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Do you want to speak like a native speaker? How much chance?

No chance < Fat chance < Slim chance

These phrases essentially mean there is little or no possibility of something working out positively, although they have slightly different nuances. I would say:

0% chance = no chance

3% chance =  fat chance

5% chance = slim chance

Native speaker like English:                                                                                                            I went for a job interview today but I have fat chance of getting it; there was no chance I could get the job; there was only a slim chance I could get the job.

Simple English: I won’t get the job.

Simple English:                                                                                                                                    Do you think the rookie will make it this year? I don’t think so!

Native speaker like English:                                                                                                      Do you think the rookie will make it this year? No chance!

Simple English:                                                                                                                                    It will be difficult for him to pass the test. We should wish him good luck!

Native speaker like English:                                                                                                      He has a slim chance of passing the test. We should wish him good luck!

We often talk about “probability” (= how much chance something is likely to happen). It is always good to have a variety of expressions to convey different meanings and nuances.

Good luck and Happy English Learning!

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Do you want to speak like a native speaker? Parent talk

Today I am going to explain another phrase using numbers.

Today’s example is: Terrible twos.

This phrase describes children who are around 2 years old that tend to be difficult by crying a lot or having tantrums. How to view a 2 year-old is different depending on cultures and western culture tends to consider that 2 year-olds are hard to handle.

  • A simple phrase: “My son is not obedient and very difficult.”
  • A native speaker phrase: “My son is going through the terrible twos.”

Another example is:

  • A simple phrase: “I do not know what to do with my daughter. She is so difficult!.”
  • A native speaker phrase: “I do not know what to do with my daughter. She is nearly 5 years old but she is as if she is going through the terrible twos.”

Sharing parenting experiences is universally important and interesting. Use this phrase and you will sound more like a native speaker!

Happy English Learning!

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Do you want to speak like an English native speaker? 24-7

I am going to introduce some interesting phrases using numbers.

Today’s example is: 24-7.

This comes from 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and it means “all the time.”

  • A simple phrase: “He works all the time.”
  • A native speaker phrase: “He works 24-7.”

Another example is:

  • A simple phrase: “The store is open all the time.”
  • A native speaker phrase: “The store is open 24-7.”

Simple, huh? Use this phrase and you will sound more like a native speaker!

Happy English Learning!

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How do you say とりあえず in English?

How to translate a word into another language?

While I was browsing a book store at an airport, this book title caught my eye. English learners in Japan tend to want to know the exact translation of an English word to Japanese or vice versa. It is possible if things can be clearly defined such as a computer, a camera, an apple, or a pair of shoes. But when a word or phrase is a bit more complicated it is not that straightforward. The book conveys this message very well and it offers a list of Japanese words and how they are translated depending on the context.

The book is adopted from the author’s twitter account so you can check it out.