日米会話学院 Podcasting

2006.12.20

046_Double_Checking

Double checking information during a conversation is easy with the two phrases introduced by Nichibei instructor Charles Tully for student Naomi.

Kevin:

Hello everyone and welcome to Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin Podcasting. A great way to review English words and phrases. My name is Kevin Jones. This week, I'm speaking with Nichibei student Naomi. How are you today Naomi?

Charles Tully:

Hello Kevin

Naomi:

Hi Kevin

Kevin:

So, Naomi, how many classes have you taken at Nichibei?

Naomi:

Well, I was in a full-time program about two years ago. Now I'm taking a Saturday class, so I've has lots of classes at Nichibei.

Kevin:

Why Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin?

Naomi:

Because I used to be in a daily program, and the teaching staff is really great and I want to keep up my English skills.

Kevin:

Ok, let's move on to your question.

Naomi:

I was talking with my Australian friend Nicole and I said 'last night I went to a movie with Kenji'. Then she said 'Hold on. I thought you and Kenji were no longer boyfriend and girlfriend'. Then I explained my situation to her. So, anyway, how can I use 'hold on' in a conversation.

Kevin:

Charles What's your view on this question?

Charles Tully:

The phrase hold on is used to stop someone so that you can double check what they just said. It could be a very simple situation. For example If I said 'get on the Ginza line at Shibuya and transfer at Akasaka then transfer to the Marunochi subway', you might stop me and check by saying...

Kevin:

Hold on, did you say Asakusa or Akasaka?

Naomi:

I see.

Charles Tully:

Hold on can also be used to show surprise or disbelief, like in your conversation before. Your Australian friend was surprised to hear that you went to a movie with Kenji. She thought you and Kenji split up and she wanted to check.

Naomi:

Hold on. What does split up mean?

Charles Tully:

Very good. You used 'hold on' correctly. Oh, and split up. Split up means to end a relationship as in this example 'my wife and I split up last year'.

Charles Tully:

The best way to answer this is to listen to this conversation. Kevin, can you help out with this?

Kevin:

Sure

Charles Tully:

Just a moment Naomi.

Kevin:

Something funny happened yesterday

Charles Tully:

What was it? What happened?

Kevin:

Well I was in was in Shinjuku bowling with Watanabe Ken
and a girl next to us...

Charles Tully:

Hold on, you were bowling with Ken Watanabe in Shinjuku?!!

Kevin:

Yeah, that's right.

Charles Tully:

The Ken Watanabe? The actor?

Kevin:

Yeah sure! we've been friends for years. Anyway, a girl next to us was just about to release her bowling ball and she sees Ken Watanabe but she doesn't let go of her ball and she goes flying halfway down the aisle.

Charles Tully:

You're joking!

Kevin:

No! I felt so sorry for her, but it was so funny. She just went flying!

Naomi:

Ok So, hold on means please stop so I can check the facts.

Charles Tully:

That's right.

Naomi:

OK. Can you think of any other phrases like 'hold on'?

Charles Tully:

Sure. How about the phrase 'let me get this straight'. This one is used just like 'hold on' But this one is usually used when some one has mentioned a long list of things and you want to check it.

Naomi:

I'm not sure I understand

Charles Tully:

Let's make another example conversation Kevin.

Kevin:

OK...just a moment Naomi

Naomi:

OK

Kevin:

Hey! I got a new Job at Microsoft.

Charles Tully:

That's great. How did you get that?

Kevin:

Well, yesterday I bought a new car and then I went to the horse races and won 2 million yen so I went to Omotesando to celebrate and by chance I met Microsoft's Bill Gates and he gave me a new job at Microsoft Japan.

Charles Tully:

Hold on. Let me get this striaght. Yesterday you bought a new car, won 2 million yen at horse racing, met Bill Gates and got a new job?!!

Kevin:

That's right

Charles Tully:

Wow! That's amazing

Kevin:

Yeah. It was a great day!

Naomi:

So for checking a long list of things we might add 'let me get this straight'.

Charles Tully:

You've got it.

Naomi:

Well, thank you both for your help.

Charles Tully:

You're welcome.

Kevin:

Now, let's review the phrases for this episode.

END

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