first impression
Initial opinion
Use this to describe your very first 'gut feeling' about a new person, place, or experience.
En 15 segundos
- The very first feeling or opinion about someone new.
- Happens instantly within the first few seconds of meeting.
- Commonly used with the verbs 'make', 'give', or 'get'.
Significado
It is the very first opinion you form about someone or something the moment you meet or see them. It is that 'gut feeling' you get within the first few seconds of an encounter.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6After a job interview
I think I made a great first impression on the hiring manager.
I think I made a great first impression on the hiring manager.
Talking about a new restaurant
My first impression of the cafe was that it was a bit too noisy.
My first impression of the cafe was that it was a bit too noisy.
Meeting a friend's new boyfriend
To be honest, my first impression of him wasn't great, but he grew on me.
To be honest, my first impression of him wasn't great, but he grew on me.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is deeply rooted in Western business and social etiquette, emphasizing the 'handshake' culture. It gained massive popularity through 20th-century self-help books like Dale Carnegie's works. In modern times, it has shifted to include 'digital first impressions' on social media profiles.
The 'Make' Rule
Always remember that you 'make' a first impression on others, but you 'get' or 'have' a first impression of them.
Don't Overthink It
If you say 'My first impression was...' after knowing someone for a week, it sounds a bit late. Use it for the very first moments!
En 15 segundos
- The very first feeling or opinion about someone new.
- Happens instantly within the first few seconds of meeting.
- Commonly used with the verbs 'make', 'give', or 'get'.
What It Means
A first impression is the mental picture you create instantly. It happens when you meet a new person or walk into a cafe. Your brain decides if they are friendly, professional, or perhaps a bit grumpy. It is like a snapshot that stays in your mind for a long time. Even if you change your mind later, that first moment is hard to forget. We often say you only get one chance to make one.
How To Use It
You usually use it with the verbs make, give, or have. You can make a good first impression by dressing well for a job interview. Or, you might say a house gave a bad first impression because the garden was messy. It acts as a noun in your sentence. You can describe them as strong, lasting, positive, or deceptive. Just remember, it is about the very beginning of a relationship or experience.
When To Use It
Use this phrase in any situation involving a 'first time.' It is perfect for job interviews or first dates. It works when visiting a new city or trying a new restaurant. You can use it when talking to friends about a new boss. If you are nervous about meeting your partner's parents, you are worried about this phrase. It is a staple of social and professional life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for people you have known for years. You cannot have a first impression of your brother. Also, do not use it for deep, analytical thoughts that took weeks to form. If you have studied a book for a month, that is a critique, not an impression. It is also not for physical sensations like 'the first touch.' It is strictly about your mental judgment or feeling.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, there is a huge emphasis on 'the first seven seconds.' People believe these moments define your entire future with someone. There is a famous saying: "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." This drives a multi-billion dollar industry in fashion and business coaching. We are obsessed with looking 'approachable' and 'trustworthy' immediately. It is a fast-paced cultural trait where we judge books by their covers, even if we are told not to.
Common Variations
You will often hear initial impression, which is slightly more formal. Another common one is first blush, though that is a bit old-fashioned. People also say at first glance when talking about objects or situations. If the feeling is very strong, you might call it a lasting impression. If you were wrong about someone, you might say your first impression was way off!
Notas de uso
The phrase is extremely versatile and safe for B1 learners. Just be careful with the collocation: you 'make' an impression on someone else.
The 'Make' Rule
Always remember that you 'make' a first impression on others, but you 'get' or 'have' a first impression of them.
Don't Overthink It
If you say 'My first impression was...' after knowing someone for a week, it sounds a bit late. Use it for the very first moments!
The Handshake Secret
In many English-speaking countries, a 'firm handshake' is considered the most important part of a professional first impression.
Ejemplos
6I think I made a great first impression on the hiring manager.
I think I made a great first impression on the hiring manager.
Focuses on the effort to appear professional.
My first impression of the cafe was that it was a bit too noisy.
My first impression of the cafe was that it was a bit too noisy.
Used for a place rather than a person.
To be honest, my first impression of him wasn't great, but he grew on me.
To be honest, my first impression of him wasn't great, but he grew on me.
Shows how an initial opinion can change over time.
First impression: He has a great smile and laughs at all my jokes!
First impression: He has a great smile and laughs at all my jokes!
Short, punchy use in digital communication.
My first impression of the dog was that he was scary, until he tripped over his own ears.
My first impression of the dog was that he was scary, until he tripped over his own ears.
Humorous contrast between expectation and reality.
I knew from my first impression of her that we would be best friends for life.
I knew from my first impression of her that we would be best friends for life.
Emotional use showing strong intuition.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence about a job interview.
It is important to ___ a good first impression when you meet the CEO.
In English, we 'make' an impression, we don't 'do' or 'take' one.
Complete the common English saying.
You never get a second chance to make a ___ impression.
The idiom specifically uses 'first' to emphasize that the beginning is unique.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'First Impression'
Used with friends about dates or movies.
First impression? He's cool.
Standard use in most daily conversations.
What was your first impression of the city?
Used in business reports or interviews.
The candidate provided a positive first impression.
Where to use 'First Impression'
Job Interview
Dressing sharp to impress.
New Apartment
Noticing the view immediately.
Meeting In-Laws
Being polite at dinner.
Travel
Stepping off a plane in a new country.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt refers to the very first opinion or feeling you have about someone or something. For example, My first impression of the hotel was that it looked very modern.
It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or in a professional business meeting without any issues.
You can use it for both! You can have a first impression of a new car, a city, a book, or a person.
They are very similar. First impression is more about a feeling or judgment of character, while initial thought is more about a logical idea.
Yes, and we often say My first impression was wrong or Don't judge a book by its cover.
You can say, I had a very positive first impression of her.
The most common verbs are make, give, get, and have. For example, He made a bad first impression.
Yes, you can say First impressions are important, referring to the general concept of meeting people.
A lasting impression is an opinion that stays with you for a long time, often because the first meeting was so powerful.
Not quite. At first sight is usually used for love or visual beauty, while first impression is about your overall opinion of someone's personality or a situation.
Frases relacionadas
initial reaction
The very first way you respond to something.
gut feeling
An immediate intuition or instinct about a situation.
at first glance
When you look at something quickly for the first time.
snap judgment
A hurried decision or opinion made without much information.
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