polite conversation about subjects that are ordinary or unimportant, especially at social occasions 寒暄;闲谈;聊天 They made small talk for half an hour. 他们闲聊了半个小时。 He has no small talk (= is not good at talking politely about unimportant subjects). 他不善言谈。 She was good at making small talk to put guests at their ease. 她善于闲聊,让客人们放松下来。