Small talk Meaning in English
expression
ˈsmɔɫ/ /ˈtɔk
SMAWL-tawk
smˈɔːl/ /tˈɔːk
SMAWL-tawk
Definition
Short, polite conversation about unimportant topics, often used with people you don't know well to fill silence or be friendly.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal; common in social gatherings, workplaces, and between strangers (e.g., in elevators). Typical topics include the weather, sports, or current events. Not used for deep or personal discussions.
Spanish: charla trivial - conversación superficialPortuguese (BR): conversa fiada - papo furadoPortuguese (PT): conversa de circunstância - conversa fiadaChinese (Simplified): 闲聊 - 寒暄Chinese (Traditional): 閒聊 - 寒暄Hindi: हल्की-फुल्की बातचीतArabic: أحاديث جانبية - حديث غير رسميBengali: আড্ডা - খোশগল্পRussian: светская беседа - разговор ни о чёмJapanese: 世間話 - 軽い雑談Vietnamese: chuyện phiếm - trò chuyện xã giaoKorean: 가벼운 대화 - 사교적 대화Turkish: havadan sudan konuşma - küçük sohbetUrdu: ہلکی پھلکی گفتگو - معمولی بات چیتIndonesian: obrolan ringan - basa-basi
Example Sentences
We made small talk about the weather while waiting for the bus.
basic
She doesn't like small talk at parties.
basic
He started the meeting with some small talk to relax everyone.
basic
I'm not great at small talk—I never know what to say after "Hi".
natural
People use small talk to break the ice in awkward situations.
natural
We spent most of the lunch making small talk instead of discussing work.
natural