getting acquainted 熟悉起来 Referring 参考 conversation starters 对话启动器 common ground 共同点。
Referring to a length of time
Use expressions like these to greet someone you haven't seen for a long time, and to express how happy you are to see them.
Long time no see! I haven't seen you in ages. It's been too long. Great to see you again! I'm so happy you're here. How was your flight? Thanks for coming such a long way. How's your family doing? How's that project you were working on? Great to see you again! Thanks for coming such a long way.
Starting an introduction
You can use phrases like these to start an introduction:
There are some people I'd like you to meet. Have you met Sara before?
Finding common ground
Use these expressions to help people find common ground.
A: Have you met Sara before? B: No, I don't think so. A: You'll like her. You're both into art. A: Hey, there's someone I'd like you to meet. B: Oh, really? I'm not sure I ... A: Don't worry. She's also a lawyer, so you have something in common.
Dialogue
ROB: Hi, Tom. Nice to see you. It's been ages . TOM: Yes, it's been a long time. What brings you to Los Angeles? ROB: I'm here for the conference. I imagine that you are too. TOM: Yes, here for five days. Say, have you met Carol yet? She's my business partner. ROB: Rob Anders. My pleasure. CAROL: Carol Wilson. Tom and I work together in the Stockholm office. ROB: Really? Tom and I met in college. We were both into theater at that time.
Current status Use phrases like these to explain someone's current work status. He visits the office about twice a year. She works for Opus, out of Dubai. Longstanding relationships Use expressions like these to describe relationships over time. We've worked together since 2001. They've been working on a project in Japan. Events from the past To mention important events in the past, you can use phrases like these. We first met back in college, 20 years ago. We used to work together at Upslot. He visits our office four times a year. She works for IXW. He works out of Mumbai. We've known each other for about 10 years. We used to work together at IXW. You are both into web page design.