2013-02-19

Black Jelly Beans?

Black stones at the base of the water fountain where you wash your hands at a Japanese Shinto shrine.
--
black stones: 黒い丸い石
at the base of 〜: 〜の麓
water fountain: 噴水式水飲み場
where you wash your hands: 手を清める場所
Shinto shrine: (神道の)神社


2012-12-28

Chip's Adventure (Chiventures)


この会話は先生と中学性の3年生の英会話です。

Aさんが生徒、Bさんが先生


A:What day is it today?
B:Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

A:I'm sorry. I meant to ask, "What is the date today?"
B: Oh, I see. Today is Friday, December 28th -- only three more days left in this year!

A:Got it. Thanks. So, how was your day today.
B: It got off to a great start. I took my dog, Dale, running with me this morning. I think we covered about four and a half kilometers within about 30 minutes. Our pace was a bit slow, but it's better than nothing.

A:Isn't your real name also Dale?
B: Yes, it is. But, I don't use that name with most Japanese. So, I gave her my name. She's very lucky!

A:What a touching story! It must be fun to have a "real" Chip and Dale running around the neighborhood.
B:That's right!

A:Well, it's time to head back. Hope you have a nice day, a nice weekend, and a very happy New Year's holiday.
B: Thanks! You, too!

2012-12-26

Christmas and New Year's Holidays


この会話は先生と専門学校の2年生の英会話です。

Aさんが先生、Bさんが生徒


A: How are you today?
B: I’m fine. > I’m doing pretty good.

A: How was your Christmas?
B: It was good. > It was pretty nice.

A: What did you get for Christmas this year?
B: I got a DVD box set [a DVD boxed set] from my mom.

A: What TV series or movie series was it?
B: It was a boxed set of the American TV series called “Bones.”

A: Did you get anything for your mom or dad?
B: No, I didn’t. But, I usually give my mom or dad something for their birthdays.

A: What are your plans for the New Year’s holidays?
B: I haven’t made any plans yet.

Notes:

1. 「pretty」は「可愛い」と言う意味ではなくて、「綺麗な」又「かなり」と言う意味です。
2a. 「get something for when」は「何かを貰う」の意味です。
2b. 「get something for someone」は「何かをあげる」の意味です。