Questions to ask someone to get to know them

Getting to know someone can be an exciting and rewarding experience, whether it’s a new friend, a potential romantic partner, or a colleague. Asking the right questions is key to sparking engaging and meaningful conversations that reveal more about a person’s interests, values, and personality. If you’re looking to break the ice or take your conversation to the next level, here are some great questions to ask that will help you get to know someone better.

1. What’s something you’re passionate about?

This question helps you discover what excites and motivates the person, whether it's a career, hobby, cause, or creative endeavor. It also gives them the chance to talk about what they truly love.

2. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

Understanding how someone spends their free time can give you insight into their personality. Are they adventurous, a homebody, or do they love socializing with friends?

3. Do you prefer big cities or small towns? Why?

This question provides insight into their lifestyle preferences and how they connect with different environments. It can also lead to a discussion about where they’ve lived or where they’d love to live in the future.

4. What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Travel experiences often hold a lot of meaning for people, whether it’s about the places they’ve been, the people they were with, or the memories they created. This question can uncover a lot about their interests and life adventures.

5. What’s a skill you’d like to learn or improve?

This shows their aspirations and what they value in terms of self-growth. It can also offer a way to connect if you share similar interests in learning or developing new skills.

6. What kind of music do you like?

Music tastes can reveal a lot about a person’s mood, energy, and personality. Whether they’re into rock, pop, classical, or indie, this question is a simple but effective way to learn more about them.

7. Who’s someone you really admire and why?

This question allows the other person to reflect on their role models or people they look up to, giving you insight into their values and what qualities they admire in others.

8. What’s your favorite book or movie and why?

Books and movies can provide a glimpse into a person’s tastes, preferences, and emotional depth. It’s also a great way to bond over shared favorites or learn about new things you’d like to explore.

9. What’s something on your bucket list?

A bucket list reveals a person’s dreams and the experiences they hope to achieve in their lifetime. It’s a great way to discover shared goals or learn more about what excites and motivates them.

10. What’s the most meaningful accomplishment in your life?

This question helps reveal what they’re proud of and gives you insight into their values. Whether it's career-related, personal growth, or something else entirely, it’s a great way to celebrate their achievements.

11. How would your friends describe you?

Asking someone how others see them can offer an interesting perspective on their self-awareness and personality. It might also lead to funny or touching anecdotes about their relationships.

12. What are your favorite hobbies or activities?

By asking this question, you get to know what the person enjoys doing in their free time. Whether it’s sports, reading, crafting, or cooking, hobbies reveal a lot about someone’s interests and lifestyle.

13. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

This question taps into a person’s dreams and ideal living situation. It can also prompt them to share experiences from their travels or places that are significant to them.

14. What’s your favorite type of food or restaurant?

Food can be a fun topic to explore, especially when you ask about someone’s favorite cuisine, dish, or eating experience. This can lead to discussions about cooking, dining preferences, or even shared food experiences.

15. What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?

This gives the other person a chance to open up about their goals, fears, or bucket list items. It also shows what they’re curious about or want to experience in the future.

16. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

This question can reveal what has influenced their thinking or guided their life decisions. It may also lead to a valuable conversation about lessons learned and personal growth.

17. What’s a typical day like for you?

Asking about their daily routine can give you a better sense of their lifestyle, priorities, and how they organize their time. It might also provide insights into their work-life balance.

18. Do you prefer working alone or as part of a team?

This question uncovers their working style and whether they thrive in a group setting or prefer independence. It can also lead to discussions about career, education, or personal preferences.

19. What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

This question can uncover what matters most to the person, whether it’s something material, emotional, or philosophical. It’s a simple yet effective way to get to the heart of what they value most in life.

20. What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, a relaxing day at home, or a social gathering, asking about their ideal day can give you a better sense of what they value in their time and lifestyle.

Conclusion: Asking the Right Questions to Foster Connection

The questions above are designed to help you get to know someone on a deeper level, uncovering their personality, interests, dreams, and values. While these questions can serve as great conversation starters, the key is to listen actively and allow the conversation to flow naturally. Whether you’re chatting with a new friend, a colleague, or someone you’re getting to know romantically, asking thoughtful questions can lead to meaningful connections and foster genuine understanding.