2015-12-25

December 18th Notes -- Christmas Phrases and Vocabulary

[This was actually posted on December 13, 2016. Sorry about the delay.
実際に投稿したのはその送る年の 2016年 12月 13日でした。こんなに遅れてしまってごめんなさい。]

Notes from the lesson:

... don't really know ...
はっきりと解らない、実際は知らない
when A (名詞) was B (動詞の過去分詞)
A が B になった時点(とき・ところ)
We don't really know when Jesus was born.
イエスさまがいつお産まれになった日時実は知りません
druid
ドルイド(旧ヨーロッパの先住民の宗教者。樅の木を崇拝行事に取り入れたそうです。)
Hanukkah
ハヌカー(ユダヤ教の冬季節行事、クリスマスに似た行事だと思われることもあります。)
Christ Mass => Christmas
キリストのミサ(Crīstesmæsseなど)
winter solstice (mea culpa)
冬至(冬の一番短い日)
equal
等しい
spring
春、泉、バネ、飛び跳ねる
late summer - early fall
夏の下旬から秋野初旬
cloud
crowd
人込み
go along with the crowd
流行に沿う(人気に従う)
service
行事(奉仕、給仕など)
get up
起きる、立ち上がる
giddy up
馬を追い立てる語
meme
流行っている発想
applesauce
アップルソース(煮たりんごのすり潰し)
way
行く道(行き方、やり方、風習)
get in the way
邪魔になる(道に入って、その道を防ぐ)
get out of the way
退く(道を防いだものが退くように)
toss
軽く投げる
tossed salad
(トストサラダ)菜っ葉を手で切って、ネギや他の野菜と一緒に軽く和えたサラダ
ドレシングを会えるのが基本と言うこともある。
all is well
全ては良し
... is well ('s well)
するのが望ましい
swell
素晴らしい(俗語)
jingle bell rock
シャカシャカ鈴のロックミュジック
Jingle Bell Rock (lyrics might be here, video might be here)
クリスマス季節に流行ったジングルベルに因んだ歌詞あるポピュラーソング
swing
(ブランコ)ブラブラさせる、垂れて揺さぶる、振る
jingle
鈴などのシャカシャカチリンチリン音、チリンチリン鳴る
ring
(鈴や鐘が)鳴る
bell shape
鐘の形(ジングルベルが鈴のようなものです。)
snowin' => snowing
雪が降っている状態
blowin' (blowing) up fun
楽しみを吹き起こして
bushel
果物収穫用のカゴ、凡そ36リットルの量
bushels of fun => lots of fun
楽しみいっぱい
glide
滑るように進む(そりやグライダーのように)
slide
滑る(滑り台で滑り降りるように)
I'm glad I can glide.
力入れず、行きたいところへグライドできるのが嬉しい。
(発音してみて下さい。)
wind (ウィンド)
wind (ワインド)
ねじり回す、ねじり廻る
sock hop
靴下で踊るダンスパーティー
stocking
長い靴下
stocking feet
靴下のまま(の足)、靴履かず

2015-12-22

December 18th Errata -- Solstice 冬至

Sorry about this one. I should not have missed it. Astronomy is supposed to be one of my hobbies.
申し訳ございません。こんなところにミスしたはずはない。天文学だってボクの趣味の一つだったはずです。

I had a nagging feeling I was getting things backwards, but I had a spurious homonym clogging my brain:
逆にしているという違和感は確かに心にあったが、偽物の同音異義語が脳の流れを防いでいたのです。

The pronunciation of 冬至 (touji -- winter solstice) got mapped in my head to 等日 (toujitsu?), which is not a word, but looks a little like equinox (分点 -- bunten). So I said "equinox" when I should have said "solstice."
"Winter solstice" の「冬至」の発音がボクの頭の中に適当に単語ではない「等」と「日」の組み合わせにはめられ、それが「分点」の意味に思って、 "solstice" と言ってはずなのに "equinox" と言ってしまったのです。

So, lets's fix this:
直しましょう:
solstice (ソル・スティス)
至点 (shi-ten)
winter solstice
冬至 (tou-ji)
summer solstice
夏至 (ge-shi)
equinox (・クイ・ノックス)
分点 (bun-ten)
spring equinox
春分 (shun-bun)
autumn equinox
秋分 (shuu-bun)
Mea culpa -- my bad.
失礼しました。

[JMR201612131822: 

More notes.
他の解説

]

2015-12-18

November 13th Notes -- I'm Yours

We looked at the first few lines of the lyrics of Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours".
Jason Mraz氏の "I'm Yours" の最初の数行を見ました。

You can find the video and the lyrics, both English and several Japanese translations in the usual places -- youtube, Vevo, etc., azlyris, metrolyrics, etc., and various Japanese blogs. Start with Google or Yahoo, etc., to save time.
動画や歌詞をいつものところ(ユーテューブ、Vevo や、 azlyrics, metrolyrics や、個人のブロッグなど)に探せば出てくると思います。時間の節約のため、グーグルやヤフーなどから始めれば良いでしょう。

Okay, at least, until it gets deleted, here's the official video on Youtube:
まあ、ユーテューブにある公式ビデオは、削除されるまではとにかく、こちらです。

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHTsc9PU2A

I've been too busy to do my own translation of the whole lyrics. I don't think I'll have time, which is a disappointment. It has a lot of interesting imagery in a lot of fun casual English (which is why I chose it for the lesson).
申し訳ないこと、忙しくて歌詞の全体を自分で訳すまでできなかった。惜しくを思っても、先を見てその余裕がなさそうです。ごめんなさい。惜しいと言って、この歌詞は山ほどの楽しい口語を利用して面白い比喩たっぷりです。(そういうわけでレッスンに使うことにしました。)

Here are the lines we worked on in class:
クラスで取り上げた語句を以下に載せます。

Well, you done done me
俺をやつけてくれるかい?
and you bet I felt it
やっぱり心に突いたで。
I tried to be chill,
冷静に戻ろうと
but you're so hot that I melted
お前の情熱で溶けちゃった。
I fell right through the cracks
隙から抜け出しちゃった。
Now I'm trying to get back
もう、元に戻ろうと…

See you in class.

2015-12-17

PTA English October 30th 2015 notes -- Armament Vocabulary and Phrases

I've lost my notes for October. I did copy some out, so I'll post what I have.
10月の覚書をなくしました。途中までは書き写したので、在る分を投稿します。
(Posted 15 October 2016.平成28年10月15日投稿。)

From the whirlwind tour:
駆け足ツアーから〜
tower
turret
動楼(どうろう)、城壁の防御用の小塔
櫓(やぐら)
tower, turret, outpost
fort, fortress
城郭(じょうかく)
本願(ほんがん)
Primal Vow (in Japanese Pure Land Buddhism)
本山(ほんざん)
central temple complex
rebuild
立て直す
reconstruct
(ビルなどを)再現する
reconstruction
再現
pump house, pumping station
ポンプハウス、ポンプ場
well
井戸
千貫(せんがん)
one thousand gan (貫)
→ very heavy (非常に重い), very valuable (非常に高価の)
一貫(いちがん)
3.75 kilograms (weight), 1000 mon(文)
→ very heavy (非常に重い), very valuable (高価の)
千貫櫓
principal turret (maybe?)
高麗門
Korean style gate
高麗(こうらい)
Goryeo => Korea (Korai Era, about CE 918~1392)
ますがた(枡形)
killing field
虎口(こぐち)
smaller access gate
虎口(ここう)
killing field gate
大手門
main/front gate
銃眼(じゅうがん)
embrasure, firing port, gun/rifle port
ambush
待ちぶせ
格子(こうし)
grate, grating
moat
magazine
弾薬庫,火薬庫などの軍需品倉庫
armament
兵器などの戦争のための装備
battery
(一組の器具 =>)砲台など
armory
兵器庫

If I find my handwritten notes, I'll post the rest.
手書きノート見つけたら残りを投稿します。


2015-12-10

For the Next Lesson -- Christmas (What Else?)

Well, it's getting to be that time of Year again.
一年が過ぎ去って、あの季節にまた戻ってきます、ね。

So, according to the schedule, we will talk about Christmas. And sing some Christmassy songs, perhaps.
でわ、予定によればクリスマスの話になります。また、もしかしてクリスマスらしい歌もします。

I wonder if I can find some Christmassy stuff to bring.
クリスマスらしい飾りなど見つけて持ってこれるかな。

What Christmassy songs would you like to practice?
どんなクリスマスキャロルを歌いたいでしょう?




We wish you a merry Christmas.
うれしげのクリスマスになりますように。

We wish you a merry Christmas.
うれしげのクリスマスになりますように。

We wish you a merry Christmas, and a happy new year.
うれしげのクリスマスや幸せの新年になりますように望んでおります。

Good tidings we bring, to you and your kin,
皆さんとご親族へ良き知らせを携えています。

Good tidings for Christmas and a happy new year.
クリスマスと幸せの新年のための良き知らせです。

Now bring us some figgy pudding (3 times), and a cup of good cheer.
いちじくプリンをもっておいでよ、元気の一杯と共に。

We won't go until we get some (3 times), so bring some out here!
いただくまでは去りませんぞ。こちに持って来い!

wish
願う、望む
merry
嬉しい
tidings
(古語)情報、知らせ
kin
親族
figgy
無花果入りの
good cheer
元気、良き励まし(元気づけの卵酒)、エッグノッグ



I've posted notes and errata.
解釈及びご誤報訂正を投稿しています。

2015-12-07

November 13th Notes -- You bet!

paperboy/papergirl, newspaper carrier
新聞配り
step
一段、踏み台
knock
叩く
elderly
年寄り
Oh, my.
あらま
collect
集金する
You bet.
お金かけてもいいほどです。
step
踏む、一歩進む
a five
五ドル札一枚
Have a nice day.
良い一日をおすごし下さい。(別れるところの挨拶。)

[A teenage boy climbs the steps of a front porch and knocks on the door.
十代の少年が玄関前踊り場の階段を登って門を叩く。]

Knock knock.
[トントン]

[An elderly lady opens the front door.
あるおばあさんが玄関のドアを開く。]

Lady: Hello. Oh, my. Who do we have here?
[ヤイ。あらま、誰様でしょう。]

Paperboy: Hi. I'm your paperboy.
  I'd like to collect for July.
[ほ。新聞配りです。
7月分の集金に参りました。]

Lady: You bet you would.
  Just a minute while I get my purse.
[そうやね。
ちょっと待って、ね。財布取ってくるわ。]

[The lady steps back inside, then returns.
おばあさんが中へ入り、直ぐに戻ってきます。]

Lady: It's hot. You bet.
[熱いですわ。きっと。]

Paperboy: Yes, it is.
[そうですね。]

Lady: You bet. How much is it?
[そうやね。お幾らでした?]

Paperboy: Same as last month.
  Two dollars and twenty-five cents.
[先月と一緒、2ドル25セント。(2.25ドル≒225円)]

Lady: You bet.
  Do you have change for a five?
[そうやね。5ドルの釣り銭を作ってもらえない?]

Paperboy: Sure.
[できます。]

[The lady and the boy exchange money
and he gives her a receipt.
おばあさんと少年はお金を交わして、少年がリシートをも渡します。]

Paperboy: Thank you.
[ありがとう。]

Lady: You bet.
[いいよ。]

Paperboy: Here's your change, two seventy-five.
[お釣りです。2ドル75。]

Lady: You bet.
[正に。]

Paperboy: And here's your receipt.
[リシートです。]

Lady: Thank you.
[ありがたい。]

Paperboy: If you have any problems,
  my phone number is here on the receipt.
[なにかあれば、リシートに電話番号を書いています。]

Lady: Oh, you bet.
   You are such a good paperboy.
   You bet.
[そうやね。
役立つ配りやさんですね。
きっと。]

Paperboy: Thank you.
  Have a nice day.
[おきに。お大事に。]

Lady: You bet. You, too.
[もちろん。あなたも。]

(No, I really wasn't such a good paperboy.
いや、このボクはそれほど役に立つ新聞配りだったと思いません。)

2015-12-05

November 13th -- Have fun! and 行ってらっしゃい

Some of the members of the PTA class asked me for an English equivalent to 「行ってきます。」("Itte kimasu."), and「行っていらっしゃい!」("Itte-irasshai!").
PTA の英会話の何人かは「行っていらっしゃい!」および「行ってきます。」に当たる英語表現を伺っていました。 

These are easy and difficult. Difficult, I guess, because I wasn't channeling the musical movie Oliver (specifically, the song, "Be Back Soon") that day. That is, I think it was the movie, and not the play, whose soundtrack I listened to regularly when I was a kid.
簡単で難しい質問です。難しかったのは、その日、「オリバー!」というミュージカル映画の一曲、"Be Back Soon" が特に頭に浮かばなかった。(ええっと、幼い頃よく聴いていたサウンドトラックは確かに演劇ではなく、映画のほうだったと思います。)

Transliterated, they would be, "I go and come.", and "Go and come!" (or "Go and be back!").
直訳にすると、前方は "I go and come." になり、後方は "Go and come!" 若しくは "Go and be back!" となるでしょう。

"See you!" captures the spirit of both, to a large extent. And it's the both-ness that is distracting.
但し、 "See you!" は双方の意味と感覚を言い表すのです。一つに二つだから注意が逸らされるでしょう。

Someone mentioned, "I'll be back." (channelinng MacArthur's "I shall return!", I think.) for "Itte kimasu."
誰かが "I'll be back!" の表現を取り出してくれました。(マッカーサーのセリフの "I shall return!" を考えていたかも知れません。)

And now my memory isn't clear. Did I recall and mention, "Be back soon." for "Itte-irasshai."? I don't think I did. It's not in my notes for the day.
はっきりとしていませんが、授業の間に "Be back soon." という表現を言い上げたかな?思いつかなかったような気がします。その日のノートに書いていません。

Sometime last week, I was chatting with some of the students, and it occured to me that "Have a good day!" and the more vernacular "Have fun!" are also corrolaries to to "Itte-irasshai."
先週の間、学生たちとおしゃべりして、気がついたのです。 "Have a good day!" および口語の "Have fun!" も、「行っていらっしゃい!」に当たる表現です。

Anyway, here are some English phrases for the Japanese phrases:
さて、日本語から英語に〜

日本語English
行ってきます!
しばらくして戻ります。
I'll be back (shortly)!

行っていらっしゃい!
また直にお出で。
Be back soon!
行ってきます!
また(そろそろ)会いましょう。
See you (in a bit)!
行っていらっしゃい!
またね。
See you (later)!
行ってきます!
さよなら。
Goodbye.
行っていらっしゃい!
遊びにおいで。
Have fun!

The other difficult part of this is that these are not set phrases, and not set pairings. You can mix and match, to a large extent.
もう一つ難しく思われるところは、使い方の決まりがないのです。組み合わせさえも決まっていません。選り取りに使ってもとくに問題になりません。

But, no, it's easy, because you really don't need to think about it that hard.
イヤ、難しく考えないで、先ずは使ってみましょう。


2015-11-27

November 13th Notes -- Vocabulary and Phrases

technical difficulties
テレビ放送などの技術的問題
口語
colloquial language, informal language, casual language
want to 〇〇 => wanna 〇〇
〇〇がやりたい
slang
俗語
chill
肌寒さ、冷ます、落ち着く
do did done
する・やる した・やった・済ませた(過去形と過去分詞)
Are you done, yet?
もう、済ませたか?
 (まだ済ませていませんか?)
You have done something good.
あなたは良い物事を仕上げています。
Are you done with your homework, yet?
宿題はもう、終わられました?
 (まだできていませんか?)
You done made me a good dinner.
(You have made me a delicious dinner.)
美味しい食事を作っていただいています。
It is/was a wonderful dinner, love.
love => きみ・あなた、wonderful => 戸惑うほど素晴らしい。
ね、ご飯が美味しかったよ。
You have done me good.
(良いことをしていただいています。)
おかげ様で{気分や健康などが}よくなりました。
You have done me bad.
(悪いことをしていただいています。)
お前の所為{気分や精神などなどが}悪くなりました。
You have done me wrong.
(損するようなことをしていただいています。)
お前にひどいことをやられています。
You done done me good/bad/wrong.
以上と同じ。但し、「なりました」→「なった」など。
You done done me.
心貫くほどのことしてくれている。
もしくは、お前に酷くやられている。
(良いことかもしらないし、悪いことかも知らない。)
You bet! (==> You can bet on it!) ==> sure
(お金かけてもいいほど確実です。→)きっと
I bet you're tired. (I'll bet ... .)
(きっと)疲れているでしょう。
You bet I felt it!
心に染みるに決まっている。
(verbal) cue
(言葉上の)合図
bon appétit
(食力よく→)いただきます。
Let's eat!
(食べましょう。→)いただきます。
Let's start.
(始めましょう。→)宜しくおねがいします。
I'm home/back/here.
(帰ってきています。→)ただいま!
Welcome home/back.
(ようこそ戻りました。→)おかえりなさい。
I'm happy/glad to see you again.
(またお目にかかり、嬉しくおもいます。→)ご無沙汰しています。(など)
I'm glad you're back.
(戻ってくれて、嬉しいです。→)おかえりなさい。
I'll be [right] back.
(直ちに)戻ります。→行ってきます。
(I'll be) Back in a minute/flash.
{一分に・瞬間に}戻ってきます。→行ってきます。
flash -- flesh -- fresh (pronunciation)
ピカっとする瞬間 -- (肌を含めて)肉 -- 新鮮
フlレァッシュ -- フlレッシュ -- フrレッシュ (発音チェック)
I'll see you tonight.
また晩に合いましょう。(行ってきます・行っていらっしゃい。)
I'll see you in an hour.
また一時間後合流ましょう。
(行ってきます。←→行っていらっしゃい。)
ya ==> you
あなた・きみ・おまえ
in a little while
in a bit
しばらくして
See you (later). ==> See ya in a bit.
また(合いましょう)ね。
Take care of yourself. / Take care!
(ご自分を)お気をつけて下さい。お大事に。
(場合によって)気をつけて行っていらっしゃい。
casual/formal language
口語文語
Goodbye. <== God be with ye. (標準の解釈)
さよなら。
Goodbye. <=/= Good be you. (別の解釈) Be good.
(良い子にしてお出でなさい。)さよなら。

2015-11-09

For the Next Lesson -- Colloquialisms and Casual Expressions

I have to apologize for being slow with getting the Castle stuff ready.
お城の話はまだまだできていません。お詫びします。

The next lesson will be casual English and colloquialisms.
次のレッスンは口語や砕けた表現になります。

I will bring some phrases and such to practice, but I would rather you each bring words and phrases you have heard that you had trouble understanding, or thought odd.
何らかの練習できる表現などを持って来ますが、皆さんが聞いていて、よくわからなかったか、不思議に思った表現などを持ってきていただけるとありがたく思います。

An example --
一つの例、

What would you do if a big, tall Texan-looking guy got on an elevator with you and said, "Weh-ero! Ow-ah-ye?"
もしエレベーターに乗ったとすると、がっしりしたテキサスぽい男が一緒に乗って、「ウエエロ!アオアーヤ?」と言うと、どうしますか?

Would you say something like, "Mjess-fahn, ow-ah-yu?"
「ジェスファン、アオアユ」と返事しますか?

("Well, hello! How are you? -- I'm just fine, how are you?)

Another example --
そして、

I often ask my students, "Howzzit goin'?" How would you answer?
僕は学生達によく「ハオゼットゴアん」と聞きます。どう答えればいいでしょう?

Does "Goin' grey!" sound close?
「ゴイングレー」ではどですか?行けそうですか?

(How is it going? -- It's going great!)

2015-10-30

Practice -- Looking at the Castle on the Map

Sherry: I have a map of the castle.

Jun: Let's see it. They say it covers about a full square kilometer of land.


Tom: Wow. Those moats look as wide as the river.
[moat: 濠(ほり)]

Michiko: Leave your fishing pole at home, Tom.

Jun: Oh, c'mon. I'm sure no one would mind too much.

Sherry: Well, I'm not coming to bail you two out of jail.
[bail: 保釈金、 bail out: 救い出す]

Tom: Is this the main tower? I think I read that there are seven turrets.
[turret: 小塔・砲塔]

Jun:  There are at least five. Do we want to visit the museum?

Michiko: I don't think we have time.

Sherry: Let's make the time.

Jun: The website says there is an entrance fee.
[fee: 費用]

Tom: Let's take enough money for the fee, and if there is enough time after we tour the castle we'll check out the museum.

Jun: Are we all agreed?

Sherry: Sure.

Michiko: I guess that will work.

[Added 18 October 2016:

(Next 続き)

]

2015-10-29

For the Next Lesson -- The Castle

This one has been a kind of hard lesson to prepare for.
今回のレッスンは準備がちょっと難しかった。

I should have mentioned this much earlier, but I kind of hoped everyone would understand by telepathy and osmosis.
もっと早い内に伝えておいても良かったのに言っていないのですが、皆様が一心伝心でわかるかなという甘い思いに老けていたのです。申し訳ありません。

Anyway, there is a lot of English language material on the web for Osaka castle.
というのは、ウエブ上、大阪城の英語資料は充分あります。

For example:
例えば
Well, yeah, that's too much English at one bite, without a lot of help. I've been trying to work up a conversation example, but it's been hard to break time out and hard to focus. (Excuses, excuses. Sorry about that.)
まあ、ね。英語の量が一片に案内なしにして多すぎるでしょう。適切な対話例を練っているつもりですが、時間の割り振りや集中力、努力が足りなかった。言い訳ばかりして、お詫びします。

Please remember to come early if you can.
お早めにお出で下さい。

[Finally got time to post some of my notes:
やっと、ノートのいくらかを投稿できました。

And I must not have had time to link this practice from last year:
それに、練習用の投稿のリンクをここに貼るのを忘れたようです。
Also, we're doing it again in 2016.
そして、2016年にも、またツーアをします


Added 18 October 2016.]

2015-10-14

The Woman of the Snow -- a Japanese Folk Tale

[This my retelling of the Japanese traditional folk story,

雪女 (Yuki Onna)

or "Snow Woman", or "Woman of the Snow". It's a bit of a ghost story. 

My version picks and chooses from some of the many extant versions.]

Narrator: Two woodcutters were caught in a snowstorm.

Minokichi: Where is the ferryman?

Mosaku: We should take shelter in his hut.

Narrator: It was a very cold night, but the two men went to sleep.

Mosaku: Zzzzzz. Cough. Zzzzz.

Minokichi: Zzzzzz. Cough. Zzzzz.

Narrator: Minokichi woke up.

Minokichi: Zzzzzz. Cough. Mmm?

Narrator: Mosaku did not wake up. 

Mosaku: Zzzzzz. Cough. Zzzzz.

Narrator: A strange and beautiful woman was bending over Mosaku.

Mosaku: Zzzz  zz   z     z.

Narrator: Then the woman bent over Minokichi.

Snow Woman: You are young. I like you. I will not take you now.

Narrator: Minokichi was afraid.

Snow Woman: If you ever tell anyone, I will kill you.

Narrator: The woman left.

Minokichi: Mosaku?

Narrator: Mosaku did not answer.

Minokichi: Mosaku is dead!

Narrator: Minokichi made it home, but he was very sick for a long time.

Minokichi: Cough cough!

Narrator: A year passed. Minokichi was working again.

Minokichi: I’m lonely!

Narrator: He met a beautiful young woman on his way home.

O-Yuki: My name is O-Yuki.

Minokichi: My name is Minokichi.

O-Yuki: I’m going to Yedo to find work.

Minokichi: You can rest at my house for a while.

Narrator: O-Yuki and Minokichi got married.

Villagers: Congratulations!

Narrator: One night, O-Yuki was sewing.

Minokichi: O-Yuki, we have lots of children.

O-Yuki: Of course.

Minokichi: They are beautiful, just like you.

O-Yuki: Thank you. I think they are beautiful, too.

Minokichi: You know, it’s strange.

O-Yuki: What’s strange?

Minokichi: I’ve only seen one woman as beautiful as you.

O-Yuki: Oh? Who was that?

Minokichi: I don’t know if it was a dream or real.

O-Yuki: Sometimes reality seems like a dream.

Minokichi: Sometimes you remind me of her.

O-Yuki: Is that good or bad?

Narrator: And Minokichi told his wife about the night Mosaku died.

Minokichi: Do you think it was a dream? Did I see the Snow Woman?

O-Yuki: It was not a dream. But I told you never to tell anyone.

Minokichi: Was it you?

O-Yuki: Yes. I told you I would kill you. But I can’t kill the father of our children.

Minokichi: That’s a relief.

O-Yuki: But we can’t be together any more.

Minokichi: What? Why?

O-Yuki: Take very good care of our children. Good-bye.

Minokichi: No! Don’t go!

Narrator: But O-Yuki was never seen again.
    And Minokichi always took very good care of their children.



2015-09-29

September 18th Notes -- Vocabulary and Phrases from the Class

well
良く
come -- came -- come
来る・来た(過去形)・来た(過去分詞〜形容詞の役)
welcome(舌の端が口の上にくっつく発音)
よく来られました → ようこそいらっしゃいました → いらっしゃいませ
we're come => we are come(舌が丸く、端が口の上に触れない発音)
只今
fashionable
お流行りの、当世風
fashionable clothes
流行の(先端の)服(服装)
something fashionable
流行りそうなもの(衣類)
in (clothes)
体が服(の中に)はめられているという感じ、かな?
something I can work in
作業できる服
something I can play in
遊べる服
something I can swim in
泳げる服
once loved -- twice loved
愛用された→中古
used jacket
中古のジャケット
out of fashion
ファッション外れの、流行が終わった
falling apart
(部分に)バラバラに崩れ落ちていく→壊れかけ
dozen
数量の単位で、12個入の一組み
two dozen eggs
玉子24個
gross
大量→総体や大雑把→繊細ではない
gross
好ましくない、鈍感、悪趣味、気持ち悪いなど
Let me help you.
手伝わせていただきましょう。
Let me help you up the stairs.
階段のところ、手伝ってあげましょう。
It's a back-to-school sale.
特に夏休み最後の、学校戻りの大売出し
I need a skirt more than pants.
ズボンよりもスカートのほうが必要です。
two pair of pants
ズボン二着
足2本が 「one pair」。
従って、「pants」や「shorts」などは単数形にはならない。
「shirt」はなぜか違う。
「pair」の複数は「pair」でも「pairs」でもある。
It looks good on you.
あなたに着せて好さそう。→お似合いです。
these
これら、これらの
those
それら、それらの
「ui」の発音: (suit, fruit)
ウー(スーットッ、フルーットッ)
suit
似合う、適する、一そろいの服
That suit doesn't suit you. (suit => look good on)
そのスーツは似合いません。
terrible -- terror -- torrid
過酷な・怖さの恐怖・激しい
horrible horror horrid
恐ろしい・嫌さの恐怖・酷く不快な
not very expensive
あまり高価ではない
afford
経済的に間に合う
affordable
手頃な
How much can you afford (to pay)?
どれぐらいの値段は経済的に払えますか?
How much can you pay?
どれぐらいの値段が払えますか?
try it out
やってみる、試着する
I don't want to say this, but, ...
言いたくないが、…。(言ったら悪いけど)
modest
控えめ、質素な、地味な
I want to use my (credit) card.
クレジットで払いたいのです。
Let me put those in a bag for you.
袋に入れましょうか?
Let me wrap that up for you.
(紙に包んで)荷造りしてあげて良いですか?

2015-09-11

September Practice -- Simple Shopping Phrases

Some simple shopping phrases:
簡単な買い物表現:

Can I do something for you? => How can I help you?
何をいたしましょう?→御用は何でしょう?

I'm looking for a clothes. [Woops!]
I'm looking for clothes.
服を探しています。

I'm going to buy a new suit
新しいスーツを買うつもりです。

My suits are old.
(今持っている)スーツが古い。

I'm looking for quality.
品質(の良い物)を探しています。

My socks have holes in them.
靴下には穴が開いています。

Let's help you find some clothes.
服を探すのを手伝いましょう。

This shirt is cheap.
このシャーツは安い。

It's an end of summer sale.
夏終わりのセールスです。

You need a dress shirt more than you need a Hawaiian shirt.
あなたはハワイアンシャーツよりはドレスシャーツが必要でしょう。

This suit is cool!
このスーツは格好良い!

How much is it?
お幾らですか?

That is rather expensive.
やや高い額ですね。

We only price it after we customize it.
あつらえ注文が決めてから値段を付けることになります。

That's going to be out of my league.
俺の(財布)範囲外です。

What is your price range?
値段の範囲と言えば、どんな範囲にしますか?

I was hoping for something less than two hundred dollars.
200ドル以下の希望です。

You can do the conversions in your head!
(紙なくて)頭の中で変換の計算ができますね。

I'll look as high as five hundred dollars.
500ドルまでは見れます。(可能と考えています。)

On second thought, ...
考えなおせば…

Try it on.
試着して下さい。

Let me show you to the dressing rooms.
試着室をご案内します。

How's it look?
(外見は)いかがですか。(どう思いますか?)

I hate to say this, but ...
言うのは悪いのですが、…

It's not really you.
あなたに合いません。

sale(s) tag
セールスの札

Manager's special
マネージャーの指定特別価格

Do you have something in a more conservative cut?
もっと地味なスタイルに何かありますか?

I want to look at some other stores.
他の店で見てみたい。

in case 〇〇
〇〇の場合

I've made up my mind.
決めました。

I'd like the brown suit.
茶色のスーツにします。

fitting
服の修正

Do you have some black socks in cotton?
綿の靴下はありますか?

cotton-wool blend
綿と羊毛混合

Looks good.
良さそう。

Do you have them in thirty-three centimeters?
33センチのサイズにありますか?

The total, with tax, is 55,673 yen.
税入り総計は 55,673 円です。

Will that be cash or charge?
クレジットカードを使いますか、現金にしますか?

Cash, please.
(よろしければ)現金にします。

Let me get these bagged up for you.
バッグに入れさせて頂きます。

Here's your change.
お釣りです。

It's been a pleasure to serve you today.
お役に立つことができてうれしく思います。(お気に。)

[These phrases are used here.
この表現の応用例はこちらにあります。]

2015-09-10

September Practice -- Shopping

[I'm sorry this wasn't up Wednesday.
水曜日の間に投稿できませんでした。申し訳ありません。
I also apologize that I can't put Japanese translations in just yet.
その上、日本語に訳するのも直ぐに出来ないことをお詫びします。]
[2015.09.12:
Key phrases, with translations are now here.
基本表現と訳をこちらに置きました。]

Michiko: So, can we do something for you folks?

Andy: Uhmm, we're sort of looking for clothes.

Michiko: Sort of, but not really?

Anne: No. We are definitely looking for clothes.
  We're going to buy my husband a new suit today, if at all possible.

Tom: Okay, we'll really try to help.

Amy: Dad's suits are pathetic.

Alex: They're older than I am.

Tom: Classics?

Andy: You said they were at the height of fashion when we bought them!

Anne: That was twenty years ago.

Amy: I don't think Dad has bought a new shirt in three years.

Michiko: So, he's looking for quality.

Alex: Dad bought his newest pair of dress slacks when I was in junior high.

Andy: Take it easy, there! My tie is pretty recent.

Amy: I gave it to him for Christmas a year ago.

Andy: My socks are not all that old.

Alex: I gave them to you for your birthday two years ago.

Anne: They have holes in them.

Amy: That does not make them holy, Dad.

Andy: I can't get a break.

Tom: Well, let's see if we can help you get a break and find some clothes.

Andy: Hey, this shirt's cheap!

Michiko: It's an end of summer sale.

Anne: You need a dress shirt more than you need a Hawaiian shirt.

Amy: This suit is cool! How much is it?

Tom: That is rather expensive.
  We only price it after we customize it.

Andy: That's going to be out of my league.

Anne: Maybe you should have a really good suit sometime.

Andy: I'm guessing it's going to be a price that will require us to cash in a CD.

Tom: It will price in at
  something over a hundred fifty thousand [150,000] yen, Ma'am.

Alex: Fifteen hundred [1,500] dollars! Wow! Cool!

Anne: I guess we don't have to be that cool.

Michiko: So, what is your price range?

Anne: Uhm, well, I was hoping for something less than two hundred dollars [200].

Amy: That's twenty thousand [20,000] yen.

Michiko: You can do the conversions in your head! That's great.

Andy: Looking at these suits, Honey,
  I think we have to look as high as five hundred [500].

Anne: Ouch. Okay. You need the suit.

Andy: May I try this on?

Amy: That suit is so gross, Dad!

Alex: I think it's cool!

Andy: On second thought, ...

Anne: Amy, shush. It's okay, Sweetheart. Try it on.

Tom: Let me show you to the dressing rooms.

[...]

Andy: Okay, how's it look?

Anne: I hate to say this, but I think Amy's reaction is not off-base.

Alex: Maybe she's right. It's not really you, Dad.

Tom: How about this suit?
  It's on sale today for thirty-five thousand [35,000] yen.

Andy: I don't see a sale tag.

Michiko: Manager's special.

Andy: Okay, let's look at it.

[...]

Amy: I like it.

Anne: I don't think so.

Andy: Yeah, I guess not.

Anne: Do you have something in a more conservative cut?

Michiko: Well, we do have some nice year-round suits over here.
  All-wool, conservative fashion.

Tom: And we can give you a manager's special on one of those, I think.

Michiko: Tom and I are the managers you see.

Tom: Do you see one you like?

Alex: How about this one, Dad?

Andy: Ah, no. Let's look at this one.

[...]

Michiko: So, you want to look at some other stores?

Anne: I guess so.

Tom: Here's my card. Michiko's is the reverse.
  We'll leave a note about the price in case neither of us is here.

Andy: Thank you.

[...]

Anne: I'm exhausted. Hi.

Michiko: Oh, hello again. Have you made up your minds?

Andy: Yeah. I'd like the brown suit.

Michiko: Okay. Could you try it on again for fitting?

Anne: Do you have some place I can sit down?

Michiko: Right here, Ma'am.

[...]

Michiko: Okay, the suit is forty-seven thousand [47,000] yen.
  We'll give you a ten percent discount on the extra dress shirt.
  Do you need socks to go with this, then?

Andy: I think I need dress socks, as well.
  Do you have some standard black socks in cotton?

Michiko: These are a cotton-wool blend.
  What do you think?

Andy: Looks good. Do you have them in thirty-three centimeters [33 cm.]?

[...]

Michiko: Okay, the total, with tax, is
  fifty-five thousand six hundred seventy three [55,673] yen.
  Will that be cash or charge?

Anne: Cash, please.

Andy: We don't like to use the [credit] card when we can avoid it.

Michiko: Thank you.

Tom: Oh! Hi, again. Sorry I've been out to get lunch.
  It looks like Michiko is taking care of you?

Anne: Oh, yes.

Tom: Let me get these bagged up for you.

Michiko: Here's your change,
  four thousand three hundred twenty-seven [4,327] yen.

Anne: Thank you.

Tom: It's been a pleasure to serve you today.

[...]

2015-09-08

Topic for the September Class -- Shopping

Do you like to shop?
買い物するのが好きですか?

I don't particularly like to shop.
ボクは特に好きなわけではありません。

But shopping is a necessary part of modern life.
しかし、買い物することは人生の不可欠な一部で得す。

So, we will practice some Englsh for shopping.
したがって、買い物の英語を練習しましょう。

I must apologize, but the practice materials won't be ready until sometime Wednesday.
申し訳ないことですが、練習の資料はまだ出来ません。水曜日の内にできると思います。
[Okay, it took until Friday morning. Sorry about that.
まあ、金曜日の朝までかかったものです。すみません。]

2015-08-14

July 10th Notes -- Vocabulary and Phrases from the Class

where
どこ(何処)
do
する、行う(語順の早い場合は質問や強調の意味)
you
あなた(相手)
want
欲する、欲しがる、不足している
want to <動詞>
<動詞>たがる(やりたい)
want to go
行きたい
Where do you want to go?
どこに行きたいですか?
I want to go to <ところ>.
<ところ>に行きたいです。
like
好む、好く(好きである)
like to <動詞>
<動詞>(する)ことが好き
will
意志(する)、志、志す
would
"will"の過去形、意志を持ったような意味
would like to <動詞>
"want to <動詞>"のまあまあ丁寧な言い方
Where would you like to go?
どちらへと考えられていますか?(~行かれますか?)
I would like to go to <ところ>.
<ところ>へ行くことをお希望します。(~行かせていただきます。)
how
どれほど、どう(如何)
about <人やものなど>
<人やものなど>について
How about you?
あなたは? あなたならどうですか?(どうしますか?)
what
What do you want to do?
どうしますか?(何をしたいですか?)
What do you want to do there?
あそこでどうしますか?
What would you like to do?
どうされますか?(何をするように考えられていますか?)
What would you like to do there?
そちらでどうされますか?
上記4文それぞれに、"do" の替わりに
"see" や "eat" などを置き換えることも加能です。
see
見る
eat
食べる
What would you like to see there?
そちらで何を見られますか?
What would you like to eat there?
そちらで何を食べられますか?
I would like to do <事> (there).
(そちらで)<事>をやりたい。
I would like to see <物> (there).
(そちらで)<物>を見たい。
I would like to eat <物> (there).
(そちらで)<物>を食べたい。
coffin
棺(遺体を納める容器)
sarcophagus
石棺
I want to see an Egyptian sarcophagus.
エジプトの石棺を見たいと思います。
mummy
ミイラ
また、特にイギリスの方言では、 "mommy" と同じ
mommy
お母ちゃん
I'd like to visit my mommy. -- "Oi'd loik tuh vis't me mummy".
母ちゃんと会いたい。(ちょっとのダジャレにもなれます。)
touch
触る、触れる
get in touch with <人>
<人>と連絡をとる
nature
物や人の性質、大自然
I want to touch nature.
大自然を触りたい。(少し気取った表現で、あまり使いません。)
I want to feel nature.
大自然を触りたい。(少し気取った気分で使えます。)
I want to experience nature.
大自然を経験したい。(少し気取った気分で使えます。)
I would like to get in touch with nature.
大自然に触れようと考えています。
I would like to get in touch with myself.
自分についての理解を深めたいと思っています。
I want to immerse myself in nature.
大自然に没頭したい。
lug
引きずって運ぶ、引っ張る
luggage
荷物(重たい感じがする言葉です。)
I do not want to lug all of my bags all over Europe!
荷物を全部引きずってヨーロッパのあちこちを走り回りたくない!
anyone
誰でも(何れの人)
else
他に
anyone else
他の誰か(他に誰も)
Are you travelling with anyone else?
他にご一緒になっている方がいますか?
stay
泊まる、滞在する、とどまる
Where are you staying?
どこにお泊まりですか?
I am staying at <場所>.
<場所>に泊まっています。(旅館、ホテル、街など)
Who are you staying with?
("With whom are you staying?" はちょっと堅い表現です。)
誰の家にお泊まりですか?(誰と一緒にお泊まりですか?)
I am staying with <人>.
<人>に泊まらせていただいています。(<人>と一緒に泊まっています。)
Line! (It's a line.)
線!行列です。
Over there!
あそこ(です)!
The line starts over there.
(行列は)あちらから並べます。 ("start"にしても、並べるところは行列の末尾です。)
Make a queue. (Form a queue.)
行列にしてください。
End of the queue, please.
(Go to the end of the queue, please.)
(行列の最後に)並べてください。
geek
「サーカスの見せ物師」から、
奇人、変人、オタク、ギーク。また、熱中者など
I am such a geek.
俺がとんでもないやつだ。(とんだギークです。)
I am a grammar geek.
私は文法に熱中しています。
declare
宣言する、申し述べる、断言する、言明する
I do declare.
驚いたわ。驚くに。言明です。だとも。
Not really.
(本当は)そうでもない。
「冗談です。」と言う意味にも使えます。

2015-07-03

July Practice -- Going through Customs

[For July's class. 7月のため]

Andy: Here's customs.
  Does everyone have their passports?
[通関です。皆、旅券を持っていますか?]

Anne: Sweetheart, that line is for citizens and permanent residents.
[あなた、そちらは国民と永住権専用です。]

Alex: We have to go to the next line, Dad.
[その次だよ、父ちゃん。]

Amy: Hey, there's no waiting down here!
  I'm first!
[この行は待たなくていいよ。
あたし、先に行くは。]

[Customs Officer => 税関吏]

Officer: Hello, Miss First. May I see your passport?
[お先様、こんにちは。旅券を拝見させて下さい。]

Amy: It's here somewhere.
  Oh, here it is, in my hand.
[どこかにあるはずです。
あっ、手に持っていました。]

Officer: There it is. Thank you.
  How do you pronounce your name?
[ありましたね。よろし。
お名前の発音を教えて下さい。]

Amy: It's Amy Abigail Adams.
[エイミー・アビゲール・アダムズです。]

Officer: That's a triple A name.
[Aを三つ並んだお名前ですね。
("triple A" は「最上級」の意味もあります)]

Amy: My dad gave it to me.
  He likes alliteration.
[お父さんにもらったは。
頭韻法の好みです。]

Officer: It's a nice name.
  Is this your dad, behind you?
[良い名前ですね。
後ろに並んでいるのはお父さんですか?]

Amy: Thank you.
  Yes, behind my brother, anyway.
[ありがとう。
はい。つまり、お兄さんの後ろです。]

Officer: So you are traveling as a family?
[家族で旅行していますね。]

Andy: That's right.
[そうです。]

Officer: Thank you, Amy's dad.
  Is that right, Amy?
[よろし、エイミーのお父さん。
エイミーはどうですか?]

Amy: One at a time, dad.
  Yes. That's right, Ma'am.
[一人ずつだよ、おとうさん。
はい。そうです。
("Ma'am" は女性に対しての経緯を表す呼びかけの語彙です。)]

Officer: How many are traveling together?
[ご一緒は何人ですか?]

Andy: Four.
[四人。]

Amy: My mom and dad and brother and me.
[お母さんとお父さんとお兄さんとあたしです。]

Officer: Thank you.
  What is the purpose of your visit?
[よろし。
旅行の目的はなんですか?]

Amy: We're going to eat some real Thai food.
[本物のタイ料理を食べるつもりです。]

Officer: It sounds like you are looking forward to that.
[お楽しみでしょう。]

Amy: Yeah.
[はい。]

Officer: I think you'll enjoy it.
[きっと、良い思い出ができると思います。]

Amy: Oh, Dad and Mom have some business,
  but Alex and I are just sightseeing.
[あっ、お父さんとお母さんは何らかの仕事もありますが、
アレックスと私はただ観光だけです。]

Officer: Thank you.
  I'll have to ask you each, however.
  Do you have a place to stay?
[わかりました。
でも、一人ずつに聞きます。
泊まるところはもう、決まっていますか?]

Amy: Yes, we have hotel reservations for every day.
[はい。毎日はホテル予約済です。]

Officer: I see.
  How long will you be staying?
[わかりました。何日ほど滞在する予定ですか?]

Amy: Five days.
[五日間です。]

Officer: That will give you plenty of time to enjoy the food.
  And do you have your return ticket?
[それなら、タイ料理を存分に楽しめるでしょう。
帰国の乗車券はもう既にお持ちですか?]

Amy: Yes.
[はい。]

Officer: Good.
  Anything to declare in your luggage?
[よろし。
お荷物に申告しないといけないものありますか。]

Amy: You know, I've never really understood what that means.
[ね、その意味はよく理解できません。]

Officer: Oh, dear.
  It means, did you forget anything on your customs form?
[よろしくない。
「税関申告書の書き忘れがございませんか?」という意味です。]

Amy: You mean the stuff in that list.
[説明書の項目ですね。]

Officer: Exactly.
  Illegal items, controlled items, items of high value, etc.
[ちょどそういうものです。
違法物、規制物品、高額品物などの意味です。]

Amy: No.
[いいえ。]

Officer: It also means,
  if you are hiding something,
  now is your last chance to change your mind.
  Are you hiding anything?
[それに、
「もし何らかの物を隠していらっしゃる場合、
隠すのを取りやめる最後の段階です。」という意味です。
何らかの物を隠していませんでしょう?]

Amy: No.
  I'd make a joke about hiding my underwear,
  but Dad says no jokes.
[ありませんね。
下着を隠している、と冗談しようと思うけど、
お父さんは冗談がダメと言っています。]

Officer: Smart Dad.
  But I will now have to ask,
  is there anything illegal about your underwear?
[賢いお父さんです。
ただ、これで聞かないといけないものができましたね。
ご下着について、何らかの違法的なのがございますでしょうか。]

Alex: See, Amy, they can't treat anything lightly.
[見て見、エイミー。軽い気持ちで通関するのはダメだよ。]

Amy: How embarrassing.
  No, there's nothing illegal about it.
[イヤだ!
いいえ。下着には何も違法的なのがありません。]

Officer: Okay.
  May I ask you to open your bags
  so I can inspect them?
[了解。
では、お荷物を開けて、
拝見させて下さい。]

Amy: Okay.
[はい。]

Officer: Hmm.
[えぇっと]

Amy: Is everything okay?
[何もない、でしょう?]


Officer: Everything appears to be in order.
  Go ahead and close your bags.
  You may proceed.
 [規則通りになっているようです。
どうぞ、しまってください。
先へ進んでもよろしい。]

Amy: Thank you.
[わかりました。]

Officer: Now, let's talk with your brother.
[さて、お兄様と話しましょう]

Alex: Hi. Here's my passport.
[こんにちは。旅券でございます。]

Officer: May I ask you how to pronounce your name?
[お名前を発音して下さい。]

Alex: Alexander Alfred Adams.
[アレキザンだー・アルフレッド・アダムズです。]





Officer: Nice alliteration.
  And you are traveling with your family?
[きれいな頭韻法ですね。
ご家族と一緒ですね。]

Alex: Yes.
[そうです。]

Officer: Anyone else that you are traveling with?
[ご一緒になっている方は他にいますか?]

Alex: No.
[いません。]

Officer: Just four?
[つまり四人だけですね。]

Alex: Yes, that's correct.
[はい、そうです。]

Officer: The purpose of your visit?
[入国の目的はなんですか?]

Alex: Sightseeing.
[観光です。]

Officer: Do you have a place to stay?
[泊まるところはもう、決まっていますか?]

Alex: Yes.
[決まっています。]

Officer: How long will you be staying?
[滞在する期間はどれほどですか?]

Alex: Five days.
[五日間です。]

Officer: Do you have your return ticket?
[帰国の乗車券は既に取っておいていますか?]

Alex: Right here.
[ここにあります。]

Officer: Anything to declare?
[申告するものはありませんか?]

Alex: Nothing.
[何もありません。]

Officer: May I ask you to open your luggage for inspection?
[御荷物を開けて拝見させていただけますか?]

Alex: Sure. There it is.
[はい、どうぞ。]

Officer: Hmmm. Okay. You may close it.
[はい。よろしい。閉めていただいても良いです。]

Alex: Thank you.
[ありがとうございました。]

Officer: And thank you.
  So, next, ...
[こちらこそ、ありがとうございました。
では、つぎは?]

Anne: Can I go first?
[先にしていいですか?]

Officer: Sure.
[どうぞ。]

...




Topic for the July Class -- Traveling

[A PTA English Conversation Class -- PTA 英会話のクラス]

The topic for the July class will be traveling.
7月のクラスの課題はお旅行です。

Traveling is a very large topic.
旅行というものはトピックとして結構広いですね。

Maybe we could talk about things like going through customs and making hotel reservations.
多分、通関やホテルの予約など話しましょう。

For reference, we talked about traveling last year:
参考になるかどうかわかりませんが、去年も旅行について話しました。

Hope to see you all there!
皆様に会うのを楽しみにしています。

2015-06-30

Getting Seated at a Restaurant (Inspired by the June PTA Class)


[The Adams and Tanaka families are getting together at an unusual new restaurant. 
アダムズ家と田中家がちょっと珍しいような始業ばかりの食堂で合う予定になっています。
The Tanaka family arrives first.
田中家が先着です。
See the reservations conversation.
予約の会話例をもご参考できます。]

Jo: Welcome to Jo's French Barbeque.
  Do you have a reservation?

Jun: Yeah, I think so.
  My friend made the reservations.

Jo: What names would the reservations be under?

Jun: Probably under Andy Adams.

Barbara: We're the Jun Tanaka family.

Jo: June?

Jun:  She's Barbara, I'm Jun.
  It's spelled without an "e" at the end.

George: Dad, do you always have to say that?

Regina: Sometimes people aren't familiar with Latinized Japanese.
[Latinized Japanese => ローマ字]

George: I know, but it gets old.
[It gets old. => この話はもうたくさん!(飽きた)]

Jo: This is the first time I've heard of it.

George: Well, ...

Jo: Your reservation is for seven thirty.

Jun: Yeah, we are a little early, ...
 
Jo: That's okay.
  Your tables are not yet available, but should be soon.
  Would you care to wait here in the lobby?
[not yet available => まだ空いていません]

Barbara: That'll be fine.

Jo: While you're waiting, would you like to check out the menus?

Jun: Will we need to check them back in?
[check in => 図書館などへの返却]

George: DAD!

Jo: Your dad likes to make jokes.

George: Bad jokes. I'm always so embarrassed.

Jo: No need to be.
  It was an interesting pun.
  So, here are the menus for your perusal.
[pun => ダジャレ]

Barbara: Thank you.
  We shall definitely peruse them carefully.
[peruse => 熟読する、読み通す、細かく調べる]

George: MOM! Not you, too!

Regina: Oh, look at the ice cream, George!

George: Hey, that pineapple frappe looks great!

Barbara: Give me that dessert menu, George!
  You aren't allowed to look at that until after the main course.

George: Aw, Mom.

Jo: One table is ready.
  Would you like to be seated now?
  Or would you prefer to wait for the rest of your party?

Jun: I think we'd better get seated, thank you.

Jo: Right this way, please.


2015-06-28

June 15th Notes -- Vocabulary and Phrases from the class

[From the June class -- 6月のクラスから]

Chinese (of China)
中華の・中国の・中華風・中国風
Chinese food/cooking/cuisine
中華料理
Cantonese (of Canton)
広東風・広東州の
Cantonese cuisine (etc.)
広東風料理
Cantonese (language)
広東方言の中国語
Mandarin (Chinese bureaucrat)
マンダリン中国の官僚・官吏、(中国の)官話<br/>
(一昔は、「満州の」という解説もあった)
Mandarin orange
マンダリンオレンジ〜ウンシュウミカンに近いみかんの種類
Mandarin duck
(鳥綱カモ目カモ科オシドリ属の)オシドリ
お料理に使わないようです。
Mandarin (language)
中国の公用語・北京官話
Mandarin cuisine
northern Chinese cuisine と一緒、かな?
spring roll
春巻き
egg roll
春巻きに似たお料理 (生地がもっと濃い小麦粉でできているようです。)
dumpling (filled and unfilled)
団子 (具いりも、具無しも)
Italian (of Italy)
イタリアの・イタリア風
gnocchi (Italian dumpling?)
ニョッキ (イタリア風団子?)
jiaozi -- gyoza (Chinese filled dumpling)
餃子
Mexican (of Mexico)
メキシコの・メキシ風 (料理など)
tortilla (corn tortilla, wheat flour tortilla)
トルティーヤ 南米風の薄焼きパン(トウモロコシも、麦も)
burrito
ブリート (南米風の egg roll らしいお料理。
豆入りが多い。トルティーヤに包まれる。)
taco
タコス (トルティーヤに載せたサラダ・豆・肉・ソースのお料理)
tortilla chips
トルティーヤチップス トウモロコシのくさび型焼きトルティーヤ。
tamale
トウモロコシの蒸しパンらしいお料理。具入りが多い。
Indian (of India)
インドの・インド風
dal (split lentils, peas, or beans; split bean stew)
ダール 割った豆とその豆でできた濃い目のスープ
(レンズ豆、ピー豆なども含めて)
whatever
なんでも
set the table
テーブルの支度をする
set the food on the table
食事をテーブルに載せる
set the table up
テーブルの用意をする
some such thing
そのようなの
some of the dishes
お皿の一部、お料理の一部
I'd like it to be cooked without sugar.
お砂糖なしでお料理していただきたい。
I guess so.
そうでしょう。そう思います。そうかも知れません。
I look forward to working with you.
(予定の仕事や他の活動について)宜しくおねがいします。
Shall we go to the restaurant now?
ご一緒にレストランに伺いましょう?
Can we go ...
…へ行きましょう。
Shall we meet at 7:30?
七時半にお待ち合わせしましょうか?
Shall we meet in twenty minutes?
後二十分会いましょう?
I'd like to make a reservation for three.
三人分の予約を取りたい。
I'd like a table for three.
三席のテーブルをおねがいします。
Do you have any openings?
空きはありますか?(ただし、仕事の申し出によく使われる表現です。)
May I come over now?
只今伺ってもいいですか?(越させていただけますか?)
May I visit now?
只今伺ってもいいですか?
May I come with two friends now?
二人連れで伺ってもいいですか?
Do you have an open table for three?
三人座りの空きテーブルができますか?
We'll be there in twenty minutes.
二十分後到着します。
gin rummy
ジン・ラミー(二人用のカード並べゲーム)

2015-06-09

June Practice -- Restaurant Reservation

[For the June class -- 6月のクラスのため]


[A telephone conversation. Andy is calling an unusual new restaurant for reservations.
電話での会話です。アンディは、ちょっと変わった新しいレストランに予約をとろうとしています。
"Jo" is a woman's name in the USA. 
米国では "Jo" とは女性の名前です。]

Jo: Jo's French Barbeque. What can we fry for you?

[What can we fry for you? -- 何を揚げ物にさせていただきましょう?]

Andy: Well, hello.
  I'd like to make a reservation for eight.
[reservation: 予約]

Jo: That's a party of eight.
  What name should I put the reservation under?
[party: 一行
put a reservation under a name: 指定の名前で予約をいただく]

Andy: Well, I'm Andy Adams, and my family will be coming.
  The family of Jun Tanaka will also be coming.
[will be coming: 来ることになっている]

Jo: Okay, I'll put the reservation under Andy Adams,
   and I'll put the June Tanaka family in the notes.
[put ... in notes: ...を備考に加える]

Andy: Sounds good.

Jo: But I'm missing a vital piece of information.
[vital: 不可欠(死命的)]

Andy: Oh?

Jo: When?

Andy: Oh!
  Do you have any openings on Thursday evening?
[opening: 空(空席)]

Jo: This Thursday? That's the 17th.

Andy: Yes.

Jo: We still have a few openings then.
  We can get you a table for eight at 8:30.
  Or we can get you two neighboring tables for four at 7:30.
[neighboring: となり]

Andy: We'll take the 7:30 time, please.

Jo: Could I get a phone number to contact you at?

Andy: Sure.
  My cell phone is XXX-XXXX-XXXX.

Jo: Okay, we'll set that up.
  Anything else in advance?
  Special diet or such?
[in advance: 先に
... or such: など]

Andy: Well, will it be possible to ask
  for some or the dishes
  to be cooked without wine?
  My family doesn't do wine.
[will it be possible: ~できるのですか?(可能になりますか?)
cook without wine: ワイン抜きで料理する
doesn't do wine: ワインをいただきません]

Jo: Of course.
  I'll put that in the notes, too.

Andy: I guess that's it.
[That's it.: 以上です。]

Jo: Okay. Thank you.
  And we look forward to seeing you on Thursday.
[... look forward to ...: よろしくお願いします。]

Andy: Thank you.

2015-06-08

Topic for the June Class -- Going to a Restaurant to Eat

[A PTA English Conversation Class -- PTA 英会話のクラス]

We'll talk about eating out, and we'll practice some useful phrases. (Among other things.)
今度は外食について話します。そして、その関連の便利な表現を練習しましょう。(他の話もするでしょう。)

Please be thinking of things you might want to say at a restaurant.
レストランで使いたいような表現について考えていただけると助かります。

I've prepared a conversation sample, making a reservation at a restaurant, for practice reading, here.
予習のため、レストランに予約をとる会話例を用意しました。ここです。

If you have questions, e-mail me.
質問などがございましたら、Eメールください。


Materials:
資料:

2015-06-06

Introductions -- a Train Conversation (Inspired by the May PTA class.)

Somewhere on a train in Japan:

Y: Excuse me.
   You look like an American.

Z: Well, I'm from Canada.

Y: Sorry.
   I hope I didn't offend you.

Z: No problem.
   You speak English pretty well?

Y: It's one of my hobbies.
   What brings you to Japan?

Z: Oh, I'm not really sure why.
   It's a long story.

Y: Sorry.
   I seem to be making a bother of myself.

Z: No, not really.

Y: Are you finding your way around okay?

Z: Well enough.
   I'm just traveling randomly, really.

Y: You mean, no plans, no schedule?

Z: Yeah.
   I like to travel.
   But I don't like canned tours.

Y: Canned tours?

Z: Pre-packaged.
   Everything decided in advance.
   You only go where everybody goes,
   see what everybody sees.

Y: So you want to go where your friends haven't been?
   and see things they haven't seen?

Z: Right. 

Y: That's very interesting.
   Isn't it a little dangerous?

Z: I don't carry much money with me.
   That helps me stay out of trouble.

...

May 22nd -- Self-introduction Example

[From the May 22 class. 5月22日のクラスから]


[After a meeting at work 仕事の会議のあと:]

A: Hi.

B: Oh. Hello. I don't think we've met.
[会ったことがありますか?(会ったことがあると思いません。)]

A: Let me introduce myself.
   I'm Akira Adachi.
   I'm from the North America Division.
   How about you?

B: My name is Bruce Brown.
   I'm from the Kansai division.
   Nice to meet you.

A: Nice to meet you, too.
    What did you think of the presentation?
[発表(された内容)はどう思いますか?]

B: I'm not sure.
    I'm still thinking about it.
    What did you think of it?
[still thinking: まだ考え中]

[ . . . ]

2015-05-30

May 22nd Notes -- Vocabulary and Phrases from the Class

[From the May 22 class. 5月22日のクラスから]
 
surname (== last name, family name)
姓 (=名字)
something
何か、〇〇、〜
some place
あるところ、適当な場所
hang in there
(「しっかり捕まえなさい」から引いて)頑張って!(など)
hang on
(「しっかり捕まえなさい」から引いて)あきらめないで!
hold on
(捕まえ続ければ良いように)待っていて下さい。(待機、保留を頼むことも)
hobby
趣味など
(study/practice/perform) rakugo
落語(を勉強、練習、演奏する)
act in a play
演劇の役を演奏する
play a part/role
(役をとる)演技する、役目の役に立つ
flower arranging
生花
volunteer work
(自分から進んでやる)奉仕活動
I should do volunteer work.
奉仕活動に関わるべきです。
(hold a) study group
勉強会を行う(開催する)
run a study room
勉強会(または塾)を行う(経営する)
My job is teaching English.
私の仕事は英語を教えることです。
I work as an English teacher.
私は英語の教師として働いています。(英語教師を勤めています。)
I work in sales.
私は営業(販売)に勤めています。
housewife
主婦
househusband
主夫
What's your job?
お仕事はなんですか?
Do you have a job?
仕事はありますか?
Seitai is sort of like chiropractic.
整体はなんとなくカイロプラクティックに似ています。
Seitai is Japanese traditional physical therapy.
整体というものは日本の伝統的な(特殊の)理学療法です。
Seitai is a Japanese traditional physical therapy.
整体とは日本の伝統的な身体療法の一つです。
consignment sales
委託販売
accountant
経理士、主計、会計専門家
ceremony director
アメリカにはあまりない仕事ですが、式場の経営などについてこれを使って説明できると思います。
master of ceremonies
進行係、司会者
funeral director
葬儀管理士、総議員の経営者
florist
花屋、生花店、草花栽培家

Topic for the May Class (after the fact)

[A PTA English Conversation Class -- PTA 英会話のクラス]

Sorry I didn't get this up before the class. I'm doing a lot of new things this year, and my old main computer died in the middle of it all.
クラスの前に投稿できず申し訳なく思っていますが、今年は新しいものを結構多く試みている最中、いつも使っていたパソコンが死んでしまいました。

It's a bit frustrating.
ちょっとくじかれる。

Anyway, the topic was introducing yourself.
それを置いて、今回のトピックは自分のことを人に説明することでした。つあり、自己紹介に使う英語ですね。

Indeed, it's hard to speak English if you can't get started.
まさに、始められなかったら、しゃべるのが更に難しく感じる。

(And thanks to all for your lively participation.)
(皆さまのおかげで楽しい時間を過ごせました。)

Here's the material:
参考資料:

2015-04-08

March 2nd Notes: A Fictional Game of Go Fish

A: Let's play "Go Fish"!

B: What's "Go Fish"?

C: Yeah, what's "Go Fish"?

D: Do we need fishing poles?

E: And bait?

A: Uhm, no. It's a card game.

D: Card game?

E: You mean, like trump?

A: Well, sort of. It's kind of like Old Maid, but different.

C: What's "Old Made"?

B: Is it something you made a long time ago?

D: I think that's a different "made".

A: Yeah. This is not the past tense of  "make".

C: So what is it?

D: Isn't a "maid" an unmarried woman?

A: That's right.

E: Uhm, then, "old" is, like, not young?

A: Yeah.

E: Oh, yeah. Let me guess. One of the cards is the "old maid". And you take turns taking cards from each other. And nobody wants the old maid.

C: That's terrible! Prejudice! Discrimination!

E: It's Baba-nuki in Japanese.

A: Right. Well, Go Fish is different. Instead of taking cards, you ask for them.

B: Does it use a trump deck?

A: It can. But I've made a deck of irregular verb cards.

B: Verbs! Yuck!

D: I get it.  Different forms. Present tense and past tense make a pair.

A: Actually, past tense and past participle in the deck I made.

E: Sneaky. You're making us practice. Cool.

B: No. Not cool. You're mean.

A: But I've put the plain form on both.

B: Well, ...

C: So, how do we play?

A: I'll be the dealer the first time. First, I shuffle the cards, of course. Then I deal seven cards to each player, like this, face down. I put the rest of the cards in a draw pile, or "pond", where everyone can reach them.

D: Can we look at our cards?

A: Sure.

E: But we don't let anyone else see them, right?

A: Yeah. Look for pairs of cards in your hand. Put any pairs you have down in front of you.

B: Here in the middle?

A: Uh, no, you want keep them in front of you so you can count them later.

C: Do they count against us?

E: I think the one with the most pairs wins?

A: That's right.C

D: Who starts?

A: The player to the left of the dealer, or we can jung for it.

All: Jung-ken-poh!

B: I start!

C: So it goes to the left, anyway.

B: Okay, hold up your cards so I can pick.

E: Wait. That's Baba-nuki. I think Go Fish is different.

A: Yep. Look in your hand and choose a card.

B: Okay, this one. I want this one.

A: You can ask anyone.

C: Not just the next person?

A: Right. Anyone.

B: Okay, Mr. A, give me this one.

A: That's one way to ask. What is it?

B: This one.

D: What's the word?

B: Uhm, let me see. "Eaten".

E: So the card that matches it is "ate", right?

A: Right. And I don't have it. Go fish.

B: Huh?

C: I think that means you draw a card from the pond.

A: Exactly.

B: Okay. Now what?

D: Does it match? Is it "ate"?

B: Yeah. Should I make a pair and put it down?

C: Lucky!

A: Yeah, put it down. And, since you got the card you asked for, you get to go again.

B: Okay, Ms. D, I want "sleep".

D: I want some sleep, too. But I don't have it. Go fish.

B: I didn't get it. What time did you get to bed last night?

D: I got to bed about three o'clock this morning.

E: That's way too late.

D: I was making a present for my husband.

C: What are you making?

D: Now, I can't tell anyone before I give it to him, can I?

E: Awww.

A: Can you make any other pairs, Mr. B?

B: Uhm. Nope. I gave my wife a present yesterday!

A: Okay, it's your turn, Ms. C.

D: What did you give her?

B: A box of chocolates.

E: Goncharoff?

B: I think it was Godiva.

C: I'm jealous. Hmm. Any card, and I can ask anyone?

A: Yeah.

C: Do I ask in plain form, or do I have to ask for the one I don't have?

E: I think we have to practice.

B: I can't remember them all.

A: It's up to you guys.

D: I vote we don't have to remember today.

C: Me, too.

E: Hmmph.

A: Of course, if we do remember, we should practice, but let's not make it too hard today.

E: Weeelllll, okay. I guess I don't mind.

C: Okay, I remembered. Ms. E, do you have "written"?

E: No. I don't. Go fish.

B: She's cheating.

D: I think she's hiding a card.

E: If I am, you'll find out.

A: Yeah, it can be pretty obvious if we cheat. So, no cheating!

E: Anyway, I don't have it.

C: All right. Let's see what I get. Nope, I didn't get it. But I can make a different pair now.

A: Great. Put that pair down, but, since it's not the one you asked for, it's D's turn.

D: Okay, Ms. E, do you have "done"?

E: Nope. Go fish.

D: Okay, I didn't get it, and I can't make a pair.

E: So, it's my turn. Mr. B, do you have "slept"?

B: That's sneaky!

D: Oh. I see. We have to listen to who asks for what.

E: Right!

B: Here you are.

E: Thank you.

E: Mr. A, do you have "gave"?

A: I would give you "gave", but I'll give you "given", instead. Here. Take this.

E: Oh.

C: Ah hah! You forgot the past participle!

E: Heh heh. Yep. Thanks. Now, it's my turn again?

A: Yeah.

E: Okay, Ms. C, do you have, uhm, "said"?

C: No, I don't. Go fish.

E: Okay. Hmm. It's your turn, Mr. A.

A: Okay. I want "said". Please give it to me.

B: Now Mr. A is being sneaky!

E: Here you are.

A: Thank you. Mr. B, do you have "got"?

B: No, I don't. Go fish.

A: Okay. Nope. Nothing. No match. Your turn, Mr. B.

B: Ms. E, you look suspicious. I think you have "slept".

E: I'm sure not getting enough sleep. Let me sleep. I haven't slept in the last twelve hours!

C: Now, that's teasing.

E: Heh, heh. Here you are.

B: Thank you. Ms. D, do you have, "goon"?

D: "Goon"? I don't think that's a verb. Please ask me again.

B: How do you say this?

C: "Gone."

B: Okay, do you have "gone", Ms D?

D: Yes, I do. Here it is.

B: Thank you. Mr. A, do you have "read"?

A: Did you say "reed?"

B: Uhm, is it like "red", then?

A: Yes. Please take this.

B: Oh! Thank you. Now I'm out of cards. What do I do?

A: We can either go out and wait, or we can draw a card and end the turn. Which way do you guys want to do it?

D: Let's keep playing.

C: I think so, too.

E: Yeah. Draw another card, Mr. B.

[About twenty minutes later --]

D: Ms. C, where have you been? I mean, do you have "been"?

C: Here you go. I'm out.

D: Thank you. That makes all of us.

B: So, now we count our pairs. Who won?

E: I think we all did.

A: I think so, too.

B: Let's play this again some time.

2015-04-06

March 2nd Notes -- Vocabulary and Phrases

old maid
オールドミス(若くない未婚の女性)
Old Maid
ばば抜き
ask
伺う、聞く(質問する)、頼む
Please ask me again.
(質問や頼みごとを)もう一度言ってください。
take
取る、受け取る
Please take this.
これを取ってください。
Take one.
一つ取ってね。
sneak
隠れてやる、こそこそやる
sneaky
こそこそした、(隠れて)ずるい
She's being sneaky!
彼女、狡うしてる!(「He」などでも使えます。)
cheat
欺く、だます、ごまかす。いかさまトランプ。または、ぺてん(師)や詐欺(師)など。浮気も。
He's cheating!
かれ、狡うしてる!(「She」などでも使えます。)
turn
曲がる、回る、(順番などが)回ってくる。引いて、順番。
It's your turn.
あなたの番です。
hide
隠す
She's hiding something!
彼女、何かを隠している!
No! I'm not!
ちがいます、よ。(違うわ!)
out
外れた状態
She's out.
彼女は上がりました。(手札がなくなったこと。)
have
(を)持つ、(が)有る
Do you have a queen of hearts?
ハートの女王を持っていますか?

We used a deck of verb cards in the class, one of the pair with the plain past and the other with the past participle.
今回、動詞のカードを使って遊んでいました。ペアの片方は単純過去形で、そのマッチは過去分詞です。

For example, the pair of cards for "eat" was "ate" and "eaten". But for "sleep", both cards were "slept".
例えば、(食べるの)"eat" のペアは、一枚が "ate" で、もう一枚が "eaten" でした。しかし、 "sleep" の場合は、2枚とも "slept" になりました。

Do you have "sleep"?
"Sleep" (のカード)を持っていますか?
Give me "sleep".
"Sleep" のカードください。
Did you get any sleep last night?
昨晩、寝ました?
I'm not getting enough sleep.
充分な睡眠をとっていません。
I didn't sleep well last night.
よく寝れなかった。
I went to sleep at midnight last night.
昨晩、12時に寝ました。
Let me sleep.
(寝たいから)寝させてください。

2015-03-09

Example Short Speech: Cakes

[Note that this is intended a (fabricated) example essay, not as a personal statement.
あくまでも、見本作文です。特定の人の経験および意見を伝えるつもりではありません。]

My name is (Given) (Family). I am a freshman at (School Name) High School, in class 9. I will talk about cakes.

I like cakes. They are very sweet, and I like sweet things. The sweetness comes from sugar, and sugar is important for energy.

Cake batter is made with sugar and wheat flour and eggs. Cakes are usually baked in an oven.

Some cakes are best eaten hot. Others are best eaten cold. Some are delicious either way.

You can put nuts in cakes, too. Nuts are nutritious. They have protein and good oils and important vitamins. And you can add dried fruits to cakes. Dried fruits have vitamins and fiber, so they are also nutritious.

Nuts and dried fruits
add variety to the flavor of cakes.

I think that cakes are good food.

Example Short Speech: Ping-pong

[Note that this is intended a (fabricated) example speech, not as a personal statement.
あくまでも、見本作文です。特定の人の経験および意見を伝えるつもりではありません。]

My name is (Given) (Family). I am a freshman at (School Name) High School, in class 1. I will talk about ping-pong.

I like ping-pong.

It is called ping-pong because of the sound the balls make. It is also called table tennis because it is like playing tennis on a table.

The basic rules of table tennis are not hard. You hit the ball back and forth on the table.

Ping-pong is good exercise. You use your arms, legs, and eyes when you play. And ping-pong takes at least two players. So it is a good opportunity to practice social skills.

I have my own ping-pong paddle. I take good care of it.

Ping-pong is interesting and fun.

Example Short Speech: Matchbox Cars

[Note that this is intended a (fabricated) example essay, not as a personal statement.
あくまでも、見本作文です。特定の人の経験および意見を伝えるつもりではありません。]

My name is (Given) (Family). I am a freshman at (School Name) High School, in class 9. I will talk about matchbox cars.

I like matchbox cars.

They are called matchbox cars because they fit in a matchbox.

There are many kinds of matchbox cars. There are racing cars, family cars, emergency vehicles, and industrial vehicles. They look cool.

You can race matchbox cars on the floor or on plastic tracks. You can also put them on a shelf and just look at them.

I collect matchbox cars. I have about thirty different cars.

Matchbox cars are interesting and fun.

Example Essay: Model Rockets – My Teenage Hobby

When I was a teenager, I built and launched model rockets.

Most of the models I built were pre-designed kits from the model rocket company Estes. Some were designs of my own. Some were very simple. Some were quite elaborate.

Usually, I used a stiff paper tube for the body and a cone of light balsa wood for the nose cone and fins. The parachutes were thin nylon sheets and strings.

I didn't risk making my own motors, just bought them from Estes.

One model that was easy to build was a ten centimeter paper tube with a two centimeter nose cone and three short fins. It was light enough that it didn't need or use a parachute.

A more elaborate one was a model of the space shuttle. I built it for a physics class at high school. We used our physics to check how high it actually flew. But I was too impatient to get the right motor, and my rocket crashed. I was disappointed, of course, but it was a good experience.

You have to be careful when you launch rockets because they can be dangerous.

I learned a lot about physics and responsibility from building model rockets. And it was fun.

2015-03-07

Example Essay: My Favorite Sport Is Not a Sport


My favorite sport is dance.

I have danced since I was pretty young. My mother used to tell me I was born dancing. My body moved a lot.

My friends and my siblings and their friends sometimes teased me about my dancing. I’d hang around at parties that my brother and my sisters sometimes held, and jive and groove until my mother told me it was time for me to go to bed. Several of my sisters took creative dance classes, and sometimes they wouldn’t chase me off when I watched them work out and practice.

After I saved up money from delivering newspapers and bought my own sound system, sometimes I’d close the bedroom door, turn up the volume, and ride the vibes. The noise of my feet on the wooden floor was about as loud as the music, I think.

In college, I took a lot of modern dance classes. I also took some martial arts, to improve my timing and balance. I don’t have time to dance much any more, but I still use a daily exercise regime that I developed from what I learned in those classes.

One of my dance teachers described modern dance as a study in how to move from here to there.

I tend to describe it as a study in the use of the body as a tool.

You may not think that my favorite sport is a sport, but my favorite sport is dance.