It's time once again for Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin Podcasting. Each week we answer a question from a Nichibei student. This week we are talking with Nichibei student Ayako. Hi Ayako, thanks for joining us.
Ayako:
Happy to be here.
Kevin:
And also joining us here today is Nichibei instructor Carlo James. How are you today Carlo?
Carlo James:
Pretty good, thanks.
Kevin:
Ayako, what are you studying at Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin?
Ayako:
A Saturday current news class.
Kevin:
Why did you choose Nichibei?
Ayako:
The teaching staff is very kind and fantastic.
Kevin:
OK Ayako. What kind of question do you have for us today?
Ayako:
I have a question about a very common English word.
Kevin:
OK, What is it?
Ayako:
Let's see if either of you can guess.
Kevin:
OK.
Carlo James:
Sure, go ahead.
Ayako:
This common English word is most often used as an adverb and is used in polite requests or questions.
Carlo James:
Are you talking about the adverb 'please' ?
Ayako:
Yes! you got it!
Carlo James:
Well, that certainly is a common word. What exactly do you want to know?
Ayako:
Well, I can only really master the use of please as a polite request.
For example,
'could you please help me cook dinner?'
or as a polite question such as
'what time is it, please?'
or to accept an offer when we say
'yes, please'.
Carlo James:
That sounds fine.
Ayako:
Yeah, but what are other ways to use please?
Carlo James:
You can use please
to add urgency or emotion to your request.
Kevin, give us an example.
Kevin:
OK. ah... 'please, please come home!'
Carlo James:
Or to agree politely to a request.
Listen to this.
Carlo James:
Kevin, can I visit you at home tomorrow?
Kevin:
Oh. Please do!
Carlo James:
Or to ask someone to stop doing something. Listen to this.
Kevin:
(singing mindlessly to loud iPod)
Carlo James:
Kevin, please. Kevin! PLEASE!
Kevin:
oh! Sorry!
Carlo James:
Please can also be used to show that you really don't believe something.
Listen.
Kevin:
I think I could bicycle from Tokyo to Osaka in one day.
Carlo James:
One day? Oh, please!
Ayako:
Great! Now, please can be used as a verb too, right?
Carlo James:
Yes. Pleased can mean
to cause to feel happy and satisfied.
Listen to this.
Carlo James:
'It pleases me to see my children so happy'.
Carlo James:
Or give satisfaction.
Kevin:
Every employee at Happy Burger restaurant is eager to please.
Carlo James:
If something is beautiful to look at, we can use pleasing.
Kevin:
I think Kyoto is very pleasing on a snowy day.
Carlo James:
Now, to please oneself is to be selfish. Check this.
Carlo James:
Junko is not a serious employee, She only wants to please herself.
Carlo James:
Finally, you can tell someone to feel free to do something.
Kevin:
OK I'm leaving now, but you can use my computer, TV or telephone as you please.
Ayako:
That's a lot of ways to use please. Thanks.
Carlo James:
You're welcome, my pleasure.
Ayako:
I should listen to this podcast again though. Can I use you computer?
Carlo James:
Yes, As you please. And don't forget to read the transcript.
Ayako:
I won't and thanks again to both of you.
Kevin:
Your welcome.
Carlo James:
No problem, my pleasure.
Kevin:
Now, let's review some words and phrases from this episode.
Could you please help me?
What time is it, please?
Please, please come home!
You say you could bicycle From Tokyo to Osaka in one day. Oh, please!
It pleases me to see my students' English improve.
Our staff is always eager to please.
She only wants to please herself.
Feel free to use my apartment as you please.
OK. Before we go let's check in with the Nichibei office. Ms. Abe, how are you.
Ms. Abe:
Very well Kevin.
Kevin:
Ms. ABE, is it too late for students to register for the fall term.
Ms. Abe:
No not at all. There is still time to register. (Japanese message).
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