作者： Su Xiongchang

Tell me about your favorite movie.

My favourite movie is Life of Pi, a visually stunning and emotionally profound film directed by Ang Lee.
What captivates me most is the way the story blends adventure with spirituality. On the surface, it’s about a young man who survives a shipwreck and shares a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. But on a deeper level, it’s a meditation on belief, resilience and the stories we rely on to make sense of the world.

I first watched it in the cinema when I was a teenager, and I remember being blown away by the breathtaking visuals — the ocean scenes, the bioluminescent sea creatures, and the surreal moments that blur the line between imagination and reality. Even today, the cinematography still feels ahead of its time.

What also makes the film unforgettable is the emotional impact. The relationship between Pi and the tiger is tense yet strangely touching. It pushes the audience to question what is real and whether the truth always matters more than a meaningful story. That final twist stayed with me for years and sparked a lot of reflection on how people cope with trauma.

Another reason I love this movie is that every time I rewatch it, I discover something new — a symbol I overlooked, a detail that suddenly makes sense, or a line that resonates differently as I grow older. To me, that’s the mark of a truly great film.

Overall, Life of Pi is not just visually impressive but also deeply philosophical. It’s a movie that entertains you, challenges you, and stays with you long after the credits roll. That’s why it has remained my favourite film for so many years.

Bengal tiger /ˈbɛŋɡəl ˌtaɪɡər/

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Recommend a book you like

One book I always recommend to people is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.
It’s a thought-provoking non-fiction book that explores how our species evolved, how societies were formed, and why humans ended up dominating the planet.

What makes this book truly special is the way Harari explains complicated ideas in a completely accessible manner. He takes huge historical trends — like the Agricultural Revolution, the rise of capitalism and the development of scientific thinking — and turns them into vivid, engaging stories. Instead of feeling like a textbook, it reads more like a journey through the human mind.

Another reason I recommend it is the way it challenges your assumptions. Many chapters forced me to rethink things I had taken for granted, such as why people believe in nations, religions or even money. The book argues that much of what we consider “reality” is actually built upon shared imagination, and that idea alone was eye-opening for me.

I also appreciate how relevant the book feels today. It doesn’t just focus on the past; it raises questions about the future — artificial intelligence, genetic engineering and the possibility that humans might eventually redesign themselves. These ideas sound abstract, but Harari connects them to our daily lives in a surprisingly practical way.

Overall, I love Sapiens because it’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish it. It broadens your worldview, deepens your understanding of society, and gives you a fresh lens to interpret everything around you. If someone wants a book that is both intellectually stimulating and genuinely enjoyable to read, Sapiens is the one I’d wholeheartedly recommend.

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Do you have an idol you admire?

Yes, I do. I really admire Ang Lee, the world-renowned film director who has created some of the most influential movies of our time.
What inspires me most about him is not just his talent, but his patience and determination. He spent years in relative obscurity, facing rejection after rejection, yet he never gave up on filmmaking. That persistence alone is admirable.

Another reason I look up to him is the extraordinary range of his films. He’s one of the very few directors who can move effortlessly between genres — from family drama and martial arts to fantasy adventure and even superhero films. Each work feels completely different, yet equally thoughtful and emotionally powerful. This versatility is something I find incredibly impressive.

What also resonates with me is his humility. Despite winning multiple Oscars and receiving global recognition, he remains soft-spoken and grounded. In interviews, he often talks about how he still feels insecure before shooting every new film, and how he keeps learning with each project. I think it takes real courage for someone so accomplished to admit that.

More personally, Ang Lee shaped my own dream of becoming a director one day. Watching his movies made me realise how storytelling can transcend cultures and connect people in the most unexpected ways. He proved that you don’t need to be loud or flamboyant to create something meaningful — you just need dedication, empathy and a strong sense of curiosity.

So yes, Ang Lee is definitely the person I admire the most. His work and his character both remind me of the kind of person I hope to become in the future.

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Do you prefer outdoor or indoor activities?

I definitely prefer outdoor activities, mainly because being outside gives me a sense of freedom that indoor spaces simply can’t offer.
Whenever I’m outdoors, surrounded by open fields or fresh air, I feel more relaxed and present. It’s almost like my mind resets itself, and whatever stress I’m carrying just melts away.

Another reason I enjoy outdoor activities is the physical and mental benefits. Even something as simple as taking a walk can boost my mood, sharpen my focus and give me more energy for the rest of the day. I also like the unpredictability of nature — the changing weather, the sounds, the scenery — which makes every experience feel slightly different and more alive.

In contrast, indoor activities sometimes feel a bit limiting. They’re comfortable, of course, but they don’t provide the same sense of openness or inspiration. When I need to think, reflect or simply breathe, going outside is always my first choice.

So overall, I naturally gravitate towards outdoor activities because they offer both relaxation and a refreshing sense of space.

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Why is it important to understand different culture?

Understanding different cultures is essential because we live in an increasingly interconnected world where people, ideas and resources move across borders more freely than ever.
Without cultural awareness, misunderstandings can easily arise and even small differences in values or communication styles can lead to unnecessary conflict.

Another reason it matters is that cultural understanding helps us develop empathy. When we learn why people think or behave in certain ways, we naturally become more open-minded and less judgmental. This not only improves interpersonal relationships but also contributes to a more harmonious society, especially in multicultural countries.

From a practical standpoint, knowing about other cultures is also crucial in global cooperation. Whether it’s international business, academic research or diplomatic negotiations, success often depends on the ability to interpret cultural signals accurately and avoid unintentionally offending others. Many partnerships fail not because of technical issues, but because people can’t bridge cultural differences.

On a personal level, understanding diverse cultures enriches our worldview. It exposes us to new perspectives, creative ideas and alternative ways of solving problems. In a sense, it expands the limits of our thinking and helps us grow as individuals.

So overall, cultural understanding isn’t just a soft skill — it’s a fundamental requirement for living, working and thriving in a globalized world.

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对话

Delivery Driver Can’t Find the Address

Driver: Hi, this is your delivery driver. I can’t find your address.
Customer: Oh, okay. Where are you now?
Driver: I’m on Folsom Street, near the coffee shop.
Customer: You’re super close. My building is the one with the blue door.
Driver: I see a blue door, but the gate is locked.
Customer: No worries. I’ll buzz you in.
Driver: Thanks. Should I leave the food at your door?
Customer: Yes, please. Just leave it at my door.
Driver: Got it. I’ll drop it off now.
Customer: Great, thank you so much.
Driver: No problem. Have a good day!
Customer: You too!

关键词提示

Delivery Driver Can’t Find the Address
外送员找不到送餐地址

Driver: Hi – delivery driver – find – address.
（嗨，我是你的外送员。我找不到你的地址。）
Customer: okay – Where – now?
（哦，好啊。你现在在哪里？）
Driver: Folsom Street – near – coffee shop.
（我在 Folsom Street，靠近那家咖啡店。）
Customer: close – building – blue door.
（你已经很近了。我的大楼是那个有蓝色门的。）
Driver: see – blue door – gate – locked.
（我看到蓝色的门了，但前面的门禁是锁着的。）
Customer: worries – buzz.
（没关系，我给你开门。）
Driver: Thanks – leave – food – door?
（谢谢。我要把餐点放在你门口吗？）
Customer: please – leave – door.
（对，请放在我门口就好。）
Driver: Got – drop – now.
（明白，我现在就放下。）
Customer: Great – thank – much.
（太好了，非常感谢你。）
Driver: problem – good day!
（不客气，祝你有美好的一天！）
Customer: too!
（你也是！）

音标

Delivery Driver Can’t Find the Address
/dɪˈlɪvəri ˈdraɪvər kænt faɪnd ði ˈædˌrɛs/

Driver: Hi, this is your delivery driver. I can’t find your address.
/haɪ | ðɪs ɪz yər dɪˈlɪvəri ˈdraɪvər | aɪ kænt faɪnd yər ˈædˌrɛs/
Customer: Oh, okay. Where are you now?
/oʊ | oʊˈkeɪ | wɛr ɑr yə naʊ/
Driver: I’m on Folsom Street, near the coffee shop.
/aɪm ɑn ˈfoʊlsəm strit | nɪr ðə ˈkɔfi ʃɑp/
Customer: You’re super close. My building is the one with the blue door.
/yər ˈsupər kloʊs | maɪ ˈbɪldɪŋ ɪz ðə wʌn wɪð ðə blu dɔr/
Driver: I see a blue door, but the gate is locked.
/aɪ si ə blu dɔr | bət ðə geɪt ɪz lɑkt/
Customer: No worries. I’ll buzz you in.
/noʊ ˈwəriz | aɪl bʌz yə ɪn/
Driver: Thanks. Should I leave the food at your door?
/θæŋks | ʃəd aɪ liv ðə fud æt yər dɔr/
Customer: Yes, please. Just leave it at my door.
/yɛs | pliz | dʒʌst liv ɪt æt maɪ dɔr/
Driver: Got it. I’ll drop it off now.
/gɑt ɪt | aɪl drɑp ɪt ɔf naʊ/
Customer: Great, thank you so much.
/greɪt | θæŋk yu soʊ mʌtʃ/
Driver: No problem. Have a good day!
/noʊ ˈprɑbləm | hæv ə gʊd deɪ/
Customer: You too!
/yu tu/

英中对照

Delivery Driver Can’t Find the Address
外送员找不到送餐地址

Driver: Hi, this is your delivery driver. I can’t find your address.
司机：嗨，我是你的外送员。我找不到你的地址。
Customer: Oh, okay. Where are you now?
顾客：哦，好啊。你现在在哪里？
Driver: I’m on Folsom Street, near the coffee shop.
司机：我在 Folsom Street，靠近那家咖啡店。
Customer: You’re super close. My building is the one with the blue door.
顾客：你已经很近了。我的大楼是那个有蓝色门的。
Driver: I see a blue door, but the gate is locked.
司机：我看到蓝色的门了，但前面的门禁是锁着的。
Customer: No worries. I’ll buzz you in.
顾客：没关系，我给你开门。
Driver: Thanks. Should I leave the food at your door?
司机：谢谢。我要把餐点放在你门口吗？
Customer: Yes, please. Just leave it at my door.
顾客：对，请放在我门口就好。
Driver: Got it. I’ll drop it off now.
司机：明白，我现在就放下。
Customer: Great, thank you so much.
顾客：太好了，非常感谢你。
Driver: No problem. Have a good day!
司机：不客气，祝你有美好的一天！
Customer: You too!
顾客：你也是！

常用句子/短语

This is your delivery driver. /ðɪs ɪz yər dɪˈlɪvəri ˈdraɪvər/ 我是你的外送员。
Where are you now? /wɛr ɑr yə naʊ/ 你现在在哪里？
Should I leave the food at your door? /ʃəd aɪ liv ðə fud æt yər dɔr/ 我要把餐点放在你门口吗？
I’ll drop it off now. /aɪl drɑp ɪt ɔf naʊ/ 我现在就给你放下。
Thank you so much. /θæŋk yu soʊ mʌtʃ/ 非常感谢你。
No problem. /noʊ ˈprɑbləm/ 不客气。
Have a good day. /hæv ə gʊd deɪ/ 祝你有美好的一天。

说明

buzz (somebody) in
= 用门禁系统帮某人开门，让他进来
是一种非常地道、非常美国本土的表达，尤其在公寓大楼、办公室、社区门禁场景中每天都会用到。

常见句型

1）buzz someone in
I’ll buzz you in.
→ 我给你开门。
Can you buzz me in?
→ 你能帮我开一下门吗？

2）get buzzed in（被动、自己被放行)
I got buzzed in.
→ 我被按门禁放进去了。

3）buzz the door
Can you buzz the door for me?
→ 帮我按门禁开一下门。

对话

Lost Item in an Uber Car

Passenger: Hey, I think I left something in your car this morning.
Driver: Oh really? What did you lose?
Passenger: My AirPods. I was sitting in the back on the right side.
Driver: Got it. Let me check real quick… Yeah, I see a pair of AirPods here.
Passenger: Thank God. I thought they were gone forever.
Driver: No worries. I’m around SoMa right now. Where would you like to meet?
Passenger: Could you swing by Union Square? I’m at the corner near Macy’s.
Driver: Sure thing. I’m about ten minutes away.
Passenger: Great, I really appreciate it.
Driver: No problem. Just so you know, Uber requires you to report lost items in the app too.
Passenger: Yeah, I already did. They told me you’d contact me.
Driver: Perfect. I’ll be there soon. Look for a gray Toyota Camry.
Passenger: Got it. See you in a bit.
Driver: See you. And don’t worry — your AirPods are safe!

关键词提示

Lost Item in an Uber Car
在 Uber 车上遗失物品

Passenger: Hey – left something – car – morning.
（我觉得我今天早上把东西落在你车上了。）
Driver: really – lose?
（哦，真的？你丢了什么？）
Passenger: AirPods – sitting – back – right side.
（我的 AirPods。我那时坐在后排右边。）
Driver: Got – check – quick – Yeah – pair – AirPods.
（明白，我马上看一下……嗯，我看到一副 AirPods 在这。）
Passenger: God – thought – gone forever.
（谢天谢地，我以为它们彻底没了。）
Driver: worries – around SoMa – now – Where – meet?
（别担心。我现在在 SoMa 附近，你想在哪里碰面？）
Passenger: swing – Union Square – corner – Macy’s.
（你可以顺路到 Union Square 吗？我在 Macy’s 附近的街角。）
Driver: Sure – ten minutes away.
（当然可以。我大概十分钟就到。）
Passenger: Great – appreciate.
（太好了，非常感谢你。）
Driver: problem – so – know – Uber – report – lost items – app.
（没问题。顺便说一下，Uber 要求你在应用里报告遗失物品。）
Passenger: Yeah – did – told – contact.
（对，我已经报了。他们说你会联系我。）
Driver: Perfect – there – soon – Look – gray Toyota Camry.
（太好了，我很快就到。注意找一辆灰色的丰田凯美瑞。）
Passenger: Got – See – bit.
（明白，待会见。）
Driver: See – worry – AirPods – safe!
（待会见。别担心——你的 AirPods 很安全！）

音标

Lost Item in an Uber Car
/lɔst aɪtəm ɪn ən ˈubər kɑr/

Passenger: Hey, I think I left something in your car this morning.
/heɪ | aɪ θɪŋk aɪ lɛft sʌmθɪŋ ɪn yər kɑr ðɪs ˈmɔrnɪŋ/
Driver: Oh really? What did you lose?
/oʊ ˈrɪli | wʌt dɪd yə luz/
Passenger: My AirPods. I was sitting in the back on the right side.
/maɪ ˈɛrˌpɑdz | aɪ wəz ˈsɪtɪŋ ɪn ðə bæk ɑn ðə raɪt saɪd/
Driver: Got it. Let me check real quick… Yeah, I see a pair of AirPods here.
/gɑt ɪt | lɛt mi tʃɛk rɪl kwɪk | yæ | aɪ si ə pɛr əv ˈɛrˌpɑdz hɪr/
Passenger: Thank God. I thought they were gone forever.
/θæŋk gɑd | aɪ θɔt ðeɪ wər gɔn fərˈɛvər/
Driver: No worries. I’m around SoMa right now. Where would you like to meet?
/noʊ ˈwəriz | aɪm əˈraʊnd soʊˈmɑ raɪt naʊ | wɛr wəd yə laɪk tə mit/
Passenger: Could you swing by Union Square? I’m at the corner near Macy’s.
/kəd yə swɪŋ baɪ ˈyunyən skwɛr | aɪm æt ðə ˈkɔrnər nɪr ˈmeɪsiz/
Driver: Sure thing. I’m about ten minutes away.
/ʃʊr θɪŋ | aɪm əˈbaʊt tɛn ˈmɪnəts əˈweɪ/
Passenger: Great, I really appreciate it.
/greɪt | aɪ ˈrɪli əˈpriʃiˌeɪt ɪt/
Driver: No problem. Just so you know, Uber requires you to report lost items in the app too.
/noʊ ˈprɑbləm | dʒʌs soʊ yə noʊ | ˈubər rɪˈkwaɪərz yə tə rɪˈpɔrt lɔst aɪtəmz ɪn ði æp tu/
Passenger: Yeah, I already did. They told me you’d contact me.
/yæ | aɪ ɔlˈrɛdi dɪd | ðeɪ toʊld mi yəd ˈkɑntækt mi/
Driver: Perfect. I’ll be there soon. Look for a gray Toyota Camry.
/ˈpərfɪkt | aɪl bi ðɛr sun | lʊk fər ə greɪ toʊˈyoʊtə ˈkæmri/
Passenger: Got it. See you in a bit.
/gɑt ɪt | si yə ɪn ə bɪt/
Driver: See you. And don’t worry — your AirPods are safe!
/si yə | ænd doʊnt ˈwəri | yər ˈɛrˌpɑdz ər seɪf/

英中对照

Lost Item in an Uber Car
在 Uber 车上遗失物品

Passenger: Hey, I think I left something in your car this morning.
乘客：我觉得我今天早上把东西落在你车上了。
Driver: Oh really? What did you lose?
司机：哦，真的？你丢了什么？
Passenger: My AirPods. I was sitting in the back on the right side.
乘客：我的 AirPods。我那时坐在后排右边。
Driver: Got it. Let me check real quick… Yeah, I see a pair of AirPods here.
司机：明白，我马上看一下……嗯，我看到一副 AirPods 在这。
Passenger: Thank God. I thought they were gone forever.
乘客：谢天谢地，我以为它们彻底没了。
Driver: No worries. I’m around SoMa right now. Where would you like to meet?
司机：别担心。我现在在 SoMa 附近，你想在哪里碰面？
Passenger: Could you swing by Union Square? I’m at the corner near Macy’s.
乘客：你可以顺路到 Union Square 吗？我在 Macy’s 附近的街角。
Driver: Sure thing. I’m about ten minutes away.
司机：当然可以。我大概十分钟就到。
Passenger: Great, I really appreciate it.
乘客：太好了，非常感谢你。
Driver: No problem. Just so you know, Uber requires you to report lost items in the app too.
司机：没问题。顺便说一下，Uber 要求你在应用里报告遗失物品。
Passenger: Yeah, I already did. They told me you’d contact me.
乘客：对，我已经报了。他们说你会联系我。
Driver: Perfect. I’ll be there soon. Look for a gray Toyota Camry.
司机：太好了，我很快就到。注意找一辆灰色的丰田凯美瑞。
Passenger: Got it. See you in a bit.
乘客：明白，待会见。
Driver: See you. And don’t worry — your AirPods are safe!
司机：待会见。别担心——你的 AirPods 很安全！

常用句子/短语

I left something in your car. /aɪ lɛft sʌmθɪŋ ɪn yər kɑr/ 我把东西落在你车上了。
What did you lose? /wʌt dɪd yə luz/ 你丢了什么？
No worries. /noʊ ˈwəriz/ 别担心。
Where would you like to meet? /wɛr wəd yə laɪk tə mit/ 你想在哪里碰面？
I’m about ten minutes away. /aɪm əˈbaʊt tɛn ˈmɪnəts əˈweɪ/ 我大概十分钟就到。
I really appreciate it. /aɪ ˈrɪli əˈpriʃiˌeɪt ɪt/ 非常感谢你。
I’ll be there soon. /aɪl bi ðɛr sun/ 我很快就到。
See you in a bit. /si yə ɪn ə bɪt/ 待会见。

说明

leave (something) (somewhere) = 把（某物品）落在（某个地方）

I think I left my jacket at your place.
/aɪ θɪŋk aɪ lɛft maɪ ˈdʒækət æt yər pleɪs/
我觉得我把外套落(là)在你家了。

She left her phone on the kitchen counter again.
/ʃi lɛft hər foʊn ɑn ðə ˈkɪtʃən ˈkaʊntər əˈgɛn/
她又把手机落在厨房台面上了。

Don’t leave your keys in the car.
/doʊnt liv yər kiz ɪn ðə kɑr/
不要把你的钥匙留在车里。

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注意介词 at、on、in的用法：
in your car 在你车里
in the back 在后排 / 在后面
on the right side 在右边 / 右侧
around SoMa 在 SoMa 附近
at the corner 在街角
in the app 在应用里 / 在 App 里面

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swing by + 地点
= 顺路去某地
swing by 是一个非常常用、非常地道的美式英语口语短语。
含义：to visit a place quickly or briefly
快速过去一下／顺路去一下／短暂拜访某地

例句：
Could you swing by Union Square?
/kəd yə swɪŋ baɪ ˈyunyən skwɛr/
你可以顺路到 Union Square 吗？

I’ll swing by your place after work.
/aɪl swɪŋ baɪ yər pleɪs ˈæftər wɜrk/
下班后我会顺路去你家一趟。

Can we swing by a gas station?
/kæn wi swɪŋ baɪ ə gæs ˈsteɪʃən/
我们可以顺便去加油站一下吗？

I need to swing by the office real quick.
/aɪ nid tə swɪŋ baɪ ði ˈɔfɪs rɪl kwɪk/
我需要顺路到公司一下（很快）。

I’ll swing by the store and grab some milk.
/aɪl swɪŋ baɪ ðə stɔr ænd græb sʌm mɪlk/
我顺便去一下超市买点牛奶。

Chinese factories make high-quality, affordable products—and that is exactly why certain capitalists are furious. They can’t keep ripping off ordinary people like they used to. Things that cost $1 to make and were sold for $10 are now sold by China for $2. Their easy-money era is over, and they hate it. So what do they do? They team up with politicians and friendly media outlets to attack China and spread whatever nonsense helps protect their profits.

If you genuinely believe the media’s claim that “cheap Chinese goods are all trash,” then you clearly don’t understand basic economics—raw materials, processing, logistics, labour costs. Think about it: a country capable of building its own space station, advanced aircraft carriers, and cutting-edge fighter jets is somehow only capable of producing “garbage”? Come on. That narrative is beyond ridiculous.

And let’s be honest: are the leaders in your country really looking out for people like you? Look at the United States. A handful of wealthy families own everything. They own the money, the corporations, and the media. If you’re just an ordinary person believing whatever they tell you, then you’re playing right into their hands.

The US-China tariff war is a perfect example. Prices in the US skyrocketed because of tariffs. Tell me—did your wages rise? Did your groceries get cheaper? Did your child’s education become better? Is healthcare suddenly affordable? Do you have more job opportunities now? Do you feel safer walking outside at night?

I don’t need to answer any of this for you. Just ask people who have actually lived in China. They’ll tell you the truth—something the media and politicians never will.

对话

Living Costs in San Francisco

A: Hey, how do you feel about living in San Francisco?
B: It’s nice, but it’s really expensive.
A: Yeah, I know. The rent is off the charts.
B: For sure. My apartment is so small, but the price is crazy.
A: Same here. I pay a lot for my place too.
B: How about groceries? Are they expensive for you?
A: Yeah, food costs a lot, especially fresh stuff.
B: Tell me about it. Eating out is even worse.
A: True. A simple lunch can be fifteen dollars.
B: I try to cook at home to save money.
A: Good idea. I’m trying to do that too.
B: Still, the city is nice. It’s just hard on the wallet.

关键词提示

Living Costs in San Francisco
旧金山的生活成本

A: Hey – feel – living – San Francisco?
（嘿，你觉得住在旧金山怎么样？）
B: nice – expensive.
（挺好的，但是真的很贵。）
A: know – rent – off – charts.
（是啊，我知道。房租贵到爆表。）
B: sure – apartment – small – price – crazy.
（真的。我房子超小，但房租贵得离谱。）
A: Same – pay – lot – place.
（我也是。我也为房子付很多钱。）
B: groceries – expensive – you?
（那买菜呢？对你来说贵吗？）
A: food – lot – fresh stuff.
（对，食物很贵，特别是新鲜的东西。）
B: Tell – about – Eating out – worse.
（可不是嘛。外食更夸张。）
A: True – simple lunch – fifteen dollars.
（没错。随便一顿午餐都可能要十五块。）
B: try – cook – home – save.
（我会尽量在家做饭省钱。）
A: Good – trying – do – too.
（好主意。我也在试着这么做。）
B: Still – city – nice – hard – wallet.
（不过这城市确实不错，就是对钱包太残忍了。）

音标

Living Costs in San Francisco
/ lɪvɪŋ kɔsts ɪn sæn frənˈsɪskoʊ /

A: Hey, how do you feel about living in San Francisco?
/ heɪ | haʊ də yu fil əˈbaʊt lɪvɪŋ ɪn sæn frənˈsɪskoʊ /
B: It’s nice, but it’s really expensive.
/ ɪts naɪs | bʌt ɪts rɪli ɪkˈspɛnsɪv /
A: Yeah, I know. The rent is off the charts.
/ yæ | aɪ noʊ | ðə rɛnt ɪz ɔf ðə tʃɑrts /
B: For sure. My apartment is so small, but the price is crazy.
/ fər ʃʊr | maɪ əˈpɑrtmənt ɪz soʊ smɔl | bʌt ðə praɪs ɪz kreɪzi /
A: Same here. I pay a lot for my place too.
/ seɪm hɪr | aɪ peɪ ə lɑt fər maɪ pleɪs tu /
B: How about groceries? Are they expensive for you?
/ haʊ əˈbaʊt ɡroʊsəriz | ɑr ðeɪ ɪkˈspɛnsɪv fər yu /
A: Yeah, food costs a lot, especially fresh stuff.
/yæ | fud kɔsts ə lɑt | əˈspɛʃəli frɛʃ stʌf /
B: Tell me about it. Eating out is even worse.
/ tɛl mi əˈbaʊt ɪt | itin aʊt ɪz ivən wərs /
A: True. A simple lunch can be fifteen dollars.
/ tru | ə sɪmpəl lʌntʃ kæn bi fɪfˈtin dɑlərz /
B: I try to cook at home to save money.
/ aɪ traɪ tə kʊk ət hoʊm tə seɪv mʌni /
A: Good idea. I’m trying to do that too.
/ ɡʊd aɪˈdiə | aɪm traɪɪŋ tə du ðæt tu /
B: Still, the city is nice. It’s just hard on the wallet.
/ stɪl | ðə sɪɾi ɪz naɪs | ɪts dʒʌst hɑrd ɑn ðə wɑlət /

英中对照

Living Costs in San Francisco
旧金山的生活成本

A: Hey, how do you feel about living in San Francisco?
嘿，你觉得住在旧金山怎么样？
B: It’s nice, but it’s really expensive.
挺好的，但是真的很贵。
A: Yeah, I know. The rent is off the charts.
是啊，我知道。房租贵到爆表。
B: For sure. My apartment is so small, but the price is crazy.
真的。我房子超小，但房租贵得离谱。
A: Same here. I pay a lot for my place too.
我也是。我也为房子付很多钱。
B: How about groceries? Are they expensive for you?
那买菜呢？对你来说贵吗？
A: Yeah, food costs a lot, especially fresh stuff.
对，食物很贵，特别是新鲜的东西。
B: Tell me about it. Eating out is even worse.
可不是嘛。外食更夸张。
A: True. A simple lunch can be fifteen dollars.
没错。随便一顿午餐都可能要十五块。
B: I try to cook at home to save money.
我会尽量在家做饭省钱。
A: Good idea. I’m trying to do that too.
好主意。我也在试着这么做。
B: Still, the city is nice. It’s just hard on the wallet.
不过这城市确实不错，就是对钱包太残忍了。

常用句子/短语

It’s nice. /ɪts naɪs/ 很不错。
Yeah, I know. /jæ aɪ noʊ/ 是啊，我知道。
For sure. /fər ʃʊr/ 当然、确实是这样。
Same here. /seɪm hɪr/ 我也是。
Tell me about it. /tɛl mi əˈbaʊt ɪt/ 可不是嘛。（强烈赞同）
I cook at home to save money. /aɪ kʊk ət hoʊm tə seɪv mʌni/ 我在家做饭省钱。
Good idea. /ɡʊd aɪˈdiə/ 好主意。
I’m trying to do that too. /aɪm traɪɪŋ tə du ðæt tu/ 我也在试着这么做。
It’s hard on the wallet. /ɪts hɑrd ɑn ðə wɑlət/ 对钱包很伤、很贵。

How do you feel about… /haʊ də yu fil əˈbaʊt …/ 你觉得……怎么样？
off the charts /ɔf ðə tʃɑrts/ 爆表、非常严重／非常厉害（极高的程度）

说明

off the charts

是美国口语里非常常用的一个表达，你在电视剧、电影、日常聊天都能听到。
表示：
非常非常厉害、非常高、超乎想象、爆表（可以是好，也可以是坏）
中文对应：
糟糕得离谱（看语境）；爆表；超厉害；夸张得不得了；高得离谱

例句：

表示“很好、很强、超厉害”
Her energy is off the charts.
她的精力旺到爆表。
The food here is off the charts.
这里的食物好得不得了。
His score was off the charts.
他的分数爆表了。

表示“坏得离谱、夸张”
The rent in San Francisco is off the charts.
旧金山的房租贵到离谱。
The heat today is off the charts.
今天的热度热得夸张。
Traffic this morning was off the charts.
今天早上的交通堵得惊人。

□

Tell me about it.
= 我太懂了 / 我深有同感 / 可不是嘛
是一个非常常见、非常地道的美式口语短语。
它的字面意思是“告诉我吧”，但真实含义完全不是字面意思。
真实含义：我完全同意你 / 我太懂了 / 可不是吗

这个短语用来表达：
强烈认同对方说的事情
表示你也有同样的经历
带一点“唉，说到我心里去了”的感觉

中文最接近：
可不是嘛！
你说的太对了！
我完全懂！
别提了，我也一样。

A: The rent here is so expensive.
B: Tell me about it.
→ 可不是嘛，别提了，我也被贵房租折磨死。

A: The traffic this morning was terrible.
B: Tell me about it.
→ 我懂，我也堵到发疯。

A: This work is really tiring.
B: Tell me about it.
→ 真的，我太有体会了。

对话

A Delivery Driver Talking About His Job

A: Hey man, how’s work today?
B: Pretty busy. I had a lot of packages to deliver.
A: Really? Do you drive the whole day?
B: Yeah, almost. I start in the morning and finish in the afternoon.
A: Is it tiring?
B: A bit. But I like being outside.
A: Do you get stuck in traffic a lot?
B: Sometimes. Downtown is the worst.
A: Do you like your job?
B: Yeah, it’s not bad. The hours are okay.
A: That’s good. Do you meet nice people?
B: Most of them, yeah. Some even give me cold drinks.

关键词提示

A Delivery Driver Talking About His Job
快递员聊起他的工作

A: Hey – work?
（嘿，今天工作怎么样？）
B: busy – lot – packages – deliver.
（挺忙的，我有很多包裹要送。）
A: Really – drive – whole day?
（真的吗？你一整天都在开车吗？）
B: almost – start – morning – finish – afternoon.
（是啊，差不多。我早上开始，下午结束。）
A: tiring?
（累吗？）
B: bit – like – outside.
（有一点，但我喜欢在外面活动。）
A: stuck- traffic – lot?
（你经常遇到堵车吗？）
B: Sometimes – Downtown – worst.
（有时会，市中心最糟糕。）
A: like – job?
（你喜欢你的工作吗？）
B: not bad – hours – okay.
（喜欢，还不错。工作时间也可以。）
A: good – meet – nice people?
（那不错啊。你会遇到很多好人吗？）
B: Most – Some – cold drinks.
（大部分是的，有些人还会给我冷饮。）

音标

A Delivery Driver Talking About His Job
/ ə dɪˈlɪvəri draɪvər tɔkɪŋ əˈbaʊt hɪz dʒɑb /

A: Hey man, how’s work today?
/ heɪ mæn | haʊz wərk təˈdeɪ /
B: Pretty busy. I had a lot of packages to deliver.
/ ˈprɪɾi bɪzi | aɪ hæd ə lɑt əv pækɪdʒəz tə dɪˈlɪvər/
A: Really? Do you drive the whole day?
/ ˈrɪli? də yu draɪv ðə hoʊl deɪ /
B: Yeah, almost. I start in the morning and finish in the afternoon.
/yæ | ɔlmoʊst | aɪ stɑrt ɪn ðə mɔrnɪŋ ænd fɪnɪʃ ɪn ði æftərnun /
A: Is it tiring?
/ ɪz ɪt taɪərɪŋ /
B: A bit. But I like being outside.
/ ə bɪt | bʌt aɪ laɪk biɪŋ aʊtsaɪd /
A: Do you get stuck in traffic a lot?
/ də yu ɡɛt stʌk ɪn træfɪk ə lɑt /
B: Sometimes. Downtown is the worst.
/ sʌmtaɪmz | daʊnˈtaʊn ɪz ðə wərst /
A: Do you like your job?
/ də yu laɪk yər dʒɑb /
B: Yeah, it’s not bad. The hours are okay.
/ yæ, ɪts nɑt bæd | ði aʊərz ər oʊkeɪ /
A: That’s good. Do you meet nice people?
/ ðæts ɡʊd | də yu mit naɪs pipəl /
B: Most of them, yeah. Some even give me cold drinks.
/ moʊst əv ðɛm | yæ | sʌm ivən ɡɪv mi koʊld drɪŋks /

英中对照

A Delivery Driver Talking About His Job
快递员聊起他的工作

A: Hey man, how’s work today?
嘿，今天工作怎么样？
B: Pretty busy. I had a lot of packages to deliver.
挺忙的，我有很多包裹要送。
A: Really? Do you drive the whole day?
真的吗？你一整天都在开车吗？
B: Yeah, almost. I start in the morning and finish in the afternoon.
是啊，差不多。我早上开始，下午结束。
A: Is it tiring?
累吗？
B: A bit. But I like being outside.
有一点，但我喜欢在外面活动。
A: Do you get stuck in traffic a lot?
你经常遇到堵车吗？
B: Sometimes. Downtown is the worst.
有时会，市中心最糟糕。
A: Do you like your job?
你喜欢你的工作吗？
B: Yeah, it’s not bad. The hours are okay.
喜欢，还不错。工作时间也可以。
A: That’s good. Do you meet nice people?
那不错啊。你会遇到很多好人吗？
B: Most of them, yeah. Some even give me cold drinks.
大部分是的，有些人还会给我冷饮。

常用句子/短语

How’s work today? /haʊz wərk təˈdeɪ/ 今天工作怎么样？
Do you drive the whole day? /də yu draɪv ðə hoʊl deɪ/ 你一整天都在开车吗？
Is it tiring? /ɪz ɪt taɪərɪŋ/ 累吗？
I like being outside. /aɪ laɪk biɪŋ aʊtsaɪd/ 我喜欢在外面活动。
Do you like your job? /də yu laɪk yər dʒɑb/ 你喜欢你的工作吗？
It’s not bad. /ɪts nɑt bæd/ 还不错。
That’s good. /ðæts ɡʊd/ 那很好。
Do you meet nice people? /də yu mit naɪs pipəl/ 你会遇到很多好人吗？

get stuck in traffic /ɡɛt stʌk ɪn træfɪk/ 遇到堵车；被堵在路上

说明

对话

Life in San Francisco

A: Hi! I just moved to San Francisco.
B: Oh, welcome! How do you like it so far?
A: It’s nice, but the hills are crazy.
B: Haha, yeah. Walking here is a workout.
A: Is it always this cold?
B: Pretty much. The weather changes a lot.
A: Any good places to visit?
B: Sure. You should see the Golden Gate Bridge.
A: I want to. Is it far from downtown?
B: Not too far. You can take a bus.
A: Cool. How about the food here?
B: It’s great. Lots of Asian food and seafood.
A: Nice! Thanks for the tips.
B: No problem. Enjoy the city!

关键词提示

Life in San Francisco
旧金山的生活

A: Hi – moved – San Francisco.
（嗨！我刚搬到旧金山。）
B: welcome – like – so far?
（哦，欢迎！你目前觉得这里怎么样？）
A: nice – hills – crazy.
（这里不错，但这些山坡太夸张了。）
B: Haha – Walking – workout.
（哈哈，是啊。这里走路就像做运动。）
A: always – cold?
（这里一直这么冷吗？）
B: Pretty – weather – changes.
（差不多，天气常常变化很快。）
A: places – visit?
（有什么好去的地方吗？）
B: Sure – the Golden Gate Bridge.
（当然，你应该去看看金门大桥。）
A: want – far – downtown?
（我想去。离市中心远吗？）
B: Not – take – bus.
（不太远，你可以坐公交。）
A: Cool – food here?
（酷，那这里的食物怎么样？）
B: great – Asian food – seafood.
（很好，有很多亚洲美食和海鲜。）
A: Nice – Thanks – tips.
（太好了！谢谢你的建议。）
B: problem – Enjoy – city!
（不客气，祝你在这座城市玩得开心！）

音标

Life in San Francisco
/ laɪf ɪn sæn frənˈsɪskoʊ /

A: Hi! I just moved to San Francisco.
/ haɪ | aɪ dʒʌst muvd tə sæn frənˈsɪskoʊ /
B: Oh, welcome! How do you like it so far?
/ oʊ | ˈwɛlkəm | haʊ də yu laɪk ɪt soʊ fɑr /
A: It’s nice, but the hills are crazy.
/ ɪts naɪs | bʌt ðə hɪlz ɑr ˈkreɪzi /
B: Haha, yeah. Walking here is a workout.
/ hɑhɑ | yæ | ˈwɔkɪŋ hɪr ɪz ə ˈwərkɑʊt /
A: Is it always this cold?
/ ɪz ɪt ɑlweɪz ðɪs koʊld /
B: Pretty much. The weather changes a lot.
/ ˈprɪɾi mʌtʃ | ðə ˈwɛðər tʃeɪndʒəz ə lɑt /
A: Any good places to visit?
/ ˈɛni ɡʊd pleɪsəz tə ˈvɪzət /
B: Sure. You should see the Golden Gate Bridge.
/ ʃʊr | yu ʃʊd si ðə ˈɡoʊldən ɡeɪt brɪdʒ /
A: I want to. Is it far from downtown?
/ aɪ wɑnt tə | ɪz ɪt fɑr frəm daʊnˈtaʊn /
B: Not too far. You can take a bus.
/ nɑt tu fɑr | yu kən teɪk ə bʌs /
A: Cool. How about the food here?
/ kul | haʊ əˈbaʊt ðə fud hɪr /
B: It’s great. Lots of Asian food and seafood.
/ ɪts ɡreɪt | lɑts əv ˈeɪʒən fud ənd ˈsiˌfud /
A: Nice! Thanks for the tips.
/ naɪs | θæŋks fər ðə tɪps /
B: No problem. Enjoy the city!
/ noʊ ˈprɑbləm | ənˈdʒɔɪ ðə ˈsɪti /

英中对照

Life in San Francisco
旧金山的生活

A: Hi! I just moved to San Francisco.
嗨！我刚搬到旧金山。
B: Oh, welcome! How do you like it so far?
哦，欢迎！你目前觉得这里怎么样？
A: It’s nice, but the hills are crazy.
这里不错，但这些山坡太夸张了。
B: Haha, yeah. Walking here is a workout.
哈哈，是啊。这里走路就像做运动。
A: Is it always this cold?
这里一直这么冷吗？
B: Pretty much. The weather changes a lot.
差不多，天气常常变化很快。
A: Any good places to visit?
有什么好去的地方吗？
B: Sure. You should see the Golden Gate Bridge.
当然，你应该去看看金门大桥。
A: I want to. Is it far from downtown?
我想去。离市中心远吗？
B: Not too far. You can take a bus.
不太远，你可以坐公交。
A: Cool. How about the food here?
酷，那这里的食物怎么样？
B: It’s great. Lots of Asian food and seafood.
很好，有很多亚洲美食和海鲜。
A: Nice! Thanks for the tips.
太好了！谢谢你的建议。
B: No problem. Enjoy the city!
不客气，祝你在这座城市玩得开心！

常用句子/短语

How do you like it so far? /haʊ də yu laɪk ɪt soʊ fɑr/ 你目前觉得这里怎么样？
The weather changes a lot. /ðə ˈwɛðər ˈtʃeɪndʒəz ə lɑt/ 天气变化很大。
You should see the Golden Gate Bridge. /yu ʃʊd si ðə ˈɡoʊldən ɡeɪt brɪdʒ/ 你应该去看看金门大桥。
Is it far from downtown? /ɪz ɪt fɑr frəm daʊnˈtaʊn/ 离市中心远吗？
You can take a bus. /yu kən teɪk ə bʌs/ 你可以坐公交。
Thanks for the tips. /θæŋks fər ðə tɪps/ 谢谢你的建议。

说明