UD 1 Most Common Phrases UD 2 Conversations
A clear communication is the basis of any human relationship:
that is why conversation is important.
General Conversation
Obiettivo:
aiutare nell’apprendimento della lingua inglese
parlata per mezzo delle forme colloquiali più correnti e degli esempi di conversazioni varie...
UD 1 Most Common Phrases
Pleased to Meet You
Hello, hallo, hullo! hi! ciao
Good morning buon giorno
Good afternoon buon pomeriggio
Good evening buona sera
Good night buona notte
Have a good day buona giornata
The same to you altrettanto
I am Peter sono Peter
I am Italian sono italiano
I come from Milan vengo da Milano
I work in Milan lavoro a Milano
I am from Italy vengo dall’Italia
I am a cook sono un cuoco
Pleased to meet you piacere di conoscerti
Nice to meet you piacere di conoscerti
How are you? fine, thanks come stai? bene, grazie
What’s your name? come ti chiami?
Where are you from? da dove vieni, di dove sei?
What nationality are you? di che nazionalità sei?
What are you? che cosa fai?
What do you do? che cosa fai?
Do you speak Italian? parla italiano?
Do you speak English? parla inglese?
Do you speak French? parla francese?
Yes, I speak Italian sì, parlo italiano
Yes, I speak it sì, lo parlo
Yes, I understand a little sì, capisco un poco No, I do not speak English no, non parlo inglese
No, I do not speak it no, non lo parlo
No, I do not know English non conosco l’inglese Please, speak slowly per favore, parli lentamente
Please, repeat it per favore, ripeta
Please, wait a moment per favore, attenda un momento I’m sorry, I do not understand mi spiace, non capisco
I’m sorry, I am not English mi spiace, non sono inglese I’m sorry, I am Italian mi spiace, sono italiano O.K. bene
It’s O.K. va bene
Thanks a lot molte grazie Thanks grazie
All right va bene, d’accordo
Of course certo, naturalmente
Greetings and Leave-Takings
Formal
Good morning buon giorno (di mattina)
Good afternoon buon giorno (di pomeriggio)
Good evening buona sera (tardo pomeriggio, sera)
Good night buona notte
Farewell addio You are welcome benvenuti
It’s very kind of you è molto gentile da parte vostra I’ll be seeing you ... arrivederci ...
Informal
Cheerio ciao (nei brindisi = salute!)
Cheers salve (nei brindisi)
Hullo ciao (incontrandosi)
Hi ciao (incontrandosi)
Welcome benvenuto
Goodbye ciao (lasciandosi)
Bye-Bye ciao (lasciandosi)
Goodbye for the present arrivederci
Have a good day buona giornata
See you arrivederci
See you later a più tardi
See you soon a presto
So long arrivederci, ciao (lasciandosi)
Sleep well buonanotte (familiare)
I’ll be back in a minute torno tra un minuto
Do you like...?
Do you like ...? gradisce ...?
Do you like fish? le piace/ti piace il pesce?
Do you like eating a cake? ti piace mangiare una torta?
Are you fond of ice creams? ti piacciono molto i gelati?
Do you prefer beer? preferisci la birra?
What do you think of a cup of coffee? cosa ne dici di (prendere) un caffè?
Do you mind drinking a cup of coffee? ti spiacerebbe bere un caffè?
Yes, I do sì No, I don’t no
Oh, good, I like ... bene, mi piace ...
Oh, no, I don’t like ... no, non mi piace ...
Oh, good, I’m hungry bene, sono affamato
It’s okay va bene
Yes, I like sì, mi piace
Yes, I adore it sì, l’adoro
Yes, I love it sì, mi piace molto
I’m very fond of it mi piace moltissimo
I enjoy it very much mi piace veramente molto
I’m keen on it ne sono entusiasta
No, I don’t like it at all no, non mi piace affatto I dislike it intensely non mi piace affatto
I hate it lo odio
I’d like a ... vorrei un (gradirei un)
I’d rather have a ... preferirei un ...
I prefer a ... preferisco un ...
I’ll take a ... prenderò un ...
Would you like a cup of tea? gradisce una tazza di tè?
Would you like a cup of coffee? prende un caffè?
Would you like a glass of beer? gradisce un bicchiere di birra?
What would you like to have? cosa desidera prendere?
Would you like something else to drink? gradisce altro da bere?
Would you like anything else? vuole altro?
Yes, please Sì, grazie
No, thank you No, grazie
Excuse me - sorry
Excuse me scusa (prima di una richiesta)
Excuse me, are you late? scusa, sei in ritardo?
I beg you pardon scusi (prima di una richiesta) I beg your pardon, where is the bus stop? scusi, dov’è la fermata dell’autobus?
Sorry scusa
No excuses non si accettano scuse
There is no excuse for ... non c’è scusa per ...
Excusable scusabile Pardonable perdonabile Unpardonable imperdonabile
To apologize chiedere scusa
To be sorry scusarsi
To give one’s excuses presentare le proprie scuse
To forgive perdonare, scusare
To pardon perdonare, scusare
To excuse scusare
Inquiring about ...
How are you? come stai?
How are things? come vanno le cose?
How is life? come va la vita?
How is your work? come va il tuo lavoro?
What about your family? come sta la tua famiglia?
What’s up with you? cosa hai che non va?
What’s wrong with you? che cosa non va?
What’s the trouble with you? qual è il problema?
Well, thank you bene, grazie
All right, thanks bene, grazie
I’m fine, thanks sto bene, grazie
I’m very well, thank you sto molto bene, grazie
Not bad non male, benino
Not so bad non tanto male
Not very well, thanks non molto bene, grazie
I’m afraid not well temo non bene
How on earth? come mai?
How is that? com’è che ...
Enquiries
Who speaks English? chi parla inglese?
Who is the cook? chi è il cuoco?
Who eats roast-beef? chi mangia roast-beef?
What’s your name? come ti chiami?
What’s your address? qual è il suo indirizzo?
What’s your favourite food? qual è il suo cibo preferito?
How are you? come stai?
How shall I do it? come devo farlo?
How did you get there? come hai fatto ad arrivarci?
How much is a cup of tea? quanto costa una tazza di tè?
How much is a glass of beer? quanto costa un bicchiere di birra?
How much are two cups of coffee? quanto costano due caffè?
How many are you? quanti siete?
How many tables have you? quanti tavoli avete?
How many waiters are there? quanti camerieri ci sono?
How far is the restaurant? quanto lontano è il ristorante?
How far is the pub from here? quanto lontano da qui è il pub?
How far is the dining-room? quanto lontana è la sala da pranzo?
When do you drink red wine? quando bevi il vino rosso?
When is your birthday? quando è il tuo compleanno?
When will he arrive at the restaurant? quando arriverà al ristorante?
Where are you going? dove stai andando?
Where is the bar? dov’è il bar?
Where are you from? da dove venite?
Why are you smiling? perché stai sorridendo?
Why did you go there? perché ci sei andato?
Why not? perché no?
How old are you? quanti anni ha?
Have you got any ...? ha dei ...?
What’s your favourite ...? qual è il tuo ... preferito?
What ... do you like? che ... gradisce?
What do you want to eat? cosa desidera mangiare?
What’s the problem? qual è il problema?
What do you need? di che cosa ha bisogno?
What time is it? che ora è?
What’s the time? che ora è?
What does it mean? che cosa significa?
What does that sign mean? che cosa significa quel segnale?
What’s the weather like? come è il tempo?
What’s the matter? qual è il problema, cosa succede?
What time do you open? a che ora aprite?
What’s on? che cosa trasmettono, cosa danno?
What are you doing? che cosa stai facendo?
English Idioms, Words and Snares
To believe the moon is made of green cheese prendere lucciole per lanterne To be the apple of his mother’s essere il pupillo della propria madre To upset a person’s apple-cart rompere le uova nel paniere
Apple pie order ordine perfetto
To have not a been essere in bolletta, essere al verde
To be full of beans essere su di giri
To take the cake for rudeness detenere il primato della scortesia To be chicken essere una donnicciola, non avere fegato To count one’s chickens before the hatch vendere la pelle dell’orso prima di averlo preso
Cock and bull story panzana
The big cheese la persona che conta di più in un ambiente To have better fish to fry avere di meglio da fare
To have another fish to fry avere un’altra gatta da pelare
To drink like a fish bere come una spugna
To pour oil on troubled waters rappacificare gli animi To be as flat as a pancake essere molto stanco
To take something with a pinch of salt prendere con le dovute riserve To be as thin as a wafer essere sottilissimo
UD 2 Conversations
Bill: I can’t understand you. You speak too quickly
Ann: I speak at normal speed. I speak my language as you speak English Bill: It’s quick
Ann: It seems quick: it’s only a matter of practise. You can understand your native language, isn’t it?
Bill: Of course I can
Ann: How many hours of practise have you had?
Bill: I don’t know. Years
Ann: Now you understand it perfectly, isn’t it?
Bill: Sure
Ann: That’s why now you must practise listening in the new language, also for many hours. At first, you can’t understand all the words, but don’t worry, just go on practising and listening.
You must try and listen for the general sense of a speach. Words will come later
Bill: I hope you are right
Ann: Believe my words: you must just practise
Listening and understanding
Conversation
FrAnk: I’m sorry, what is your name?
MAry: Mary Cooper
FrAnk: Mary Cooper, of course. Sorry, I’m very bad at names
MAry: Me too, I can never remember names. I can remember faces easier FrAnk: Well, my name is Frank
MAry: Yes, I know that: I’m not so bad at names
Meeting again
Conversation
FrAnk: Have a cup of coffee MAry: Thanks
FrAnk: Sorry, I’ve let coffee spread everywhere!
MAry: Sorry. My fault. I was not ready to receive the cup. Now coffee is on your papers. I’m so sorry
FrAnk: It doesn’t matter, at least for my papers, but it’s on your clothes too MAry: Oh, it’s all right
BArMAn: Would you mind? I want to lock this, now FrAnk: Now?
BArMAn: Yes, Sir, can you please go somewhere else? I must lock up now MAry: I really think he wants us to go
BArMAn: Yes, I do
FrAnk: In this case, let’s go. Good night
Incident at a closing bar Conversation
Ann: Not far now, this is my apartment. Go on in MAry: Thanks
Ann: In here
MAry: It’s a nice room
Ann: Not bad. Can I get you anything? A drink, a coffee?
MAry: No, thanks. I must go soon. I’ve got a lot to do
Ann: Please, wait just a minute; if you don’t mind, I just want to check my telephone answering machine
MAry: What a good idea, a telephone answering machine!
Ann: I had to buy it, because I’m out so much
(Voice from the machine)
Mother: Hallo Ann, it’s me, mummy. Where were you all day? I phoned three times.
I’ll come back from my holidays in a few days, and I’ll join you, before going back home. I miss you. Be a good girl.
Bye. I’ll send you lots of postcards
Ann: Well, that’s all on the machine. My mother is coming to me in a few days and I must find some free time to spend with her
MAry: Well, I’ll be off now. Bye
Coming back home with a friend
Conversation
MAry: Excuse me
Agent: Just a minute. Yes, can I help you?
MAry: I want to fly to Rome Agent: Which airline?
MAry: It doesn’t matter. Any Agent: First class, tourist class?
MAry: Tourist class
Agent: Morning or afternoon?
MAry: Afternoon. Say about three or four o’clock
Agent: Good. There’s a sixteen thirty Pan Am which arrives in Rome at sixteen forty-five
MAry: Sixteen forty-five, that’s four forty-five Agent: That’s right. Quarter to five
MAry: That’s fine Agent: Which day?
MAry: This Sunday
Agent: Sunday, the tenth. I’ll just see if I can book it for you. Could I have your name, please. And, do you want to book the return flight now?
MAry: No, no round trip, just one way Agent: That’s O.K. You’re booked PAying:
Agent: How do you want to pay?
MAry: Pardon? How do you mean?
Agent: Credit card? Bank card? Cash?
MAry: I’ll pay by Eurocheque. Who do I make it out to?
Agent: Make it out to “Perfect travelling SpA”
Buying a ticket
Conversation
John: How’s life?
MArc: Fine, thanks. How’s life with you?
John: Fine, thanks. Everything’s fine. How’s business?
MArc: Not bad: too much work, too little money, you know. But, how’s business with you?
John: Not bad either. We’re quite busy for this time of year. How’s the family?
MArc: They’re all well. And yours?
John: They’re fine, thanks
Asking friendly questions Conversation
Buck: Good morning
Agent: Good morning, Sir. It’s about an apartment, I suppose Buck: That’s right
Agent: Well, I think two of our apartments might suit you. They are rather ex- pensive, but I suppose that isn’t important for you
Buck: What?
Agent: Yes, it is one thousand € (euro) a month. It’s a pair of executive apartments, and, we won’t keep them free for a long time
Buck: One thousand? Look: I’m afraid, but there’s been a misunderstanding, there is a mistake. I really want something quite cheap and small Agent: Are you sure? You are loosing a real bargain
Buck: I am absolutely sure: the smaller the better. Perhaps one room, a very small room. A bachelor apartment. A studio apartment, something very small Agent: Well, that will be more difficult. Cheap accomodation is really difficult: I’ll
see what can I do Buck: Thank you very much
Agent: And you definitely don’t want an executive apartment?
Buck: I definitely don’t want it Agent: Right. I will try to help
Buck: Thank you very much Agent: Not at all
Buck: One thousand euro: it’s crazy!
Looking for a flat
Conversation
custoMer: There’s been a mistake seller: Pardon? A mistake?
custoMer: Yes, the price is wrong
seller: The price is wrong? But it is 30 euro custoMer: But you said 20 euro
seller: Yes, may be, but there’s been a mistake custoMer: The price is not 20 euro?
seller: I’m afraid not, it’s 30. I’m sorry about it, there was a misunderstanding custoMer: Quite an expensive misunderstanding, a 10 euro of misunderstanding
seller: Yes, I’m sorry about it
A mistake in a bill Conversation
lArA: I have an appointment for an interview with Mr. Bryan Rooth. It’s for the apprentice’s job
Mr. rooth: That’s right. I’m Mr. Rooth lArA: Good, I’m a little early
Mr. rooth: Well, never mind. Anyway, have a seat lArA: Thank you
Mr. rooth: I have your letter here. Would you like a cup of coffee, before we start?
lArA: Yes, please
Mr. rooth: I’ve my personal coffee machine, this one. It’s rather good and I like to make my own coffee. Cream or sugar?
lArA: Nothing, thanks. Just black, as it is
Mr. rooth: Here you are. Now let’s see. What’s your present position?
lArA: I’m assistent to the roast cook in a big hotel Mr. rooth: Why are you looking for a new job?
lArA: I want to change, because I want to learn something else. Mr. Black, my cook, says now I’m ready to be a roast cook, and is open to give you his references.
Mr. rooth: What field are you interested in, now?
lArA: Any, with the exception of roasting
Mr. rooth: Well, I think you may be the apprentice I want
Before an interview
Conversation
DAviD: Hallo Michel, how are you?
Michel: Fine, thanks
DAviD: I haven’t seen you for a while Michel: No, I’ve been busy
DAviD: That’s more than I’ve been Michel: What are you doing?
DAviD: As you can see, reading the paper, drinking coffee
Michel: Yes, well, I wanted to cheek on your programme for this week DAviD: My programme?
Michel: What have you got on?
DAviD: Well, I’m going to my grandparents’ for three days Meeting a friend
Conversation
MArtin: This is a nice place for a drink Pitt: Yes, and quite cheap too MArtin: I’ll try and get the waiter
Pitt: What will you drink?
MArtin: I’ll have a Caipi-orange Pitt: What’s in it?
MArtin: It is a cocktail made with: vodka, orange juice, black sugar and ice Pitt: Is it very strong?
MArtin: No. I mean, if you drink six or seven …..
Pitt: I would never do that
MArtin: Anyway, are you going to try one?
Pitt: Yes, why not? I’m not working tomorrow At a bar
Conversation
MAnAger: Good morning. What’s your name?
John clAir: I’m John Clair MAnAger: And your age?
John clAir: I’m thirty
MAnAger: Where do you come from?
John clAir: I come from London
MAnAger: What are your qualifications?
John clAir: I have a certificate in cooking
MAnAger: How long did you study, and where?
John clAir: Two years at the “Best Cooking Academy” in London MAnAger: What experience have you got?
John clAir: I’d been working for two years as a second chef at Carletti’s, an Italian restaurant in Soho
MAnAger: What’s your present job?
John clAir: I haven’t got a job, I am unemployed MAnAger: Why did you leave your job at Carletti’s?
John clAir: I really didn’t leave it: the restaurant closed when Mr. Carletti died MAnAger: What about your family status?
John clAir: I’m married, but I have no children MAnAger: Do you know foreign languages?
John clAir: Yes, fluent French, good Italian and obviously English MAnAger: Well, thank you. I’ll let you know my decision in a few days
A formal interview
Conversation
chArles reD: Good evening Porter: Yes, Sir?
chArles reD: I booked a room here Porter: Yes, Sir?
chArles reD: My name is Charles Red Porter: Single room or double?
chArles reD: Single Porter: Bath?
chArles reD: Shower
Porter: Fill this in. Name, nationality …. All that. One night?
chArles reD: No, three nights Porter: Three nights?
chArles reD: I made a reservation, from London. I booked a single room here, for three nights, from tonight. You’ll find it there, somewhere. I sent a fax to confirm it
Porter: Yes, Sir?
chArles reD: Which room have I got?
Porter: That’s 350 euro chArles reD: What is 350 euro?
Porter: Pay in advance
chArles reD: Is there a night manager? A duty manager?
Porter: You pay in advance after midnight. Now, it’s 1 o’clock chArles reD: For heavens’s sake. Is it a hotel? Here’s money
Porter: Very well, Sir. Your room is number 341. Follow me chArles reD: Can you wake me at 8 o’clock in the morning?
Porter: Yes, Sir. Good night At a hotel
