140 Questions to Ask Someone You Just Met

Talking to someone you just met can go one of two ways: an exciting new connection or an awkward “Uh… so, the weather’s nice, right?” kind of moment. We’ve all been in that second scenario, and honestly, it’s not the vibe we want.

This article has your back. It’s full of easy, friendly questions that’ll help you break the ice and keep the conversation flowing naturally. So, let’s skip the awkwardness and get straight to the good stuff—real, engaging conversations!

Icebreaker Questions

  1. What’s the most exciting thing that happened to you this week?
  2. Do you have a favorite way to spend a weekend?
  3. If you could have dinner with any famous person, who would it be?
  4. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
  5. Do you prefer mornings or evenings?
  6. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
  7. What kind of music do you usually listen to?
  8. If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be?
  9. What’s your favorite way to relax after a busy day?
  10. Do you prefer city life or the countryside?
  11. Have you ever had a funny or awkward meeting with a stranger?
  12. What’s one item you always carry with you?
  13. Do you have a favorite quote or motto?
  14. What’s your go-to comfort food?
  15. What’s your favorite holiday or celebration?
  16. If you could visit any event in history, which one would it be?
  17. What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
  18. Do you enjoy surprises, or do you prefer to plan everything?
  19. What’s your favorite kind of weather?
  20. If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be?

General Life Experiences

  1. What’s the most life-changing decision you’ve made?
  2. Have you ever had a moment you’d call a turning point?
  3. What’s a challenge you overcame that shaped who you are?
  4. Do you enjoy reminiscing about your childhood?
  5. What’s a life lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
  6. Have you ever had a chance encounter that changed your life?
  7. What’s your proudest accomplishment?
  8. Do you have a memory that always makes you smile?
  9. What’s the best advice you’ve ever given someone?
  10. What’s a hobby or activity that’s been part of your life for a long time?
  11. Have you ever taken a leap of faith?
  12. What’s a skill you learned from an unexpected experience?
  13. Do you enjoy sharing your life story with others?
  14. What’s the funniest memory you’ve ever had?
  15. Do you have a bucket list?
  16. What’s a dream you’ve accomplished?
  17. Have you ever met someone who became a lifelong friend?
  18. Do you enjoy keeping a journal or recording memories?
  19. What’s one thing you’d tell your younger self?
  20. Have you ever been inspired by a random act of kindness?

Interests and Hobbies

  1. What hobby have you always wanted to try but haven’t yet?
  2. Do you enjoy any creative activities like drawing, writing, or crafting?
  3. What’s your favorite sport to watch or play?
  4. Do you collect anything?
  5. What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
  6. Do you enjoy puzzles, board games, or video games?
  7. Are you a fan of photography or videography?
  8. What kind of books or genres do you enjoy reading?
  9. Have you ever taken a class just for fun?
  10. Do you prefer solo hobbies or group activities?
  11. What’s a hobby you’ve picked up recently?
  12. Are you into gardening or taking care of plants?
  13. Do you enjoy cooking or baking?
  14. What’s a skill you’re proud of mastering?
  15. Do you follow any online communities related to your hobbies?
  16. Have you ever built something from scratch?
  17. Do you enjoy attending workshops or hobby-related events?
  18. Is there a hobby you share with your family or friends?
  19. Do you prefer physical activities like hiking or relaxing ones like painting?
  20. Are there any niche hobbies you’re curious about?

Travel and Adventures

  1. What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
  2. Do you prefer beaches, mountains, or cities?
  3. What’s your dream travel destination?
  4. Have you ever gone on a road trip?
  5. Do you enjoy solo travel or group trips?
  6. What’s a memorable travel experience you’ve had?
  7. Do you like planning trips or being spontaneous?
  8. What’s the most unique activity you’ve tried while traveling?
  9. Do you prefer luxury hotels or rustic adventures?
  10. Have you ever experienced a different culture while traveling?
  11. Do you enjoy traveling for food?
  12. What’s your favorite way to document your travels?
  13. Have you ever had a travel mishap?
  14. What’s the longest trip you’ve ever been on?
  15. Do you prefer exploring nature or city attractions?
  16. What’s a local destination you’d recommend to visitors?
  17. Have you ever visited a historical site?
  18. What’s the best souvenir you’ve brought home?
  19. Do you enjoy adventure sports like skydiving or scuba diving?
  20. What’s your next planned trip?

Opinions on Entertainment

  1. What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
  2. Do you enjoy binge-watching series?
  3. Who’s your favorite actor or actress?
  4. What kind of music do you usually listen to?
  5. Do you prefer watching movies at home or in the theater?
  6. Have you ever been to a live concert?
  7. Do you enjoy podcasts?
  8. What’s a book you couldn’t put down?
  9. Are you into any specific genres of entertainment?
  10. Do you prefer comedy, drama, or thrillers?
  11. What’s your favorite childhood cartoon?
  12. Do you enjoy documentaries?
  13. Have you ever been to a music festival?
  14. What’s a recent song you’ve had on repeat?
  15. Do you enjoy plays or musicals?
  16. What’s the last show or movie you watched?
  17. Are there any celebrities you admire?
  18. Do you follow any online creators or influencers?
  19. Have you ever attended a book signing or fan convention?
  20. What’s an underrated show or movie you recommend?

Cultural and Social Perspectives

  1. What’s a tradition from your culture that you love?
  2. Have you ever participated in a cultural exchange?
  3. What’s the most interesting custom you’ve learned about?
  4. Do you celebrate any unique holidays?
  5. How do you stay connected to your cultural roots?
  6. What’s something you’ve learned from traveling to other cultures?
  7. Are there any cultural festivals you enjoy attending?
  8. Do you enjoy learning new languages?
  9. What’s a stereotype about your culture you wish people understood better?
  10. Have you ever shared your culture with someone from another country?
  11. Are there any social causes you’re passionate about?
  12. How do you think technology impacts cultural traditions?
  13. Do you enjoy traditional or contemporary art forms more?
  14. What’s a historical event that shaped your culture?
  15. How do you celebrate milestones like weddings or birthdays?
  16. Are there any misconceptions about your culture that you’d like to clarify?
  17. Do you enjoy cultural storytelling, like folktales or legends?
  18. How do you think food connects people across cultures?
  19. Have you ever faced culture shock?
  20. What’s one thing about your culture you think the world should know?

Food and Cuisine

  1. What’s your go-to comfort meal?
  2. Do you have a favorite cuisine or type of food?
  3. What’s the most unusual food you’ve ever tried?
  4. Do you prefer sweet or savory snacks?
  5. What’s your favorite restaurant or food spot?
  6. Are you a fan of spicy food?
  7. What’s the best dish you’ve ever cooked?
  8. Do you have a favorite childhood meal?
  9. Are you adventurous with trying new foods?
  10. Do you prefer dining out or cooking at home?
  11. What’s a food you didn’t like as a kid but enjoy now?
  12. Have you ever tried making food from a different culture?
  13. Do you enjoy street food?
  14. What’s your favorite seasonal treat?
  15. Are there any food festivals you’d love to attend?
  16. What’s the strangest food combination you enjoy?
  17. Have you ever grown your own vegetables or herbs?
  18. What’s your favorite type of dessert?
  19. Do you enjoy making drinks or cocktails?
  20. What’s a food-related memory that always makes you smile?

Final Thoughts

Talking to someone new doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little curiosity and a few good questions, you can turn those first moments into a fun and meaningful conversation.

I hope you leave here feeling ready to start great conversations. Whether it’s at work, a party, or even waiting in line somewhere, these questions are here to help you connect.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Photo of author

Robby is a multimedia editor at UpJourney with a journalism and communications background.

When she's not working, Robby transforms into an introverted art lover who indulges in her love for sports, learning new things, and sipping her favorite soda. She also enjoys unwinding with feel-good movies, books, and video games. She's also a proud pet parent to her beloved dog, Dustin.