英会話上達研究会オンライン

• Speaking of New York, I went there on a business trip.
• Boy, you sound like this cool, energetic, elite guy!
• Really? Thanks, but it's not all that exciting.
• Is New York really dangerous?
• Well, I guess so. Depends on where you are and what time you're out. But, it's not only New York; I think it's like that all over America.
• Uh-huh.
• I saw some people living on the streets.
• Living on the street... you mean homeless people?
• Yeah! It's an interesting thing about Americans. You'd think that no one would give anything to the homeless, but Americans have a custom of donating to those in need. Japanese people like me, feel threatened if homeless people shake a plastic cup with change in it in front of our faces! The sound, to us, is like saying ‘‘come on, pay me!’’
• Each country has its own culture.
• Yeah, you're probably right. It sounds like ‘‘give me money,’’ but they're actually saying ‘‘spare me some change’’.
• That is a very important cultural difference between the two countries.

Grammar Check

【1】

it's not all that exciting

not + all

 

【2】

custom

So many countries, so many customs.

He has a habit of biting his fingernails.

 

【3】

those in need

What kind of support could you offer others in need?

 

【4】

change

Could you give me change for a dollar?

Can you spare (me) some change?　

 

【5】

probably

 

～50%

possibly / perhaps / maybe

 

50%～90%

likely / presumably / doubtless / probably

 

90%～

inevitably / necessarily / definitely / certainly / undoubtedly