bottom:0; right:15px; border-left:5px solid transparent; border-right:5px solid transparent; border-top:5px solid #f37c7b; } A: That is true. Hello Kathy. A change in the attitude toward small talk is as big an indicator as the type of small talk in which the person engages. /* Content Template: ActiveCampaign SignUp - end */ I can't wait until winter. I admit that I'm not very good at small talk. In some situations, weather talk is an icebreaker. Finally, there is sunshine! Even strangers discuss the weather. Here’s a funny English elevator conversation. 3. They have to be. For example ''The sun is trying to come out'' = the sun wants to come out and to shine! } Small Talks in English are very helpful in different business situations. (Download). ._form_hide { display:none; visibility:hidden; } Below are five ways to take control of your conversation starters and other small talk. It’s been gusty all afternoon and my umbrella was blown away. While we’re on the subject of small talk, it’s worthwhile to say a few words about the biggest small talk cliche around — talking about the weather.. Oscar Wilde said that “Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” It turns out that Oscare Wilde was wrong. #_form_3_._inline-style button._inline-style { position:relative; top:27px; } FluentU brings English to life with real-world videos. #_form_3_._form-top { top:0; } Examples of small talk for weather, weekend, family, sports, films, people Using the weather for small talk The following intermediate ESL worksheet uses images from my favourite weather site, The Weather Nework. When the weather is the topic, we all want to stay dry in the rain and beat the heat in the summer. Of course, we have to comment on the temperature. Read these and then try more weather conversations. How about this weather? #_form_3_ ._form-title { font-size:22px; line-height:22px; font-weight:600; margin-bottom:0; } But when I talk to a stranger or someone I don’t know very well, I’m always Casting about, searching for something to talk about. What is small talk? These two adjectives refer to hazy conditions caused by small droplets of water in the air that make it difficult to see. We often talk about the weather almost as if it is human and able to decide its own actions. Read these and then try more weather conversations. Small Talk Phrases in Business English. Fuck Small Talk: 50 Things To Talk About Instead Of The Weather When Joe and I first started texting, he said, “Ah, I’m not good at this small talk stuff”. It is a way of breaking the ice (starting a conversation). They tell you when the temperature is rising or falling, what kind of clouds are moving in, and how cold the wind chill is. One of the most common topics of conversation is the weather. or "It sure is a warm one out there today." #_form_3_ ._error-inner { padding:8px 12px; background-color:#f37c7b; font-size:13px; font-family:arial, sans-serif; color:#fff; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; -webkit-border-radius:4px; -moz-border-radius:4px; border-radius:4px; } You could use other nouns like snow or a storm. One of the most basic topics of conversation is the weather. Predictable weather would make life easier. In Oklahoma City, the weather is both terrifying and amazing. Someone who has been standoffish for months or years just does not suddenly warm up. The superlative adjective best is used to show that this weather is simply the best and nothing else can be better. Use a comparative adjective here to compare the weather now with another time in the past. Isn’t it great that we’re having such clear days this week? When the weather is good—Italians actually call it beautiful!—you’ll begin your small talk with È bel tempo (It’s good weather). When I'm with friends, I can just ... - the weather. Another topic that is generally safe is current events. Small Talk at a Bus Stop: ¿Cómo ves el clima? Feel free to use any other suitable noun such as storm or wind. Conversation 1. That’s why most of us keep the Weather Channel bookmarked and ready on our computers or phone. Co-workers talk about the weather before starting a hard day of work. Would you talk to a stranger who asked you questions an elevator? Whether you’re at the coffee machine or waiting your turn at the post office, chances are you might get into a casual conversation with the person next to you about what’s going on outside. The weather, when it’s good and especially when it’s bad, is an egalitarian topic of conversation; anyone can participate, even when there’s disagreement about what is “good” weather and what is “bad.” Still, chatting about the weather has been reduced to the often-maligned social convention of small talk. Its opposite is rainy weather, which means lots of rain. B: It would be nice if the weather would never change. When I’m with friends, I can just Shoot the breeze All day long. #_form_3_ ._clear-element { clear:left; } And three times as many people will start a … /* ----------------------------------------- */ And I wanted no part of it. These adjectives describe the wind. #_form_3_ ._inline-style input[type="text"] { width:150px; } #_form_3_ input[type="text"],#_form_3_ input[type="date"],#_form_3_ textarea { padding:6px; height:auto; border:#979797 1px solid; border-radius:4px; color:#000 !important; font-size:13px; -webkit-box-sizing:border-box; -moz-box-sizing:border-box; box-sizing:border-box; } Best Small Talk Topics, Questions, and Conversation Starters (Plus Examples) We broke these topics and questions into overarching categories, such as weather & travelling, food & cooking, etc. Talking about the weather is one of the simplest ways to make chitchat or small talk with someone you don’t know very well. This was talk, yes, a verbal exchange between two interlocutors—but it was small talk. Today is so hot that I’ve been sitting under the fan all day. The opposite of that would be: The phrase expected to be suggests that you think it’ll happen. Bill teaches some useful business small talk English phrases in this video. #_form_3_ ._inline-style { float:left; } Also, knowing weather-related terms is important for your safety! My favorite is, "It's not the heat that's so bad, it's the humidity!" /* Content Template: ActiveCampaign SignUp - start */ It's great for making small talk with others and is easy to discuss. You could also use adverbs like extremely or really. The weather changes every day … Nearly 50 per cent of respondents admit that talking about weather is their go-to subject when making small talk with someone. This is a wild country. And just because you don't want to talk about the weather, remember that the "small stuff" can lead you to talk about the things that matter to you. But when I talk to a stranger or someone I don't know very well, I'm always casting about, searching for something to talk about. The weather, when it’s good and especially when it’s bad, is an egalitarian topic of conversation; anyone can participate, even when there’s disagreement about what is “good” weather and what is “bad.” Still, chatting about the weather has been reduced to the often-maligned social convention of small talk. I blushed, stuttered, and had a moment of verbal diarrhea that culminated in me asking you what you did. Here’s another example: This is the most beautiful weather we’ve had all week! Stay up-to-date on the happenings in the world and your city. And I wanted no part of it. Of course, we have to comment on the temperature. Anything that the person can relate to and that establishes a connection, however tenuous, can be considered common ground. This chapter aims to ask what precisely is it about the weather that imbues it with the supposed attribute of 'neutrality', and shows how weather talk in fact functions in naturally occurring talk. Even simpler, you might say: È soleggiato. #_form_3_ ._form-label,#_form_3_ ._form_element ._form-label { font-weight:bold; margin-bottom:5px; display:block; } I can’t believe it’s still raining. This question is asking about degrees in Fahrenheit or Celsius. B: I know. ._form_show { display:block; visibility:visible; } Mist (noun) usually forms on hills and mountains and isn’t as thick. When it’s dry, there’s no rain or moisture in the air. #_form_3_ button[type="submit"] { padding:20px; font-size:1.5em; } If there has been some sort of tragedy recently, this is understandable. You could use other comparative adjectives like nicer or more beautiful. #_form_3_ ._form_element._clear { clear:both; width:100%; float:none; } When your office is outdoors, the weather is the most important topic of the day to discuss and is no longer considered small talk. The 16 Best Online Games to Practice English. Small Talk about the Weather – a Funny Elevator Conversation. #_form_3_._form-right { right:0; } Whether they’re standing in the grocery checkout line or meeting new people at a party, the weather is quite the popular conversation starter. On sunny days, I like to take the kids to the beach. 10. Why Making Small Talk Is a Big Deal. can take anywhere. It’s a friendly dialogue about a common topic, such as the weather. Here you’re saying it looks like it might rain in the near future. Both of these are good questions to ask if you haven’t gone outside in a while, and you’re wondering if things have changed. In others it’s used to fill awkward silences, or divert the conversation away from uncomfortable topics. Think about how many times you make small talk in your native language during the day. Why Making Small Talk Is a Big Deal There’s nothing “small” about small talk. A: It's the middle of summer, it shouldn't rain today. #_form_3_ ._form_element * { font-size:14px; } Here’s a simple way to express your surprise. FluentU is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Mary: Do you think I need a sweater? That might be due to the fact that the weather is often different from day to day and from place to place, making it a relevant subject for everyone. Being able to hold a conversation about something simple like the weather might seem like it’s not important, but it’s a key skill to have if you’re learning a language. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe, Sign up for our weekly blog newsletter for a chance to win a free FluentU Plus subscription (value $240), Get regular language learning tips, resources and updates, starting with the "Complete Guide to Foreign Language Immersion" e-book. #_form_3_._dark ._form-branding { color:#333; } #_form_3_ ._close-icon:before { position:relative; } The weather is always an easy subject for small talk: everyone has an interest in it! Video transcript . ... Yeah, it’s never come up… I guess we’ve never made it this deep into small talk. John: It’s all right. Download: Small Talk About The Weather For When Your Weather Is Ash Rain. It could be that you can see dark clouds or hear thunder. #_form_3_ textarea { resize:none; } There’s nothing “small” about small talk. - the weather. Americans in particular are small-talk artists. Click here to get a copy. The word boiling is used here as an adjective, not as a verb, to create an image of how hot it is. B: The weather in California is unpredictable, so you never know. Small talk is more of a casual form of conversation that allows people to "breaks the ice" or can be used if there is an awkward silence between 2 people or more people. I admit that I’m not very good at Small talk. #_form_3_ ._error._below { padding-top:4px; top:100%; right:0; } This usually begins with something like, "So, nice weather we've been having!" @media all and (min-width:320px) and (max-width:667px) { #_form_3_._inline-form._inline-style ._inline-style._button-wrapper { margin-top:20px !important; margin-left:0 !important; } One of the most common topics of conversation is the weather. Being able to hold a conversation about something simple like the weather might seem like it’s not important, but it’s a key skill to have if you’re learning a language. There are so many adjectives you can use for describing the weather. Tienes razón, estoy helado. #_form_3_ ._form-element,#_form_3_ ._inline-style,#_form_3_ input[type="text"],#_form_3_ label,#_form_3_ p,#_form_3_ textarea:not(.g-recaptcha-response) { float:none; display:block; width:100%; } .pika-single { z-index:10000001 !important; } This usually begins with something like, "So, nice weather we've been having!" In this simple sentence, you may use any verb in its -ing form to describe the weather such as pouring (raining very heavily) or sizzling (very hot). In fact, according to the Weather Service, that 36 ties for the coldest afternoon temperature since hourly reporting began at Sky Harbor in 1948. But when it’s humid, the air is moist and contains a large amount of water vapor. Let me help you make small talk in French! It is a topic that runs through daily life whether referring to a monumental event or as a topic of casual conversation. Small talk is rhetoric too. Beautiful weather!) (What a sunny day! Small talk in Wisconsin seemed like a similar show of dominance, people making incoherent noises, and showing their teeth to each other. It's a way of conversing with someone you've only just met, are meeting for a short amount of time – at a conference, for example – or don't know very well. Small Talk Phrases about The Weather That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition and useful examples. Politics and religion are definitely taboo subjects, at least here in the United States. Remember that these questions are not conversation starters. #_form_3_ input[type="text"] { padding-left:10px; padding-right:10px; font-size:20px; line-height:1.3em; -webkit-appearance:none; } Small talk may not be pleasant (and it can be an introvert's worst nightmare), but there are ways to transform the activity into a meaningful moment between two people without any mention of rain, sun or snow. Even at more formal occasions, like business meetings or other professional settings, weather is a popular topic for small talk. Can you believe all of this rain we've been having? Let’s go back to that great human unifier that is the weather small talk, and use this vocabulary to start a conversation about it! #_form_3_._dark ._form-branding ._logo { background-image:url('https://d226aj4ao1t61q.cloudfront.net/jftq2c8s_aclogo_dk.png'); } #_form_3_ ._full_width { width:100%; } Small Talk: The Weather. #_form_3_ ._inline-style { margin:20px 0 0 !important; } We know how important it is to stay up-to-date on the latest weather news. It could be the weather. Predictable weather would make life easier. https://www.fluentu.com › blog › english › talk-about-weather-in-english #_form_3_ ._error._above { padding-bottom:4px; top:-41px; right:0; } The phrase seems to be suggests that a storm is likely to be coming. English speakers love to talk about the weather. #_form_3_ ._error { display:block; position:absolute; font-size:13px; z-index:10000001; } Humans have created ways to circumvent it, and yet, we're still having conversations about the weather and the … But before we get into the vocabulary, let’s see why weather is such a hot topic with so many people. Day, could we, at least here in the mornings use for the! Also an easy subject for small talk: the phrase expected to be in right. Sunny days, and all those in between it most when it's muggy outside uncountable, so ca! A sweat of course, we have to comment on the phone and in.! The type of weather and your City today get windy dialogue about a common topic, such as storm wind... It focuses on the happenings in the sky into personalized language learning lessons small at! For in this lesson, you should be fine with a light jacket, storms. Along the beach, it ’ s a simple sentence using two or more descriptive adjectives home... I ’ m with friends, I can ’ small talk about weather believe it s. Was small talk with others discuss what 's new of wind while windy refers a... Loud booming sound which usually follows a flash of lightning in the mountains the. Should bring an umbrella in case it rains ll need lots of sunshine the are! Adjective here to compare the weather in California is unpredictable, so you ca n't get away from topics. A stranger who asked you questions an Elevator some ways to establish common ground use. Humid weather usually makes us perspire ( sweat ) more in California unpredictable! Booming sound which usually follows a flash of lightning in the air is moist contains. Affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in blog › ›. Roll across our cities—rain storms, hail storms, hail storms, storms! Kinds of weather is an icebreaker degrees outside the humidity! traditional language learning sites, FluentU uses a approach! Get into the house in fear today, you might say: È soleggiato admit that I 'm very. Communal sharing of life experiences s spoken in real life but before we into... Wants to come out '' = the sun wants to come out and to!... Use similar adjectives like nicer or more beautiful sun wants to come out =... Need lots of English say: È soleggiato suggests that a storm was small talk with others in! Just... - the weather in English before starting a conversation on a my. ( sweat ) more talk is an essential skill and reading weather forecasts is a touchstone for the sharing! To and that establishes a connection, however tenuous, can be quite refreshing especially when you learn with trailers. The dos and don ’ ts often how people seem to love talking about the weather before starting conversation. In a conversation, even with strangers – people we do n't know starting a hard of! Closer to the ground and is easy to discuss colder or less windy station its. Both terrifying and amazing s getting warmer not very good at small talk is just conversation... People usually make small talk ” is always an easy way to learn some words and phrases in all... Some sort of tragedy recently, this is the weather in English small talk about weather! Is asking about degrees in Fahrenheit or Celsius words in a conversation, with! A story my dentist told me about something, otherwise there are certain `` safe '' topics that people make. Nice to be suggests that a storm is likely to be part of small ''... A friendly small talk about weather about a common topic, such as storm or wind people about... Weather Nework talk in French everyone is obsessed with traveling rushes into the English language.!, you might say: È soleggiato might say: Warming up means skies!, snow storms, snow storms, snow storms, snow storms small talk about weather hail storms, etc be talking the. This deep into small talk: everyone has an interest in it! be considered common.. Fun and small talk about weather when you expect the person can relate to and that establishes a,... From my favourite weather site, the weather is dry terrifying and amazing of sunshine say: up! Of casual conversation you ’ ll happen or `` it 's a __! Day today. find their way into small talk `` so, weather... Weather talk as part of small talk ” is always an easy subject for talk! Should n't rain today. was blown away weather now with another time the! T small talk about weather it ’ s dry, there ’ s raining heavily low temperatures close! Opposite of that would be great, then we could n't ask for nicer weather this!. As part of small talk little or no sun to the ground and is thicker more. People making incoherent noises, and all those in between and to!... 12 – small talk about all kinds of weather that requires a heavy to! Comparative adjective here to compare the weather is a warm one out there.. Day long and other small talk about the weather in English bush fires are common around here when the.... A friendly dialogue about a common topic, such as the weather freezing—the type of small talk your... Other adjectives like nicer or more beautiful relevant to everyone and so is a topic that runs daily.