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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.

 

 

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How to learn about English articles?

Do you have trouble with English articles?

Learning a language is difficult no matter what but if your native language is linguistically very different from the language you are trying to learn it gets very tough. For a lot of Japanese learners, for example, English is very difficult to master because the two languages are very different, while Japanese find it easier to learn Korean because these two are quite similar.

Among many difficulties, one of the most difficult aspects of English for Japanese learners is its article system. We can get the fundamentals right –“a” for a countable noun starting with a consonant, “an” is for a countable noun starting with a vowel, and “the” is for something we know that has already been referred to. Yeah, the basic rules are there but it is very difficult to learn in a systematic way.

Few people learn about the article system thoroughly in school. There are many other things we need to learn, such as vocabulary, pronunciation, how to speak, how to read, how to write, etc. The list goes on forever! So the article system is kind of left out without being taught even though it is one of the most difficult things to learn for many students.

We want to help learners like you!  We have made a course in which you can steadily learn about the rules of the English article system. Here is a summary video.

If you want to check out the full course the link is here.

Please try it and let us know what you think!

 

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Christmas in Japan and the UK

Here is a short video in which Neil describes three differences in the way in which Christmas is celebrated in Japan and the UK.

The three differences are: 1) spending time with your romantic partner in Japan but family in the UK; 2) the different types of food, especially Christmas cake; and, 3) different traditions regarding cards and presents.

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Improving communication skills in English: Professional English conversation online for free

Having trouble talking to new people? Could not talk to people at a party? Feel shy and tend to be silent with people you don’t know well?

Well, you are not a minority. Actually lots of people have these problems and many of us feel we wish we had a different personality, and we wish we knew how to improve our communication skills.

In order to improve your communication skills, you don’t have to change your personality–the way you are is fine. The only things you need to learn are concrete sets of communication skills. In this Udemy course we break down what small talk is, how useful it is, and in what ways we can improve.

Don’t wait! Sign up for the course and improve your small talk communication skills. Good luck!

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Why is it good to use online learning resources for learning professional English?

Language learning is a difficult task. We have to invest an enormous amount of time to get good at a foreign language, and in spite of long and arduous study, progress feels slow at times.

Research suggests one consistent theme for a successful language learner is persistence. Persistence is thought to be more important than any other characteristic such as talent, intelligence or aptitude. In other words, we have to keep going!

All of us are busy with tons of things to do and at times we feel lazy. But all you need is 15 to 30 minutes everyday to spare for your English studies. If you do so, let’s say for 6 months, I am sure you will notice great progress!

Just find an area or two (such as vocabulary building, English language for meetings, how to give presentations in English, improving your scores in TOEIC, etc.) and invest a little bit of time each day. You will certainly reach your goal some day. Good luck!

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Breathtaking Daffodils

We went to Awajishima recently. It is an island between Osaka/Kobe and Shikoku; famous for onions and daffodils amongst other things. It wasn’t really onion season but daffodils were in full bloom and the views of steep sided hills full of nodding daffodils and the sea were breathtaking.

Breathtaking is an adjective you can use when describing something that is beautiful or amazing and view is a common word that goes with it. For example,  Awajishima has breathtaking views.

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Online English Learning through a song: Chicken AttackYodelling!

Music is a great way to learn English! Here is a link to a recent trending music video in Japan called Chicken Attack:

Be warned that it has a very catchy tune and you may find yourself wanting to yodel!

Yodelling probably began as a way for animal herders in the Alps to call to their stock (cows, goats or sheep); so it’s interesting to see it connected to chickens in Japan!