ビジネス英語ディクテーション

ただ聞こえてきたままにタイプしてアップしてるだけの地味なブログです。

2010年02月

Today's topic is the phrases: "time is over" and "time is up".
今日の話題は、time is over と time is up です。

I often hear "time is over" or "time over" being used. But they are incorrect.
time is over や time over が使われているのを度々耳にしますが、それらは誤用です。

Yes. When you want to say that there's no more time left, you can say it like this:
It's 12 o'clock. Time is up.
Or more shortened version would be: "Time's up."
そうですね。残された時間はもうない…って言いたい場合には、
It's 12 o'clock. Time is up. 12時ちょうどだから、もう時間切れ…って言います。
あるいは、もっと簡単には、Time's up です。


These expressions are very informal but are used quite often to inform participants
when an activity or meeting must end.
これらの表現はたいへんくだけた言い方ですが、よく使われますよ。
参加者のみなさんに業務や会議の終了を知らしめるためにね。

イメージ 1

大学1年の時、生まれて初めて髪の毛にパーマをかけた。

Robert Redford の髪型にしてほしくて、近くの理容院に行って写真を見せつつ、

「こうゆう風にお願いします」って言ったら、当時はまったく癖のない直毛だったため、パーマをかけられた。

できあがりは、Redford というより、アフロヘアの悲惨なものに…。

その後もパーマは1回きり。つまり、人生でパーマをかけたのが2回きり。

時は過ぎ、当時のRedfordと同じ年代(40代)になったら、どういうわけか、憧れの癖毛に!

今では、手櫛で Redford の髪型にできちゃう。あはは。


ここにも Michael が! なんだかんだ言ってもアメリカのショービジネスの底力がかいま見える。

http://www.nhk.or.jp/gogaku/english/training/


Monday, February 22, 2010

Hi, listeners. Welcome to Five-minute English.
This is David Neale, saying hello to you.
Hi! I'm Vicki Glass. Hope you'll enjoy our program.
It's time to build up your English muscles.
Are you ready? Here we go.

Let's review.

Why aren't you studying for your exam? You're not giving up, are you?
I've never known you to be a quitter.

Are you listening to me? You seem distracted. What are you looking at?

Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.

Try these sweets. They're Japanese confection made of rice.
They go especially with green tea.

I'll tell you how to hit the baseball. Grip the bat like this.
And stand like this. Then step into your swing.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Better late than never. 遅くなってもしないよりはマシです。

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Let's read out loud.

One. Now listen.

I'll be away from Tokyo for a while. So I won't be available in person.
But you can reach me by cellphone as usual.

Why are you being so quiet tonight? Something's on your mind.
Come on! Out with it.

I'm not looking forward to tomorrow. Most likely it'll be cold and drizzly.
I wish spring will hurry up.


Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Stop making excuses. 言い訳をするのはやめましょう。


Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Let's read out loud.

One. Now listen.

That concludes my speech. I'm sure you all have lots of questions. So ask away.

Thanks for your time today. It's been nice talking to you. I really appreciate your advice.

Good luck with your presentation today. Don't worry. We'll back you up.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Rest leads rust. 休むと錆び付いてしまいます。

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Let's role play.

One. Now listen.

A: How's the movie? Did I miss anything?
B: No. We just put the DVD in.
A: Could you put it back at the start again?
B: This is the start. See the opening credit?

A: What happened to this butter knife?
B: I don't know. What's wrong with it?
A: The tip is a little twisted.
B: That must be the one I used as a screwdriver.

A: How's your report progressing?
B: Re... Report? Ahhhh....
A: On Thursday's promotional event.
B: Oh, no. I'll have it out and write and ready in an hour.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Don't rust yourself away. 自分自身を錆び付かせてはいけません。

Friday, February 26, 2010

Let's listen and answer.

One. Now listen.

Hand me that book from the bookshelf, would you?
Which one? There are dozens of books up there.
That big fat green one.
Here you go. Phew! It's pretty heavy.

Q: What would the man most likely do? - Hand the book to the woman.


I used to try to get rich. I made some money. But I never became wealthy.
Now my goal is to make other people happy. I'm happier now than ever before.

Q: What does the man try to do now? - Help other people.


You're going to start your own retail business? Have you thought this through?
Starting of a business is no simple matter. Expect 16 hour work days and lots of uncertainty.
It's a jungle out there, you know.

Q: What does the woman imply? - She knows something about starting a business.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Persistence is a virtue. ねばり強さは美徳である。

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Let's listen and write.

One. Now listen.

1 Whenever I drink, I get sleepy.
2 She gets woozy whenever she gets on a bus.
3 My sister follows me around wherever I go.
4 Try to use recycled paper wherever possible. wherever possible 可能な限り
5 Read whichever books you please.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
No more excuses. Just do it. もう言い訳はいりません。やればいいんです。


Sunday, February 28, 2010

Let's fill in the blanks.

One. Now listen.

1 I have got a flat tire.
2 The saddle is a little too high for me.
3 It's dangerous to ride double on a bike.
4 These brakes don't work very well.
5 The front tire seems to be a bit low on air.
6 I walked my bike up the steep slope.
7 You can't unlearn how to ride a bicycle.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Don't ever give up. You can do it. 決して諦めてはいけません。あなたならできます。


Taylor Swift と Grammyで共演してたのを見た人は、ただの肥ったおばあさん(61歳)に見えたかもしれないな。

でも、Stevie Nicks は Taylor 以上の超美人だった。

「不毛地帯(三)」 山崎豊子

「シューカツ!」 石田衣良

「養老孟司の<逆さメガネ>」

クズ本

「社会人の勉強の技術」 高島徹治

-----------------------------------------

「不毛地帯(三)」 山崎豊子 …やっとここまで。
 
「シューカツ!」 石田衣良 …次の一文がこの小説をピカピカに輝かせている。

p325 この社会でどれほど格差が開こうとも、結局いきいきと生きている人間が最後には笑う。

「養老孟司の<逆さメガネ>」…次のことをわかってない人が何と多いことか…

p186 ビル・ゲイツの年収は、アメリカ国民下層四割の人たちの年収を合計した額に匹敵する。お金だけでいうなら、ビル・ゲイツの価値はアメリカ人の下層四割、ほぼ一億人に匹敵するわけです。これはなんとも異常な社会ですな。日本だったら、ビル・ゲイツの家は焼き討ち、打ち壊しです。

クズ本

「社会人の勉強の技術」 高島徹治 
…偉そうにいろいろ書いていると思ったら、ここで思いっ切り笑わしてくれてる。

p202 だから、語学力を上達させようと思うのなら、単語は目(文字)だけでなく、耳(音)そして口で(音)で同時に覚えなければならない。最初は目で覚えて、あとで耳で確認する方法ではダメなのだ。
 私の世代の人間は、そのダメな方式で勉強せざるを得なかった。私が英語を勉強し始めたころは、リスニングの学習教材など皆無に等しかったからだ。だから、いまだにTOEIC試験では六三〇点くらいのラインにしか到達できないで、あえいでいる。

…TOEICの点数はともかく、こうゆう言い訳は書かないほうがいい。あはは。
…いまだに~ってとこがよくない。少なくとも今はリスニングの学習教材はいくらでもあるのだから。


すごい歌唱力だな!

オレがすごいって思っているんだから、まっ、いっか!

でも、もっともっと評価すべきだ。


Mother Teresa
…プリンセス・ダイアナと同じ年に亡くなったけど、扱いはそれ以下。

Antonio Inoki
…格闘技界・プロレス界のカリスマにもかかわらず、あまりそのことが取り沙汰されない。
 あの卓越した格闘テクニックは教科書にさえしてもいいくらい。
 死んでからしか評価されないのだろうか。

Michael Jackson
…1千万枚近くCDが売れても、酷評する批評家がいる。

Tom Cruise
…障害を乗り越えて科白も完璧に覚えているし、おまけに人柄もよいことが評価されず。

ICHIRO
… 個人記録ばかり追いかけている、という批判あり。
  そういう人は、ヒットを打って塁に出るのがチームに貢献している、ってことに気づいていない。
  誰よりもチームに貢献しているのに。
王・長嶋をとっくに超えている、ってことでさえ口にされてない。

TIGER WOODS
… あれだけすごいプロゴルファーなんて見たことない。
  くだらないことであら探ししているマスコミこそみっともない。

北野武
…とんでもなくすごいセンスの持ち主なのに、ないがしろにされている。

黒澤明
… スピルバーグ、コッポラ、ジョージ・ルーカスをして師匠と言わしめている、のに…。

朝青龍
… あの年であれだけ優勝して…。優勝記録を作らせないために追放したとしか思えない。

西岡利晃
… あの階級で世界チャンピオンだということはもっと評価されるべき。
どうして、亀田だとか内藤だとかいう平凡な選手ばかりがとりあげられるのか!

長谷川穂積
… はぃ。TIGERさんのおっしゃるとおりです。すごい選手です。
 何といってもあのカオサイ・ギャラクシーがいた階級ですもの。


すっごくきれいな声! すっごくきれいな曲!

Today's topic is the words: "hear" and "hearing". Sometimes I hear the word "hear" being misused.
今日の話題は、hear と hearing です。 hear がときどき誤用されているのを耳にします。

Well, if you say, "I couldn't hear what he said", it means the volume was low,
この意味は、音量が小さいとか
or there was technical problem which made it difficult to hear someone.
技術的に問題があって、聞き取りづらいということです。
The correct way to say it is, "I couldn't understand what he said."
正しい言い方は、understandを用います。

Right. If you did not understand something, remember to say,
"I did not understand." or "I could not catch what he or she said."
understand とか catchを使ってくださいね。

昨晩、教室から自宅へ帰ろうとしてたとき、

何やら小動物がボクの方へ近づいてきました。

目を凝らしてみると、お隣で飼われているチビ猫でした。

(自宅でも猫を飼っているものの、家人の前では、猫嫌いを自認してます~)

チビ猫がボクのところに寄ってきたので、

TJ: 腹が減ったか? (猫に話しかけてるところなんて、子どもたちに見せられません…。)

チビ猫: にゃん。

ひそかに自宅から持ち出していた猫の餌を少しやりました。

TJ: うまいか? (こんなところを子どもたちに見られたら…。汗。)

チビ猫: …。

FRaU の 3月号 http://watashi-frau.com/ 

に森本貴義君の奥さん(邦子さん)のコーナーがあったので、早速買いました。

邦子さんのDVDまで付録でついています。

http://www.nhk.or.jp/gogaku/english/training/


Monday, February 15, 2010

Hi, listeners. Welcome to Five-minute English.
This is David Neale, saying hello to you.
Hi! I'm Vicki Glass. Hope you'll enjoy our program.
It's time to build up your English muscles.
Are you ready? Here we go.

Let's review.

You're looking good, Jean. Have you lost weight? If you're on a diet, it's working.

Wondering what to order? Take it from me. Go with the t-bone steak.

Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.

Sit in this chair and push start. You'll get a big surprise.
It's a special massage chair.

Do you think it's okay to drink this milk? It's past its use-by date yesterday.
One day should be all right.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Don't look back. Go forward. 振り返るな。前へ進め。

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Let's read out loud.

One. Now listen.

You're skipping lunch? Isn't that a little extreme? Why not try eating a little less than usual?

Why are we waiting in this line? This is nothing but a waste of time.
I don't wanna wait here to get a small discount.

Why aren't you studying for your exam? You're not giving up, are you?
I've never known you to be a quitter.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.

No practice, no progress. 練習しなければ上達しません。


Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Let's read out loud.

One. Now listen.

Are you listening to me? You seem distracted. What are you looking at?

I spent the whole day cleaning the house. Then the kids came home from school.
The house was mess again in about 15 minutes.

It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Scott. I'm glad that Mary introduced us. Here's my business card.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
No gain without pain. 楽して得られるものは何もありません。


Thursday, February 18, 2010

Let's role play.

One. Now listen.

A: Check out this free weekly newspaper.
B: I've seen it before. It's mostly ads. Right?
A: It's because it's free. But the articles are great.
B: Maybe I'll check it out.

A: The hygrometer says it's 53% today.
B: The what?
A: The hygrometer:the thing that tells you the humidity.
B: Oh. What does 53% humidity mean?

cf. hygrometer: measuring instrument for measuring the relative humidity of the atmosphere

A: How sturdy is that bed side table?
B: I don't know. It's an ordinary wooden table. Why?
A: I want to set the stacks of books on it.
B: I think it can handle that.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
No pleasure without pain. 苦しみがなければ喜びはありません。


Friday, February 19, 2010

Let's listen and answer.

One. Now listen.

Listen. They're playing my favorite old pop song.
You say that with every old song you hear on the radio.
I listened to a lot of music when I was young.
Sometimes I wonder if you ever did anything else.

Q: What are they doing? - Listening to the radio.

I hear that you're getting a Master's degree.
It's amazing that you can study and work at the same time.
Where do you find the time to do it all?

Q: What does the woman imply? - Studying and working is difficult.

My dad always talks about working his way through school.
But things are different now.
It's so much more expensive now. The reality is that you need loans and scholarships.
I'll never pay my tuition just by working part time.

Q: What can be inferred about the man? - He's a college student.


Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Your English will get rusty if you remain idle. 怠けていると英語が錆びついてしまいます。


Saturday, February 20, 2010

Let's listen and write.

One. Now listen.

1 You can buy whatever you want.
2 Whatever I say she won’t believe it.
3 You can dress however you like.
4 I’ll follow my dream however hard it is.
5 Whoever strikes first wins. 先手必勝


Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. 使わないと使えなくなりますよ。


Sunday, February 21, 2010

Let's fill in the blanks.

One. Now listen.

Let's check. Let's try.

1 There's a bus every 10 minutes.
2 The buses don't arrive on time.
3 Excuse me, I'm getting off.
4 Could you call a taxi for us?
5 If you take a taxi, you'll get stuck in traffic.
6 How much was the taxi fare to the airport?
7 How long will it take to go there by taxi?

Time's up for today.
Don't be hasty, take it easy. 焦ることはありません、のんびりいきましょう。

No one will dispute the fact that the earth is round.
地球がまるいという事実を疑う者は誰もいない。
He put forward the hypothesis that the bones belonged to an extinct type of reptile.
彼はその骨が死滅した爬虫類のものだという仮説を立てた。
They reached the conclusion that the earth is the center of the universe.
彼らは、地球は宇宙の中心であるという結論に達した。
The rise of the scientific method rests on our conviction that nature is not arbitrary,
but is lawful.
科学的方法論の興隆は、自然が気まぐれなものでなく、法則性のあるものだという確信に基づいている。
I would have been disappointed had my illusion of solitary adventure been destroyed.
孤独な冒険をしたいという幻想が破られていたら、私は落胆していただろう。
He expresses a mistaken idea that extinction is the ultimate sign of failure.
彼は、絶滅は結局敗北を示すものだという誤った考えを表明している。
She has a firm belief that love can save the world. 愛は世界を救うという信念を持っている。
He bought it in the full belief that it was genuine. それが本物だという全くの信念をもって買った。
I simply cannot believe his claim that he came across the actor at Disneyland.
彼がその俳優にディズニーランドでばったり出くわしたという彼の言い分は信じられない。
Scientists reached the conclusion that the stone was a meteor.
その石は隕石だという結論に達した。
I had a feeling that she would be here. 彼女はここに来るだろうという気持ちをもっていた。
He got a gnawing feeling that something is wrong. 何かがおかしいという気持ちに悩まされた。
He went to New York with the idea that he would become a dramatist.
劇作家になろうという考えをもってNYに行った。
The student gave the impression that he was smart.
自分は賢いという印象をその学生は出していた。
We had information that the store would be closed soon. 
その店がまもなく閉店するという情報を手にした。
I was shocked by the news that a former cabinet minister was arrested.
元閣僚が逮捕されたというニュースにショックを受けた。
Is there any possibility that he will be found innocent?
彼が無罪だと判明する可能性がありますか。
The girl made a promise that she would never go there again.
そこへは二度と行かないという約束をした。
I heard a rumor that she was leaving the town. 彼女が街を去るという噂を聞いた。
The rumor that he is dead is circulated. 彼が死んだという噂が流れた。
His statement that he had nothing to do with the affair was greeted with some skepticism.
その事件に関係してないという彼の言い分はいくばくかの疑念をもって受けとめられた。
The thought crossed my mind that I would change jobs.
転職しようという考えが浮かんだ。
We have a rule that the loser of the game buys everyone a drink.
ゲームに負けた者がみんなに一杯おごるというルールがある。
He reiterated the view that he was a fool. 彼は自分がバカであるという見方を繰り返した。
When I entered the room, I had the impression that he was conformably off.
その部屋に入ったとき、彼が気持ちよさそうにしているという印象をもった。
The announcement that a new airport was to be built nearby aroused immediate opposition.
近くに新しい空港が建設されるという報告が、すぐさま反対を呼び覚ました。
The proposal/suggestion that shops should open on Sundays led to a heated discussion.
日曜日に店を開店すべきだという提案は、白熱の討論へと導かれた。
A report that the area was dangerous was ignored by the residents.
その地域は危険だという報告は住民によって無視された。

Intercultural Notes より

こうゆう使い方というものを学校で教えてほしいものです。あっ。うちで教えればいいのか!

Today's topic is the phrase: "Of course." and "Yes, it is."
本日の話題は、of course と yes, it is です。

Well, if you're asked "Is Beppu located in Kyushu?", what would you say?
「別府は九州にありますか?」って訊かれたら、何とこたえますか?

Well, you shouldn't use "Of course" here, because it sounds like you're saying,
"Of course, Beppu is located in Kyushu. What a stupid question!"
この場合は、of course を使うべきではないですね。それはまるで、
「別府は九州にあることなんて当たり前じゃんかよ! 考えたらわかることじゃんか!」
みたいに言っているような響きがあります。
 
So what should we use? それでは何を使えばいいのでしょうか?

For a question like this, you can simply say, "Yes, it is." or "No, it isn't."
このような質問の時には、ただ単純に、yes, it is とか no, it isn't でいいのです。

If you're responding to a question confirming information, you should not use "Of course",
because it can sound rude.
情報の確認のための質問にこたえる場合、of course を使うべきではありません。失礼に響くからです。

You can use "Of course" when responding to requests for permission or assistance, like this:
"Can you give me a hand?" - "Of course."
許可や手助けを求められたりした場合に、of course を使うのです。例えば、
「手を貸してくれるかな?」 - 「いいとも!」 みたいに。


あらためて聴くと、とっても言い曲だし、めちゃくちゃ歌うまいな。

「兎の眼」 灰谷健次郎

「6TEEN」 石田衣良

「不毛地帯」(一)(二)

-----------------------------------------

「兎の眼」 灰谷健次郎 …教育学部出身のくせにまだ読んでいませんでした。先生を志す人にはMUST!

「6TEEN」 石田衣良 …ほんとうにいい感じの物語です。

「不毛地帯」(一)(二)…うん。実に深い。

2009/2/8 の「入門ビジネス英語」で

In limbo means in a condition where nothing is happening. と、Edが言ってましたが、
関係副詞 where の前にcondition とか situation 等が来る場合があるのですが、
辞書や参考書にはあまり載っかっていませんね。だから、ちょっと探してみます。

----------------------------------------
Is there a condition where you find most inappropriate things humorous?
Describe a situation where you experienced excellent customer service?
Imagine you are put in a position where you need to sell UX.
What is the state where geothermal energy is being used?
Are there any circumstance where people end up kissing each other on St. Patrick's day?
Is There A Circumstance Where The Mother Is AB And The Child Is O Type?
----------------------------------------

「実践ビジネス英語」はすごいラジオ講座ですが、「入門」も素晴らしいですね。

昨日出てきた call a spade a spade ですが、手元の辞書には「あからさまに言う、率直に言う」
って書いてあるだけで、例文は載っていません。

手元の単語熟語帳の記載は、「あからさまに言う = say bluntly」
例文: To call a spade a spade, he is a coward. あからさまに言えば、彼は卑怯者だ。

英辞郎 on the WEB では、
call a spade a spade
ありのままに言う

・We like Nancy, because she is one who calls a spade a spade, even with the president.
: ナンシーはみなに好かれている、相手が社長でも率直にものを言うからだ。

・Let's just call a spade a spade. : 歯に衣を着せずにずばりと言おう。

"Don't you think we should get a new car?" 「そろそろ新車を買ってもいい頃だと思わない?」
"Let's call a spade a spade. We cannot afford it." 「はっきり言ってお金がないんだ」

I call a spade a spade.  私は率直に見たままを言うタイプだ。

Let's call a spade a spade.  (曖昧な言い方はやめて)ありのままに[はっきり]言いましょう。

「入門ビジネス英語」の説明はほんとうに素晴らしいです。微妙なニュアンスまでわかります。

Intercultural Notes


Today's topic is the saying: call a spade a spade.
今日のトピックは諺で、call a spade a spade  (spadeのことはspadeって呼べ) です。

Well, it's actually an idiom that refers to people who speak extremely directly.
そうですね。実際これはイディオムですね。非常に直接的にものを言う人のことを指しています。
The "spade" is an example of calling something the way it is.
spadeというのは、何かをあるがままに呼ぶ一つの実例なのです。

If we look at the expression positively, it means that a person who calls a spade a spade
can be trusted to speak the truth, at least, the truth as they see it.
この表現を肯定的にとらえると、次のような意味です。つまり、ものごとを率直に言う人は真実を話しているものとして信頼できる、ということなんです。少なくとも彼らが真実と考えているわけです。

Yes. On the negative side, the same person may be overly frank and direct even about
subjects which may be embarrassing to others.
はい。否定的な側面としては、ズバリ言っているその人が、度を過ぎて率直であるあるいは直接的であるということですね。他者にとっては困惑させるかもしれないような話題に対してでさえもです。

Yes. Don't expect polite soft spoken English from such a speaker.
But do expect honest answers.
そうです。そういうような話してからは、礼儀正しくてソフトな英語を期待しちゃいけません。
"Calling a spade a spade" in the American business culture is usually seen as positive.
アメリカの企業文化において、「spadeはspadeと呼べ」というのは、通常は肯定的に見られています。

イメージ 1

http://www.nhk.or.jp/gogaku/english/training/


Monday, February 8, 2010

Hi, listeners. Welcome to Five-minute English.
This is David Neale, saying hello to you.
Hi! I'm Vicki Glass. Hope you'll enjoy our program.
It's time to build up your English muscles.
Are you ready? Here we go.

Let's review.

Hold on a minute. I have to stop. It looks like my bike has a flat tire.

Happy birthday, Jane. You seem surprised. Did you think I forget it again?

Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.

Hi, Mike. It's me, Jane. I need to talk about something.
Call me at my office as soon as you can.

Hey! Look at his picture of me. This is the first real suit and tie I ever wore.
That's a clip-on tie, of course.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
It's so important to practice here and now. 今ここで練習することがとても大切なのです。

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Let's read out loud.

One. Now listen.

You're looking good, Jean. Have you lost weight? If you're on a diet, it's working.

You ought to try meditation. It's easier than you think. And it'll help you release your stress.

You seem sort of lethargic today. Are you feeling all right? Maybe you should lie down for a while.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
You'll never improve if you skip practice. 練習をサボったら決して上達しません。


Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Let's read out loud.

One. Now listen.

Hey, the fridge is empty. It's time for a beer run. Who wants to go?

Thanks for visiting today. Here. Take some tomatoes with you. They're from our garden.

Wondering what to order? Take it from me. Go with the t-bone steak.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Always keep a positive attitude. いつでも前向きな姿勢でいましょう。


Thursday, February 11, 2010

Let's role play.

One. Now listen.

A: Look out. There's a bee.
B: Don't worry. One bee won't hurt you.
A: But they can sting.
B: If you won't bother them, they won't bother you.

A: Do you know where we are?
B: No. But my GPS does.
A: It's reliable, isn't it?
B: It's never let me down yet.

A: Here are your keys.
B: They've been lost since we went shopping last week.
A: I put them in the refrigerator by accident.
B: That explains why they feel so cold.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Follow your dreams and never give up. 夢を追い求め決して諦めては行けません。



Friday, February 12, 2010

Let's listen and answer.

One. Now listen.

I'm quitting my job and moving to Hawaii.
You what? Say that again?
What's the matter? Are you surprised?
You can't drop a bomb like that and expect no one to be surprised.

Q: Why is the woman surprised? - The man is moving away.

If you could travel to the future, you could get rich.
Just travel ahead a few weeks and look at the stock market.
Then come back to the present and make a few wise purchases.

Q: How can the talk best be described? - A time travel fantasy.

Have you ever been horse back riding?
You may get a chance this weekend.
My family is driving out to a ranch.
They have guided horse trail rides.
Beginners are welcome.
So why don't you come along?

Q: What does the woman want to do? - Go ride horses.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
A dream without action will remain a dream. 行動しなければ夢は夢のままです。


Saturday, February 13, 2010

Let's listen and write.

One. Now listen.

Let's fill in the blanks.

1 That's how Tom apologized to her.
2 Watch how he hits the ball.
3 Tell me how you got to know him.
4 That's why Meg didn't show up.
5 There's no reason why you should feel depressed.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Practice every day for better English. 英語上達のために毎日練習しましょう。


Sunday, February 14, 2010

One. Now listen.

1 What did the weather forecast say?
2 There isn't a cloud in the sky.
3 It's going to be scorcher today.
4 Those clouds are bad sign.
5 It's coming down in sheets out there.
6 This morning we had the first frost of the winter.
7 Look at that wonderful snowscape.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Your goal is reachable. Go for it. 目標には到達できます。頑張りましょう。

このブログのメインテーマにしてる、ディクテーションですが、
矛盾するようですが、あまり深刻に考える必要はないと思います。

基本的には、テキスト(文字)のあるものをディクテーションするのがベストだと思います。

だって、テキストがなかったら自分のディクテーションしたものが正確かどうかはっきりしないからです。

聞き取れない原因としては、自分の英語力の問題・話者の英語力(発音)の問題・録音状態の問題等、
いろいろ考えられます。

わからなかった語を探す時間は最小限にした方がいいと思います。

探し出せた時には、ジグゾーパズルのピースが合ったときの快感…
だとか書いている人がいらっしゃいましたが、そんなたいそうなことでもないと思うんです。

ちなみにボクはジグゾーパズルという類のものが大嫌いなんですけど…。あはは。

ちょっとした語が聞き取れなくても全体的にどんなことが話されているか理解できれば
それで十分だと思います。

ネイティブスピーカーの何人かに書き取らせたことがありますけど、ちょっと聞き取れない語があっても
気にもしてなかったです。

特にボクの場合はテキトーです。だって日本語会話でさえ正確に聞き取れないことが多いのですから。あはは。

----------------------------------------------

以下、最近の聞き間違いの実例!

「この服はお絵かきするときに着る服なの…」

正解は「この服はお出かけするときに着る服なの…」

「看護師」 正解は 「ダンゴムシ」

英語の聞き間違い

...low range pan 正解は ...lower in Japan

----------------------------------------------

あっ。それからディクテーションの記事ですが、「ファンのみ公開」になぜしたかというと、
今ボクのところに勉強に来られている方にディクテーションしていただくことにしたからです。

力士出身のレスラーの底力をみせてほしい。

柔道の石井以上の可能性を秘めている、って思う。

猪木のところに来てくれないかな…。政治家なんかやめて! 朝青龍! がんばれ!


去年の頃から聞いてたような気がしてたが、何と、2007年からとりあげてた。


まだ17歳くらいだとばかり思ってたら、いつの間にか20歳になってた。

Grammyでも大活躍!


今頃、見た。DVDを買ったもので。

動作チェックするつもりだけだったんだけど、結局最後まで見るはめに…。あはは。

何というか…鳥肌物だった。全部知ってる曲ばかりなのに。

何というか、50歳だったはずのMichaelがまだあんなに動けるというか、ダンス自体が進化してることに驚愕。

オレももっと鍛えなきゃ!!!


小1の女の子でMichaelのファンになってしまった、A美の弁…

「ムーン・ウォークのできる TJ はMichael と同じくらいすごい」 ~ がはははははは。


http://www.nhk.or.jp/gogaku/english/training/


Monday, February 1, 2010

Hi, listeners. Welcome to Five-minute English.
This is David Neale, saying hello to you.
Hi! I'm Vicki Glass. Hope you'll enjoy our program.
It's time to build up your English muscles.
Are you ready? Here we go.

Let's review.

You're a pretty good speller. And your vocabulary is enormous.
But you need to work on your penmanship.

Have you been getting enough sleep? You look tired. And you have bags on your eyes.

Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.

I usually don't wear light colors like this.
But I thought I'd give it a try. Does this dress make me look fat?

Hi! Don. How have you been? Sorry I haven't called lately.
What have you been up to?

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Practice and self-confidence go hand in hand. 練習すれば自信がついてきます。

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Let's read out loud.

One. Now listen.

The phone's ringing. Can't you hear it? Are you going to get it or should I?

Hey, you're a fantastic singer. Why didn't you tell. You've taken lessons, haven't you?

Hold on a minute. I have to stop. It looks like my bike has a flat tire.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect. 完璧になろうと自分にプレッシャーをかけてはいけません。

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Let's read out loud.

One. Now listen.

Happy birthday, Jane. You seem surprised. Did you think I forget it again?

Have you been to Korea. I went there last year. I only had time to visit Seoul.

I met my daughter's teacher yesterday. Her school was holding an open house.
The teacher was quite impressive.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Keep working toward your goals. 目標に向かって努力を続けましょう。

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Let's role play.

One. Now listen.

A: What's your schedule for today?
B: I'll be working mostly.
A: Can you be a little more specific?
B: No. I haven't made any specific plans.

A: Thanks for dinner. It was great.
B: How about coffee? I have a new espresso machine.
A: No, thanks. I'd never get to sleep.
B: That's all right. I have a decaf.

A: You can't park in this space, honey.
B: Why not? It's empty.
A: It says it's for compact cars only.
B: We'll fit.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Don't leave things unfinished. 中途半端はいけません。

Friday, February 5, 2010

Let's listen and answer.

One. Now listen.

What's this bag of socks doing here in the kitchen?
It's part of my effort to be more thrifty.
But don't socks go on your feet or in your closet?
These are worn-out socks. They make great rugs.

Q: Where are they? - In the kitchen.

Hey, Jason. You're good with computers. Right?
Come over here. I can't figure out what happened here.
I pushed the buttons. And nothing happened.

Q: What is the problem? - Her computer isn't working.

Can I give you some advice, Larry? Don't take this to a wrong way.
But you shouldn't let your kids boss you around.
As a parent your job isn't to make them happy.
It's to help them grow into good responsible adults.

Q: What is the man doing? - Telling Larry how to be a better parent.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
You don't have time to practice? Make time. 練習する時間がない? 時間は作るものです。

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Let's listen and write.

One. Now listen.

1 The day will soon come when he regrets this.
2 There was a time when I could do a hundred sit-ups.
3 This is the season when the leaves turn red.
4 This is the park where I used to play.
5 Is there any place around here where I can park?

Let's check. Let's try.

Time’s up for today.
Quit procrastinating. 先に延ばすのは止めましょう。

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Let's fill in the blanks.

One. Now listen.

1 I want to go on a carefree trip.
2 How about taking a day trip to Kyoto?
3 Traveling abroad makes me miss Japanese food.
4 It's best to travel light.
5 What's the local specialty?
6 Don't be self conscious when you travel.
7 Spare the rod and spoil the child.

Let's check. Let's try.

Time's up for today.
Nothing good ever comes out of idleness. 怠けていたら何もいいことはありません。

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