Daily English Day 21: Making New Friends – “Where Are You From?”

Meeting new people is one of the most exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking parts of traveling, studying abroad, or living in a new city. A very common and simple question that often starts conversations is: “Where are you from?”

This short sentence is powerful. It helps people connect, find common ground, and learn about each other’s backgrounds. In today’s lesson, we will explore different ways to ask this question, how to answer it, and how to continue the conversation naturally.

Why “Where Are You From?” Matters

When people meet for the first time, they usually look for a safe, friendly way to start talking. Asking about someone’s country, city, or hometown is a neutral and polite way to open up. It shows interest without being too personal.

For English learners, mastering this phrase is useful because:

• You will hear it often in international settings.

• You can use it to make small talk at school, work, or social events.

• It can naturally lead to longer conversations about culture, food, or travel.

Common Ways to Ask

The most direct form is:

• Where are you from?

But there are several other natural variations:

• Where do you come from?

• Which country are you from?

• Are you from around here? (used if you’re in the same city or place)

• What’s your hometown?

• Where were you born and raised?

Some are more formal, and some are more casual. If you’re at a party or meeting someone informally, “Where are you from?” is perfect. In a professional setting, you might use “Which country are you from?” or “What part of [city/country] are you from?”

Simple Answers

Here are some easy ways to respond:

• I’m from Japan.

• I’m from a small town near Cebu.

• I’m originally from Spain, but I live in Australia now.

• I grew up in Manila.

Notice that you can share just your country, or give more detail if you like.

Expanding Your Answer

If you want to keep the conversation going, add more information:

• I’m from Korea. Have you ever been there?

• I’m from Canada. It’s really cold in the winter!

• I’m from Italy, the northern part, near Milan.

• I’m from Brazil. People there love football.

These extra details give your new friend something to respond to.

Asking Follow-Up Questions

Once someone tells you where they are from, you can show interest by asking:

• Oh, I’ve heard it’s beautiful there. What’s it like?

• Really? What’s your hometown famous for?

• I’ve never been there. Can you tell me about it?

• How is life there compared to here?

• What do you miss most about your hometown?

Follow-up questions show that you care and make the conversation flow.

Example Dialogue 1

A: Hi, nice to meet you. Where are you from?
B: I’m from Thailand.
A: Oh, Thailand! I love Thai food. Which city are you from?
B: I’m from Chiang Mai.
A: I’ve never been there, but I’ve seen photos. It looks beautiful.

Example Dialogue 2

A: Hello! Are you from around here?
B: Not really. I’m from Mexico.
A: That’s cool. I’d love to visit one day. Which part of Mexico are you from?
B: I’m from Guadalajara. It’s famous for mariachi music.
A: Oh, I’ve heard of that! Do you play music too?

Example Dialogue 3

A: Where do you come from?
B: I’m originally from France, but now I live in Singapore.
A: Wow, that’s interesting. What made you move to Singapore?
B: Work, mostly. But I also like the warm weather.

Cultural Tips

1. Be respectful. Some people may be sensitive about their nationality or city. Always ask politely.

2. Listen actively. Don’t just ask; show real curiosity in their answer.

3. Don’t assume. Just because someone looks or sounds a certain way doesn’t mean they are from where you think. It’s better to ask than guess.

4. Share in return. After asking about them, share about yourself too. It keeps balance in the conversation.

Vocabulary and Phrases

• Hometown – the city or town where you grew up

• Originally from – used when you moved away from your birthplace

• Raised – where you spent your childhood

• Famous for – well known because of something

• Compared to – to show differences between two places

Example:

• “I’m originally from Seoul, but I was raised in California.”

• “My hometown is famous for seafood.”

• “Life here is quiet compared to my city back home.”

Practice Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. A: Where ______ you from?
   B: I’m ______ Japan.

2. A: Are you ______ around here?
   B: No, I’m ______ the Philippines.

3. A: What’s your ______?
   B: My hometown is Seoul.

(Answers: 1. are / from, 2. from / from, 3. hometown)

Practice Exercise 2: Make Your Own Answer

Complete the sentence with your own details:

• I’m from ______.

• I’m originally from ______, but now I live in ______.

• My hometown is famous for ______.

Practice Exercise 3: Role Play

Find a partner and practice the following situation:

• You meet at a café. Start by introducing yourself.

• Ask “Where are you from?”

• Give a detailed answer, and ask follow-up questions.

• Try to continue the conversation for at least 2 minutes.

How to Continue the Friendship

Asking “Where are you from?” is just the start. To build a friendship, you can talk about:

• Food: “What food from your country do you miss the most?”

• Travel: “What places in your country should I visit?”

• Culture: “What festivals or traditions do you celebrate?”

• Daily life: “How is school or work different back home?”

These topics help the conversation grow naturally.

Example Extended Conversation

A: Hi, I don’t think we’ve met before. Where are you from?
B: I’m from Indonesia.
A: Oh, nice! Which part?
B: I’m from Jakarta, the capital city.
A: I’ve read that Jakarta is very busy. Is that true?
B: Yes, the traffic is terrible! But it’s also very lively and full of culture.
A: That sounds exciting. What do you miss most about Jakarta?
B: I miss the street food and the warm atmosphere.
A: I’d love to try Indonesian food someday. Maybe you can recommend something?
B: Of course! You should try nasi goreng, our fried rice.

Final Tips for Learners

• Practice saying “Where are you from?” in a natural tone.

• Prepare 2–3 sentences about your own hometown.

• Learn to ask follow-up questions so the conversation doesn’t stop.

• Be ready to share something positive about your culture.

Conclusion

“Where are you from?” is one of the most useful and friendly questions you can learn in English. It opens the door to new friendships, cultural exchange, and interesting stories. Remember to listen carefully, ask politely, and share about yourself as well.

With practice, you’ll feel confident starting conversations and making new friends anywhere in the world.

FAQ:Making New Friends – “Where Are You From?”

What does “Where are you from?” actually mean?

At its simplest, it asks about your place of origin: your country, city, or hometown. In casual small talk, it is a friendly icebreaker used to discover common ground, like shared travel experiences or cultural interests. It is not a demand for personal data; you control how specific you want to be. You can answer broadly (“I’m from Japan”) or more precisely (“I’m from Osaka, near the river”).

Is it always appropriate to ask “Where are you from?”

In most social situations—classrooms, language exchanges, networking events, conferences—it is acceptable and common. However, be sensitive: some people may prefer not to discuss identity or background immediately. A polite lead-in helps, such as “If you don’t mind me asking,” or offer a reciprocal share: “I’m from Cebu. How about you?” Respect a short or vague reply and move on naturally.

How can I answer if I’ve lived in several places?

Use the phrase “originally from” and then add your current base: “I’m originally from Turkey, but I live in Singapore now.” You can also mention where you grew up versus where you were born: “I was born in Berlin and raised in Munich.” If you want to keep it short: “Mostly the UK, now Tokyo.” Choose the level of detail that fits the moment and your comfort.

What are polite follow-up questions after someone answers?

Good follow-ups keep the conversation flowing without being intrusive:

• “What’s your hometown like?”
• “What’s it famous for?”
• “Do you visit often?”
• “What do you miss most about it?”
• “Any foods or places you recommend I try if I visit?”

These prompts invite stories, not just facts, and make it easier to connect meaningfully.

How do I answer if I’m not comfortable sharing personal details?

Set a friendly boundary with a broad but polite reply: “I’m from Southeast Asia,” or “I grew up in a few different places.” You can redirect the conversation: “I’m around the region—how about you? What brought you here?” Most people will accept your level of detail and follow your lead.

What vocabulary is useful for this topic?

Key phrases: hometown (where you grew up), originally from (place of origin if you moved), born and raised (both birth and childhood in same place), move/moved to, local (from nearby), expat (living outside your native country). Example sentences: “I’m originally from Manila,” “I moved to Osaka last year,” “I’m not local; I’m visiting for work.”

How can I extend the conversation beyond geography?

Use the answer as a bridge to culture, daily life, and interests:

• Food & culture: “What’s a typical breakfast where you’re from?”
• Weather & lifestyle: “Is the climate similar to here?”
• Festivals & traditions: “Any holidays you look forward to?”
• Travel tips: “If I had two days in your city, where should I go?”

Share your own experience to balance the exchange: “In my hometown we… How about yours?”

What are common grammar patterns for answering?

Try these patterns and adapt them:

• I’m from + country/city: “I’m from Brazil.”
• I’m originally from + place, but now I live in + place: “I’m originally from Seoul, but now I live in Vancouver.”
• I was born in + place and raised in + place: “I was born in Paris and raised in Lyon.”
• My hometown is + place; it’s + description: “My hometown is Cebu City; it’s lively and friendly.”

Are there cultural pitfalls I should avoid?

Avoid assumptions about nationality based on appearance or accent. Don’t quiz people about politics or sensitive topics right away. Be careful with jokes that stereotype places. Keep the tone positive and curious. If you make a mistake, a simple, sincere apology and a quick pivot—“Sorry if that was too personal. What do you like most about living here?”—will help.

How can I sound natural when asking?

Pair the question with context and a smile: “Hi, I’m Maya. I’m from Jakarta—where are you from?” or “Nice to meet you. Are you from around here?” Using your own introduction first lowers pressure and invites reciprocity. Keep your tone light and your body language open; small talk is as much about warmth as it is about words.

What if I didn’t understand their answer (accent, unfamiliar place)?

Ask for clarification politely: “Sorry, could you say that again?” or “How do you spell it?” You can also paraphrase to confirm: “Did you say Medellín, in Colombia?” Curiosity plus humility builds trust. If you still struggle, shift to a related topic without dwelling on the confusion.

How do I keep the chat going if their answer is short?

Offer an easy multiple-choice style prompt: “Cool! Which part—north or south?” or “Nice! Big city or small town?” Share your own tidbit to encourage them: “I grew up near the coast, so I love seafood. Is your hometown coastal or inland?” Use open questions (what, how, why) rather than yes/no questions.

What phrases help me transition to new topics?

Use connectors: “That reminds me…,” “Speaking of food…,” “By the way…,” “Since you mentioned festivals….” Example: “Since you mentioned beaches, do you like snorkeling?” Smooth transitions prevent awkward pauses and show active listening.

How can I describe my hometown naturally?

Build a simple three-part mini-story:

1. Location: “My hometown is in the south of Spain, near the coast.”
2. Feature: “It’s famous for orange groves and historic architecture.”
3. Feeling: “I miss the relaxed evenings and outdoor cafés.”

This structure gives your partner vivid hooks for follow-up questions.

What if someone asks in a professional setting (interview, conference)?

Stay concise and relevant: “I’m from Taipei. I studied in Boston and recently relocated to Tokyo for work.” You can add a business-appropriate bridge: “I enjoy working in international teams; different backgrounds bring fresh ideas.” Keep the tone neutral and skip personal details.

How can I practice this topic effectively?

Create a 20–30 second “origin intro” and rehearse it: country/city, one unique fact, and a question back. Record yourself to check clarity and pace. Practice with a friend using timed role-plays: 60 seconds per turn, switch roles, and focus on smooth follow-ups. Keep a small notebook or phone note with your favorite questions and place descriptions.

Sample mini-dialogues I can model

Casual: “Hey, I’m Riku. I’m from Sapporo. Where are you from?” — “I’m from Melbourne.” — “Nice! What’s your favorite thing about living there?”

Event: “I loved your presentation. Are you from around here?” — “Not exactly, I’m from Manila.” — “Great city! Any must-try dishes?”

Class: “I’m originally from Hanoi, now in Kyoto. How about you?” — “I’m from Madrid, first time in Japan.” — “Welcome! How are you finding the food?”

How do I politely end the conversation if needed?

Use a positive closing plus a future-friendly note: “It was great chatting. I’d love to hear more about your city another time. I’m going to grab some water—see you later!” This keeps the door open while giving you a graceful exit.

Quick practice prompts (answer out loud)

• “I’m originally from ___, but I live in ___ now because ___.”
• “My hometown is famous for ___ and ___.”
• “If you visit, you should definitely try ___.”
• “Compared to here, my hometown is more/less ___.”

Repeat these with different details to build fluency and confidence.

Key takeaways

• Lead with warmth and reciprocity.
• Choose your detail level; boundaries are okay.
• Use follow-ups that invite stories.
• Bridge from place to culture, food, and life.
• Practice a short, vivid self-introduction.

With these tools, “Where are you from?” becomes more than a question—it becomes the start of a genuine connection.

Daily English Guide for Beginners: Speak with Confidence Every Day