Hi David,

Thank you for your comments.
Your correcting was useful for me.
Thank you very much.

As for your question about divorce.
I can't imagine that there is such a service.
Divorce makes new life but I wouldn't say congratulation.

Kazu

•  Kazu
• 2010年1月18日 21:32

Hi David
Thank you for your feedback.
Regarding one of your corrections, I have a question.
>I believe that your happening in Guam is going to become one of nice memory someday! (I believe that what happened to you….)
You corrected the first part, so it is ok to say “one of nice memory(素敵な思い出のひとつ)”? I mean, should not be changed “memories” (the plural form)?

Speaking of the article that you mentioned, I have just read it, and I do not know what to say!

Hi Anne and tsuneko

Thank you for your comments
Yes, I know I should go to bed earlier than midnight.

•  amo
• 2010年1月18日 23:32

Hi David and everyone,
David,thank you for your feedback and answering my questions.
I'd like think another "what to say when.." again.
Kazu,thank you for sharing example sentences concerning "tense". Your sentences and David's explanations became good studies for me.
I know the word"condolences" but I was not sure about the way to use it. "2. Please pass on our condolences to your friend" is new to me so it will take a bit to use this sentence naturally.

"Divorce parties?".... Well, retailers seem to find tips for business everywhere, don't they?
I can't believe that there are even greeting cards saying "Congratulations on your divorce." Article says,"the divorce gift list could become the 21st-century equivalent of the traditional wedding list." Are these things could happen in Japan? Anyway, this idea is very practical and I'm wondering if retailers make enough profits in the UK. Maybe they do.
By the way, I see " employee"and " absentee" , but a word "divorcee" is new to me.

Bye for now,

Anne

•  Anne
• 2010年1月18日 23:43

It's me again.
訂正；
I'm wondering if retailers make enough profits in the UK. Maybe they do.　→I'm wondering if retailers will make enough profits in the UK. Maybe they will.
(This service has just started!)

•  Anne
• 2010年1月18日 23:48

Sorry Amo,

That should be "a nice memory for you."

Hi Anne,

"Divorcee" is quite a common word. It's used like バツイチ in Japanese.

I was surprised at the idea of "divorce presents" as well, but when you think about it, it makes sense. As the article says, when a couple get together, they usually have two of everything because each has all the things already, but when they split up, there is only one of everything.

By the way, one of the strangest things I ever saw in Japan was in the Minami Kuyakusho in Sapporo. They have 見本 of lots of different kinds of forms posted on the wall, and they had 離婚届け posted next to 結婚届け as if they were a kind of set! And the forms were almost exactly the same except for the title! Maybe it's just me, that I found that very strange.

•  David
• 2010年1月18日 23:50

Hi David and everyone,

Thank you for your final corrections and answering our questions. That was very fun and helpful! I will surely memorize all this time. By the way, you missed the last sentence you’d picked up.
> Guam was comfortable for me.
Actually, I tried it myself, so I ‘ll wait for your correction.
a) I felt really comfortable in Guam.
b) The weather was very pleasant in Guam those days.
c) I had a very pleasant trip in Guam.

I’ve read the article and fully understood that situation. At least one of two needs another new house with cookware, linen and electric goods. If your friends and family can help you begin your new life, it would be encouraging for you. My resolution for this year is to tidy up old things and throw away unnecessary ones, but I might as well think it again.

Hi Kazu,

I was going to skip reading tonight, but your comment encouraged me. Thank you!

•  tsuneko
• 2010年1月18日 23:52

Hi Everyone,
This is from my cellephone. It seems that only my comment isn't accepted.涙。。どんどんコメント増えてくのに、ど～して～！一度すべて消えてしまったというおまけつき…というわけでまた明日。
Maki

•  Maki
• 2010年1月19日 00:09

This comment is what I wrote last night. I tried to post this after reading David's comment, but mine was rejected.

Hi David,
I understand "Divorce" is a COMMON WORD but still I can't be accustomed to the idea of "greeting cards"!!
When couples split up, they need to decide which one to take and both of them need to get something for his or her new life again but I'm just surprised at the idea of the new service. Anyway, the retailer is very smart and has foresight.
As for "結婚届け" and "離婚届け”, people need to know how to fill in the form and I don't feel that strange .

Hi Maki,
コメント消えちゃったの？
つながらないと、ホントにフラストレーションがたまるね。コメント楽しみにしています。

Anne

•  匿名
• 2010年1月19日 05:32

This comment is what I wrote last night. I tried to post this after reading David's comment, but mine was rejected.

Hi David,
I understand "Divorce" is a COMMON WORD but still I can't be accustomed to the idea of "greeting cards"!!
When couples split up, they need to decide which one to take and both of them need to get something for his or her new life again but I'm just surprised at the idea of the new service. Anyway, the retailer is very smart and has foresight.
As for "結婚届け" and "離婚届け”, people need to know how to fill in the form and I don't feel that strange .

Hi Maki,
コメント消えちゃったの？
つながらないと、ホントにフラストレーションがたまるね。コメント楽しみにしています。

Anne

•  匿名
• 2010年1月19日 05:40

Good morning!
I couldn't post a comment last night. My yesterday's one is as below.

Everyone, have a lovely day!

Talk to you later,

Maki

======================================

Hi David,
Thank you for your feedback!
"If he thought that I had wet myself, I would have been very embarrased." ←It's a pity, but I can't use this type of sentences properly.

As for the topic, I've just read the article and it's interesting. "Divorce celebration parties"? "Divorce' greeting cards"? "The divorce gift list"? I've never heard about them before. Come to think of it, it's true that divorce results in one partner leaving the marital home, and it means that sometimes they don't have any basic goods for their new life. The parties, cards and gifts might encourage them and help them to readjust to the single life. However, I don't think that these will be common also in Japan. One more line I'm interested in is that "With the first day back after Christmas holidays thought to be the most common date for couples in the UK to decide to separete." I'm wondering why...?

Hi amo,
Glad to hear that you feel better now. Please keep you warm and sleep tight.

Hi Nao,
You've got the aritickets?! Wow! Have a wonderful time. When will you leave for London?

Bye for now,

Maki

•  Maki
• 2010年1月19日 07:59

It's me again.
訂正。。。
the aritickets ⇒the airtickets (Of course!)

•  Maki
• 2010年1月19日 08:01

Hi David and everyone
David, thank you for your correction.

I'm going to write about today's topic.
I understand 'divorce' means restart and I think
'divorce party' and 'divorce gift' mean positive divorce.
Of course there are many difference between the couple who have children and the couple who don't have children.
I divorced about 15years ago.
I haven't regreted but I always have feeling of apology to my daughter・・・

Green

•  Ｇｒｅｅｎ
• 2010年1月19日 13:02

Hi David

Thank you for your correction.It helps me a lot.
I'll write a comment about divorce parties later.
その状況でどんな英語を使うべきか教えてもらえる新しい取組はとても参考になりました！Good idea!

Hi tsuneko

Thank you for asking David about the sentence.
「グアムはとても居心地がよかった」という風に伝えたかったのですが、直訳でしか英語では表せず・・・。

Hi Maki

Thank you for your comment.Yes,I got a ticket at last!I'll leave for London on March 16th.I can't wait it.This is the first trip to England for me.（ヨーロッパに行くこと自体が初めてです。）I'm excited now,and I'm also worried about it.Anyway I'll check it out.

Nao

•  Nao
• 2010年1月19日 13:15

Hi David,
I noticed I didn't get it right your comment last night to me...
You told me "divorcee" is common word! I'm sorry,my words to you was very rude. I'm afraid my brain was not working ...it's just an excuse,though.
Anyway, in my understanding, "noun+ee" means" される人（passive meaning) so when I saw"divorcee", I was wondering if both of them( man and woman) were divorcee.
Thank you for your explanation.

So, my question about "what to say when..." is "apology".
No.1 When I was late at the meeting or class.
No.2 When I did something rude unintentionally.
Adding to "I'm sorry.."( or Sorry,..)are there any common words in these situation or do I need to show my apology sincerely?

Hi Nao,
I tried thinking about "「グアムはとても居心地がよかった」"
* I had a great time in Guam.
* The weather was very nice and I felt comfortable in Guam.
* The weather in Guam was very comfortable.

By the way, have you already decided where to visit in London?
楽しみですね。

See you soon,

Anne

•  Ａｎｎｅ
• 2010年1月19日 21:47

Hi David and everyone,

> "With the first day back after Christmas holidays thought to be the most common date for couples in the UK to decide to separate."

The same line as Maki mentioned caught my eye too and I’ve been wondering why so, and then I guess you want to sort out some problems in your mind before a new year begins (or just a custom). Also, when close family and friends gather, you might be able to realize a determinate gap between you and your partner more easily than usual.

Hi Anne,

As for the situation No.1, I say "(I'm) Sorry I'm late." for class, but I don't know the right words for meeting or conference.

p.s. By the way, I was surprised that David looked at something written in Japanese much more carefully, such as signs on roads and samples of documents on the walls, than I(us).

•  tsuneko
• 2010年1月19日 23:07

Hi Anne,
Thanks for your words. Yes, I was frustrated by rejecting my comment.You also couldn't post yours last night? Don't you think that happens often these days? Especially around 11pm, I guess.

Hi David and Everyone,
As for "結婚届け" and "離婚届け", I don't feel that strange, either. How to fill the form might be useful for some people, though I don't think that it's difficult to do it.
About the article, I don't know, but for some divorcees, a divorce may deserve to celebrate. Still I don't think that "the divorce gift list could become the 21st-century equivalent of the traditional wedding list."

Hi Nao,
You are going to London in March? Great! Where do you want to visit?

Bye for now,

Maki

また携帯からです。アクセス不可で今夜もコメントが消えてしまいました。涙

•  Maki
• 2010年1月19日 23:17

Hi David
Thank you for replying to my question.

Hi Maki
Thank you for your comment. I feel better now. You know what? I managed to go to the gym tonight. Last week, I could not go there due to a cold. How about you? Do you go to the gym constantly?

take care

•  amo
• 2010年1月20日 00:05

Hi Nao

I was also thinking your sentence “Guam was comfortable for me.（グァムはとても居心地がよかった）”
Guam was a wonderful place to relax.
Guam was a paradise for me.
I could not use “comfortable” in my sentences, so I am not sure they could express your feelings.

bye for now

•  amo
• 2010年1月20日 00:48

Hi David and everyone!

It's blue.
I couldn't post comments recently, but I thought that "what to say when..." lectures would be very useful because I often feel dubious what to say in daily conversation. Unfortunately I can't remember the situation now, so I'm going to post that as a question when I remember.

I've read the article about the new service for divorce. Divorce must be very tough for both of the divorcees, so I can understand the idea which cheers them up. I think that celebrating divorce is a bit excessive. But, at the same time, I think that it might be the way for British people to laugh off such a serious event. Or is it just that marriage is getting tougher to keep? I hope not...

•  匿名
• 2010年1月20日 04:06

Hi tsuneko、

I found a mistake in your comments.
Maybe you mixed two sentence.

>>I was going to skip reading tonight, but your comment encouraged me. Thank you!
↓

I skipped reading tonight, but your comment encouraged me.

I was going to read your comment but I didn't do it, and your comment encouraged me.
ではありませんか？ (^_^;)

Kazu

•  Kazu
• 2010年1月20日 07:09

Hi Kazu,

Thank you for reading my comment carefully and giving me your feedback. I’m very happy to get such a comment. Thanks, Kazu!

ええと・・・、「今夜はもうDavidの紹介してくれた記事を読むのやめて、ねちゃおうっかな～って思ってたのですが、一人目のKazuのコメント（記事についての）を読んで、それがよいしょって後押ししてくれて、やっぱり読みました。」というつもりで書いたのですが、私はよく端折（はしょ）ってしまうので、やっぱりXでした。

Well then, I’ll try it once again,

I was going to skip reading the article that David had introduced, but I read the first comment of Kazu’s about the article that encouraged me to read it tonight.
(Kazu, does it make sense this time?)

tsuneko

•  tsuneko
• 2010年1月20日 11:29

Hi David and everyone,

Thank you so much for all your words of sympathy on the loss of my father-in-low.　My husband was the host of the funeral, so there were a lot of things we had to do. We still have a lot of things to think about, but my husband is back to work today. My son is taking entrance exams on Friday and Sunday, and I have to go to my father-in-law's house this weekend too, so I'll be back when things are settle down.

Hope you are all well, and see you soon.

Tomo

•  Tomo
• 2010年1月20日 11:37

Hi Anne

Thank you for thinking about my sentence.私ももう一度考えてみて'I had a great time in Guam.'が一番自然な英語で一番気持ちが伝わるのかなと思いました。（great timeの中に色々な気持ちをこめることができるかなと思いました。）でも、とりわけ居心地がいいというのはどのように伝えたらいいのかな？とも悩んでいます。I don't know how to say.

By the way,I have no plan about London.I want to visit a lot of places,but I'll stay only 3 days,so I have to choose places to visit.I can't choose it now.If you have recommendation,please tell me.

Hi Maki

I'm looking forward to going to London.I want to visit the British Museum,the National Gallery,castles,charches and the countryside.I want to visit a lot of places,but I don't have time to visit them.（ヨークの街をおすすめしてもらったのですが、そこに行くと時間が足りないかなと思って今悩み中です。なかなかプランがまとまりません。）

Hi amo

Thank you for thinking about my sentence.心地がいいという点に執着していてcomfortableという単語以外を考えていなかったのですが、確かにそれ以外の単語を使ったほうが自然な英語で気持ちを伝えられたかもしれません。paradiseというのはまさしく私の気持ちを表しています！

Nao

•  Nao
• 2010年1月20日 11:54

Hi Tomo,

I was wondering how you feel this hard time.
Please take care of yourself too.

Kazu

•  Kazu
• 2010年1月20日 11:58

Hi Tomo,

You are very busy for a while, I guess. If your father in law was a Buddhist, you’ll have a mass every 7 days until 49th day. Buddhist monks, relatives, friends and neighbours are coming for the mass, so the host’s family have lots of things to do, right? I wish Teru a good luck on hits exams. Also, I’m waiting for your comeback as early as you can.

•  tsuneko
• 2010年1月20日 11:58

Hi Tomo

Take good care of yourself and good luck to your son.

Green

•  Green
• 2010年1月20日 12:17

Hi Tomo

You had hard time.Please take care,I hope your son will pass the exam.Good luck.
I'm looking forward to seeing you.

Nao

•  Nao
• 2010年1月20日 13:10

Hi everyone

It is very warm today in Tokyo.
It is 17℃　now!
It seems like spring has come.
How is your town?

Green

•  Green
• 2010年1月20日 14:43

Hi Tomo,
The loss of the family member is really tough and I hope you get through these hard and busy times.
As you said, there are a lot of things to do as the host's family . Please take good care of yourself.
Teru is taking exams this Friday and Sunday?
I wish him good luck on his exams.
As tsuneko said, we are waiting for you to come back again here!

Hi Nao,
You are welcome. It's a good chance for me to think about the sentence.
I also thought using "paradise"(amo's sentence) was nice.

Hi tsuneko,
Thank you for sharing your idea.
My sentence is almost same as you. " (I'm) sorry for being late."
By the way, as you said, David sometimes questions us what I(we) don't pay attention or don't notice! It's interesting,isn't it?

Hi Green,
It's warm around here Nagoya,too!
Did you know today is "大寒”, the coldest day in winter.

Hi blue,
I agree with you. If we know the proper expression in each situation, conversations would go more smoothly,right?

Bye for now,

Anne

•  Anne
• 2010年1月20日 16:34

Hi Green

It isn't cold in Osaka,too!It's a lovely day:)

Nao

•  Nao
• 2010年1月20日 17:34

Hi Tomo,

Nice to have you back.

•  David
• 2010年1月20日 19:23

Hi Tomo,
Glad to hear from you. Take your time. Looking forward to having you back full-time ;-)
I wish your son good luck!

•  Lily
• 2010年1月20日 21:29

Hi Tomo,
It's really tough to face the loss of the family member. Please take good care of yourself and I hope you get through a lot of things to do. We are waiting here for you!

Hi tsuneko and Anne,
Yes, it's interesting that David sometimes notices what we don't pay attention and besides he remembers it very well.

Hi Green,
It's warm here in Hokkaido, too. The maximum temperature was 6c, though today is 大寒 as Anne said. But it seems that it will be back to winter tomorrow...

Hi amo,
It's nice that you went to gym yesterday. I try to go at least twice a week, but I haven't done this week.

Hi Nao,
York is a lovely place to look around, but it takes about two hours by train from London. Anyway, making a plan is one of pleasures of a trip, right?;-)

Bye for now,

Maki

•  Maki
• 2010年1月20日 21:38

Hi David and everyone,
Concerning "what to say when...", I read David's yellow book(英語と仲直りできる本）and thought it was a good idea to pick up a few examples from the book to make sure what to say in each situation. Actually it is the first time I've opened this book for a while.
1. 「いってらっしゃい」
2．「お帰りなさい」
3．「ただいま」
4．「おつかれさま（でした）」
According to the book, there are not necessarily "決まり文句（cliche)" for each case.

What you you say?

>Maki,
he remembers it very well.→"Exactly!"

I'm going to Shikoku from tomorrow and will be back on Saturday.

Bye for now,

Anne

•  Ａｎｎｅ
• 2010年1月20日 21:56

it's me again.
Concerning my questions, if you have the red book, have a look from page 105 to 110.

•  Anne
• 2010年1月20日 21:59

Hi Tomo

Glad to hear from you again. I know that the things keep you busy for a while, so take your time. Take a good care of yourself too.

I will keep my fingers crossed for your son.

see you soon

•  amo
• 2010年1月20日 23:56

Hi team,

I noticed something else today that I can't understand about Japan. Why do police cars have their lights flashing even when there is no emergency? Surely the point of flashing lights and sirens is to tell people to move out of the way. If a deaf person sees a police car in Japan, how is he or she supposed to know whether they need to move out of the way or not? (In the UK, emergency vehicles only use their lights and sirens when there is an emergency.)

Do any of you know why they do this?

•  David
• 2010年1月21日 00:16

Hi David and everyone,

Thank you to all for your kind words to me and all the wishes to my son. I really appreciate for your support. Many thanks!

Tomo

•  Tomo
• 2010年1月21日 10:33

Hi Tomo

Do you watch KIT KAT commercial?
I think that you have the feeling as mother in the commercial.
The mother in the commercial is played by Hideko Hara.
I remember last year・・・

Hi Anne

Are you going to Shikoku again?
Be careful!
I don't have the yellow book but I tried.
These are my idea about how to say
1. 「いってらっしゃい」
2．「お帰りなさい」
3．「ただいま」
4．「おつかれさま（でした）」in English.

1.Bye
2.Welcome home.
3.I'm home.
4.See you tomorrow.

What do you think of these?

Green

•  Green
• 2010年1月21日 12:53

Hi Maki

Yes,making a plan is fun for me.By the way,thank you for telling me about York.It helps a lot.York is far from London?It may be difficult for me to go to York.Anyway,I'll make a plan for my lovely trip.

Hi Anne

You're going to Shikoku again?Sounds good.Have a good day:)

Hi David

Police cars have their lights flashing when there is no emergency?When I saw police cars moving,they didn't have their lights flashing.I think you saw police cars going on patrol.(They didn't run very fast,did they?) I think the point of flashing lights,sirens and running very fast is to tell people to move out of the way.I didn't know emergency vehicles only use their lights and sirens when there is an emergency in the UK.

Nao

•  Nao
• 2010年1月21日 15:30

Hi David,

Unfortunately I don't know why police cars have their lights flashing even when there is no emergency. They didn't used to do this before. I'm wondering when they've started doing it, and I have the same question as you do. I checked why they do it on the internet, but I couldn't find anything about it. I only found that there are three
assumptions for an emergency vehicle; having its red lights flashing, turning on the siren and having its headlights on. Nobody knows about it!
Anyway, I have no idea about your question...

Talk to you later,

Maki

•  Maki
• 2010年1月21日 22:49

I was thinking that it would be very confusing for deaf people. I know that police cars don't always have their lights on, but they seem to do it, as Nao said, when they are "on patrol." Nao, when you go to England, if you see a police car with its lights flashing, jump out of the way very quickly!

•  David
• 2010年1月22日 00:01

Hi Nao and Anne

Glad to know both of you like my sentence. Thank you.
Nao> England was my first overseas trip and it was almost 20 years ago. I enjoyed a three-week homestay in Brighton. During my stay I went to London and visited the British Museum and the National Gallery. About 4 years ago, I have been to England again. At that time, one of my sisters was living there so I visited her. During my stay, we took a trip to York. We really enjoyed walking around the walls. I bet that you are enjoying planning your trip. It is fun for you as Maki said. Have fun!!

Hi David

I thought that emergency vehicles only use their lights and sirens when there is an emergency in Japan, too. I do not drive a car, so I did not know they have their lights flashing even when there is no emergency. I have no idea. So sorry!

Speak to you soon

•  amo
• 2010年1月22日 00:12

Hi David

I see!If I see a police car with its lights flashing,I'll jump out of the way very quickly!(I hope there is no emergency in the UK.)
As you said,I also thought it would be very confusing for deaf people,but I didn't notice about it.

Hi amo

You have been to England?Sounds great!You had a great time in York!So nice,I want to have a great time like you.As I heard about York,York is a beautiful town.（時間の問題がありますが、Yorkに行けるようなプランを考えようかと思います。）Thank you for telling me about your staying.

Nao

•  Nao
• 2010年1月22日 12:01

Hi Green,

Thanks for your comment. Yes, I have watched that commercial, and I'm feeling the same way as the mother in it. It's... tough!!
By the way, my son got some snack from my nieces(his cousins), such as うカルピス　キャンディ and Toppa.（←The original name of this snack is Toppo.） I hope they will work as well as the good-luck charm my mother gave him!

Tomo

•  Tomo
• 2010年1月22日 12:17

Hi team,

I was busy today because we are in the middle of exam time at Nanzan, so I didn't have time to do an entry. When I got home, I started working on the English version of the errors dictionary again, and I just kept going and going. I don't know why, but it was really easy for me to write tonight, and I managed to finish the book. I'll do the entry tomorrow.

Bye for now,

David

•  David
• 2010年1月23日 00:36

Hi team,

I was busy today because we are in the middle of exam time at Nanzan, so I didn't have time to do an entry. When I got home, I started working on the English version of the errors dictionary again, and I just kept going and going. I don't know why, but it was really easy for me to write tonight, and I managed to finish the book. I'll do the entry tomorrow.

Bye for now,

David

•  David
• 2010年1月23日 00:41

Hi David

Happy for you that you finished writing the book.
looking forward to your new entry tomorrow.

good night and sleep tight.

•  amo
• 2010年1月23日 01:19