When you need this
Someone holds out a hand with a new ring, or a coworker says "We have some news." You have about two seconds to react, and the people telling you will remember how you did. The shape is always the same: congratulate first, show you're happy for both of them, then ask one question that lets them tell the story.
The two questions people expect are "How did it happen?" and "Have you set a date yet?" Both are safe, because they're about the couple's plans, not about money or family politics. Skip "Finally" and "What took you so long." They sound like a joke in your head and like a complaint out loud.
Engagements look different around the world. In some families there's a ring and a surprise question; in others the two families meet, agree, and hold a small engagement ceremony. The English stays the same: "We got engaged" covers all of it.
Phrases
the standard way to share the news
says who asked the question
the person you're going to marry; both sound the same
a warm reaction that includes both people
shows you care about them as a couple
invites them to tell the proposal story
a friendly request; only if there is a ring
the polite question about the wedding day
a lighter, friendlier way to ask the same thing
a long wait between the engagement and the wedding
an informal way to say get married
you haven't fully accepted the news yet
you're asking people not to share the news
Say it out loud
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Practice · 3 min
Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.
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Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.