198 Best Questions to Ask to Get to Know Someone Better

Getting to know someone new can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re meeting a new friend, a potential partner, or a colleague, asking the right questions can make all the difference. Thoughtful and engaging questions to ask to get to know someone can spark meaningful conversations, reveal common interests, and help build a strong connection.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of questions that will help you break the ice, dive deeper, and truly understand the person you’re talking to. Let’s explore these conversation starters that can turn acquaintances into friends.

Icebreaker Questions

When you’re meeting someone new, starting with light and fun questions can help ease any initial awkwardness. Icebreaker questions are perfect for getting the conversation flowing and setting a comfortable tone. These questions are designed to be simple yet engaging, allowing you to discover common ground and start building a connection.

Here are some great icebreaker questions to ask to get to know someone:

What’s your favorite book or movie?
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Do you have any pets? If so, tell me about them.
What’s your favorite type of music or favorite band?
Have you ever tried any unusual foods? What was it?
What’s one hobby or interest you wish you had more time for?
What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
What’s your favorite season of the year and why?
Do you have a favorite TV show or series you’re currently watching?
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Do you enjoy cooking? What’s your signature dish?
What’s your favorite holiday and how do you usually celebrate it?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Do you play any sports or follow any sports teams?
What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?
Do you prefer coffee or tea, and how do you take it?

Personal Background Questions

Understanding someone’s personal background can provide insights into their experiences and shape who they are today. These questions help uncover stories about family, upbringing, and significant life events. They can reveal commonalities and foster a deeper connection.

Here are some personal background questions to ask to get to know someone:

Where did you grow up?
Do you have any siblings? How many?
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Did you have a nickname growing up? What was it?
What kind of neighborhood did you live in as a child?
Who was your role model when you were young?
Did you have a favorite family tradition?
What’s the most valuable lesson you learned from your parents?
Did you participate in any extracurricular activities in school?
What was your favorite subject in school?
How would you describe your hometown?
Did you have a best friend as a child? Are you still in touch?
What kind of house did you grow up in?
What was the first job you ever had?
Did your family take any memorable vacations?
How did you spend your summer breaks as a kid?
What’s a funny or embarrassing story from your childhood?
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
Did you have any pets growing up?
What’s one thing you miss about your childhood?

Interests and Hobbies

Discovering someone’s interests and hobbies is a great way to find common ground and shared passions. These questions can lead to engaging conversations about what they enjoy doing in their free time and what activities bring them joy.

Here are some interests and hobbies questions to ask to get to know someone:

What are your favorite hobbies?
Do you enjoy reading? What genre do you prefer?
Are you into any particular sports or fitness activities?
What kind of movies or TV shows do you like to watch?
Do you enjoy any creative activities like painting or writing?
Have you ever tried any extreme sports or adventurous activities?
What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind?
Do you play any musical instruments?
Are you into gaming? If so, what games do you play?
Do you enjoy gardening or spending time outdoors?
What’s your favorite type of cuisine to cook or eat?
Do you like attending live events like concerts or theater shows?
Are you involved in any clubs or groups related to your interests?
What’s a new hobby you’d like to try?
Do you enjoy traveling? What’s your favorite destination?
Are you a collector of anything?
Do you enjoy puzzles or board games?
What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
Do you like DIY projects or crafting?
Are you passionate about any particular causes or charities?

Career and Education

Learning about someone’s career and educational background can offer a glimpse into their professional life and academic journey. These questions help you understand their achievements, challenges, and aspirations in these areas.

Here are some career and education questions to ask to get to know someone:

What was your first job?
What do you do for a living now?
What motivated you to choose your current career?
Did you go to college or university? What did you study?
What was your favorite subject in school or college?
Do you enjoy your current job? Why or why not?
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Have you taken any significant career risks? How did they turn out?
Are you pursuing any additional certifications or education?
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Have you ever had a mentor in your career? Who was it?
What are your long-term career goals?
Do you prefer working independently or in a team?
What’s the most challenging project you’ve worked on?
Have you ever considered changing careers? What to?
What’s your proudest professional achievement?
Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people in your industry?
How do you balance your work and personal life?
What skills do you think are essential for success in your field?
Do you see yourself in the same career five years from now?

Values and Beliefs

Understanding someone’s values and beliefs can provide deep insights into their worldview and what drives their actions. These questions help you explore their ethical principles, spiritual beliefs, and personal philosophies.

Here are some values and beliefs questions to ask to get to know someone:

What core values are most important to you?
How do you define success?
Do you follow any particular spiritual or religious beliefs?
What role does family play in your life?
How do you handle ethical dilemmas?
What does integrity mean to you?
Do you believe in karma or fate?
What cause or charity is closest to your heart?
How do you approach making difficult decisions?
What are your views on work-life balance?
Do you believe in the concept of a soulmate?
How do you cope with stress or adversity?
What’s your philosophy on forgiveness?
How do you practice gratitude in your daily life?
What principles do you follow in your friendships?
Do you believe in life after death?
How important is honesty in your relationships?
What’s your approach to personal growth and self-improvement?
Do you believe in the importance of tradition?
How do you define happiness?

Goals and Aspirations

Learning about someone’s goals and aspirations can reveal what motivates them and what they hope to achieve in life. These questions can uncover their dreams, ambitions, and the steps they’re taking to reach them.

Here are some goals and aspirations questions to ask to get to know someone:

What are your short-term goals?
What are your long-term aspirations?
What’s your dream job?
Do you have any personal milestones you’re aiming for?
What skills do you want to develop in the future?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What motivates you to pursue your goals?
Do you have a bucket list? What’s at the top of it?
How do you stay focused on your aspirations?
What’s a major life goal you’ve already achieved?
What do you hope to accomplish this year?
How do you plan your career path?
What personal project are you working on right now?
Who inspires you to achieve your goals?
Do you set New Year’s resolutions? What are they?
How do you measure your progress towards your goals?
What’s your biggest dream for your future?
What’s a challenge you’re currently working to overcome?
How do you balance ambition with contentment?
What legacy do you want to leave behind?

Fun and Hypothetical Questions

Fun and hypothetical questions can spark creativity and lead to entertaining conversations. These questions are great for exploring imaginative scenarios and learning about someone’s preferences and sense of humor.

Here are some fun and hypothetical questions to ask to get to know someone:

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
If you could live in any time period, which one would you choose?
What superpower would you want and why?
If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you’d buy?
If you could travel anywhere in the universe, where would you go?
If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?
What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
What animal would you choose to be if you were reincarnated?
If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be?
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you want with you?
If you could speak any language fluently, which one would you choose?
What fictional world would you want to live in?
If you could meet your future self, what would you ask?
If you could have any job for a week, what would it be?
If you had to give up one modern convenience, what would it be?
What would you do with a time machine?
If you could design your perfect home, what would it look like?
If you could have any celebrity as a best friend, who would it be?
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

Relationships and Social Life

Understanding someone’s relationships and social life can provide insights into their social dynamics and how they interact with others. These questions help you learn about their friendships, family connections, and social habits.

Here are some relationships and social life questions to ask to get to know someone:

Who is your closest friend and why?
How do you like to spend time with your friends?
Do you enjoy social gatherings or prefer small get-togethers?
What qualities do you value most in a friend?
How do you maintain long-distance friendships?
What’s the best piece of advice a friend has given you?
How do you handle conflicts in relationships?
Do you believe in having a best friend, or do you prefer a larger circle?
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had with friends?
How do you stay connected with family members who live far away?
What role do your friends play in your life?
Do you enjoy meeting new people, or do you prefer sticking with familiar faces?
What’s your favorite activity to do with friends?
How do you balance time between friends, family, and personal time?
What’s a significant lesson you’ve learned from a past relationship?
Do you prefer being part of a group or spending one-on-one time with someone?
How do you celebrate special occasions with friends and family?
What’s the most important aspect of a healthy relationship for you?
How do you show appreciation for the important people in your life?
What’s a tradition you have with your friends or family?

Preferences and Favorites

Discovering someone’s preferences and favorites can reveal their tastes and interests. These questions are great for learning about their likes and dislikes, making it easier to find common ground.

Here are some preferences and favorites questions to ask to get to know someone:

What’s your favorite color?
Do you have a favorite food or cuisine?
What’s your favorite book or author?
What’s your favorite movie of all time?
Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
What’s your favorite season of the year?
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Do you have a favorite holiday?
What’s your favorite type of music or band?
What’s your favorite hobby or pastime?
Do you prefer cats or dogs?
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Do you have a favorite sport or sports team?
What’s your favorite type of weather?
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
What’s your favorite thing to do to relax?
Do you have a favorite TV show or series?
What’s your favorite drink?
What’s your favorite type of dessert?
Do you have a favorite game or activity?

Deeper and Reflective Questions

Deeper and reflective questions encourage thoughtful conversation and allow you to understand someone on a more profound level. These questions explore personal beliefs, life experiences, and inner thoughts.

Here are some deeper and reflective questions to ask to get to know someone: