タグ別アーカイブ: 秋葉原 英会話

Stranded for 33 Days?!

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

Groundbreaking news today from different news websites in Japan. The country will receive its first batch of vaccines next week. Read more into the next section for more information.

 

Today’s Article:

https://japantoday.com/category/national/Japan-to-start-COVID-vaccinations-next-week-despite-syringe-shortage

It was reported that there was a shortage of doctors and nurses who are eligible to give vaccinations. There were no follow-up news regarding that, but instead, this is what came up next: the first batch will be sent here next week, and also, there’s a shortage of syringes that can be used for the COVID-19 vaccines. Apparently, there’s only one, if not a few, kind of syringe that can be used with the vaccine. Japan’s plan would be the same as for other countries, they will first start with frontliners and medical staff, followed by the elderly, then people with preexisting conditions, then everyone else.

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz: 

 

Here’s last week’s song:

 

(Fast forward to )

 

I’ll take every single piece of the blame if you want me to

But you know that there is no innocent one in this game for two

I’ll go, I’ll go and then you go, you go out and spill the truth

Can we both say the words and forget this?

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 00:07)

 

 

You ___ away to find __________ to say

I went _______ to make it okay, and he made it ____, darlin’

I’m still in ____ and I say that ________

I know how it seems ________ you and me, It hasn’t been _____, darlin’

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

If watching horror Let’s Play videos isn’t your thing, perhaps you might like ProZD’s channel. Recently, he’s been rating a lot of snacks and food on his channel and it’s interesting to find out what he thinks, as well as what foreigners think of Japanese snacks. Also, lately, he’s been rating Pokemon from different generations, so I think it’s good listening practice!

 

This is his latest vlog:

Good luck!

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/10/cubans-rescued-desert-island-bahamas-florida

Three people were found stranded on a desert island for 33 days, and were found by US coast guards. They were identified to be Cubans after they were rescued, and they claimed that they served solely on coconuts, conchs, and rats. Read more into the article to find out more.

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

Let’s Watch “Let’s Plays” of Horror Games!

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

For some strange reason, it’s warmer today compared to other days this winter!

However, I heard that it’s going to be cold again tomorrow, so stay warm!

 

https://japantoday.com/category/national/More-than-110-000-sign-petition-against-Mori-after-sexist-comments

The chief of the Olympics is currently under fire for a remark/comment he said days ago. Celebrities and public figures have reacted their concerns about this and as what’s written on the article, thousands of people have started a petition to go against Mori. This issue is now considered “closed” as the International Olympic Committee claims that they have received Mori’s apology. What do you think of the comment he has said?

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz: 

 

Here’s last week’s song:

 

(Fast forward to 00:04)

 

If you wanna run away with me, I know a galaxy

And I can take you for a ride

I had a premonition that we fell into a rhythm

Where the music don’t stop for life

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(I’m not  a big fan of Justin Bieber, but this song is very catchy!)

(Fast forward to 01:34)

 

I’ll take every ______ piece of the _____ if you want me to

But you know that there is no _________ one in this _____ for two

I’ll go, I’ll go and then you go, you go out and _____ the _____

Can we ____ say the words and ______ this?

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

I hear more and more people are now into watching “Let’s Play” videos and I think it’s a great way to unwind on a chill weekend. Personally, I watch them for two reasons: Either I’m too scared to play a horror game, or there’s a video game I’m not good at and in order to be better at it, I watch someone else play. For this week, I recommend “ManlyBadassHero”‘s channel. He has a smooth voice and he mostly plays horror games, so for me, there’s a good balance. He uses easy to understand words and his speaking speed is not very fast, so I think it’s good to learn from watching his videos!

 

This is his latest vlog:

Good luck!

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55967959

While Japan is dealing with the Olympics and Coronavirus, among many other things, Myanmar is currently on the spotlight for what’s currently happening between the government and its citizens. The citizens have been voicing out social injustices and government corruption the country has been facing, but this year, they have started protesting against the military government. Read more of the article for more information.

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

比較5 no more (less) ~ than と not more (less) ~ than


こんにちは!

 

比較の回も今回で5回目ですね。
比較は面白い表現が多いので話題が尽きないです。

 

今日は比較表現の中でも混乱しやすいno more (less) ~ than と not more (less) ~ thanについて説明します!

 


【not more (less) 〜 than】

 

まずは比較的わかりやすい”not more (less) 〜 than”から説明します。

これはnotを抜いた普通の文と比べてみるとわかりやすいと思います。
普通の比較文を単純に否定した意味になるだけです。

 

[例1]
This car is more expensive than that one.
この車はあの車よりも高い。

 

This car is not more expensive than that one.
この車はあの車よりも高くない。

 

では、”no more (less) 〜 than”ではどうでしょうか。

 


【no more (less) 〜 than】

 

“A is no more 〜 than B”の場合、「AはBと同様に〜でない」という、両方を否定する意味になります。

 

[例2]
This car is no more expensive than that one.
この車はあの車と同様に高くない。

 

では“A is no less 〜 than B”の場合はどうなるかというと、moreの場合の逆なので、両方肯定になります。

「AはBと同じか、それ以上に〜だ」と言う意味になります。

 

[例3]
This car is no less expensive than that one.
この車はあの車に劣らず高い。

 

車の例ばかりなので、他にも例を挙げてみます。

 

[例4]
The new method was no more effective than the previous one.
新しい方法は、以前の方法と同様に、効果的ではありませんでした。

 

[例5]
He is no less talkative than his wife.
彼は奥さんにと同じくらいおしゃべりです。

 

[例6]
This matter is no less important than the others.
この問題は他の問題と同じくらい重要です。

 


 

本日はno more (less) ~ than と not more (less) ~ thanの違いについて説明しました!

それではまた!

比較4 最上級を比較級や原級で表す


こんにちは!

 

今日は比較表現の書き換えについて説明します。

学生の頃、最上級の文を比較級や原級を使って表す問題が、よくテストで出たのを覚えていらっしゃる方も多いのではないでしょうか?

 

当時を思い出しつつ、それではいきましょう!

 


【最上級を比較級や原級で表す】

 

まずは最上級の例文を見ていきましょう。

 

[例文1 最上級]
Russia is the largest country in the world.
ロシアは世界で1番大きな国です。

 

これを比較級で表す場合、「ロシアは他のどんな国より大きい」という形に変えます。意味は一緒ですね。

 

[例文1を比較級で]
Russia is larger than any other country in the world.
ロシアは他のどんな国より大きい。

 

同じ意味を原級で表す場合、主語を”No other country”にして「世界でロシアほど大きい国は他にない」とすればOKです。

 

[例文1を原級で]
No other country in the world is as large as Russia.
世界でロシアほど大きい国は他にありません。

 

もう一つ例をあげてみましょう。

 

[例文2 最上級]
Tetris is the most selling video game in the world.
テトリスは世界で最も売れているビデオゲームです。

 

[例文2を比較級で]
Tetris sells more than any other video game in the world.
テトリスは、世界の他のどのビデオゲームよりも多く売れています。

 

[例文2を原級で]
No other video game in the world sells as many as Tetris.
テトリスほど多く売れているビデオゲームは世界で他にありません。

 


【”any other”や”no other”の後ろは単数形?複数形?】

 

例文1を比較級で表した時、以下のような文になりました。

Russia is larger than any other country in the world.

 

「この”any other”の後ろは複数じゃないの?」と思う方もいるかもしれません。「ロシア以外の世界中の国と比較しているので、複数じゃないの?」と。

実は”any other”や”no other”の後ろが単数か複数かは、比較する対象によります。

 

例1の場合、比較対象は「ロシア」で、ロシアと別の国を一つ一つ比較するので単数です。

では、otherの後ろが複数になるのはどんな時かというと、以下のような場合です。

 

[例文3]
I think the Wright brothers are more famous than any other brothers in the world.
ライト兄弟は世界の他のどの兄弟よりも有名だと思います。

 

比較対象が複数になることはあまり多くありませんが、英語独特なものの見方として、覚えておくと便利です。

 


 

今日は最上級を比較級や原級で表す方法について説明しました。

 

ご自身で最上級の文章を作って、書き換えてみると理解が深まると思いますので、余裕のある方はトライしてみてください!

それではまた!

Stay At Home Activities!

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

Unfortunately (or fortunately for those of you who do not like snow), it didn’t snow last week! Although, it’s still getting colder by the day, so please stay warm!

 

https://japantoday.com/category/sports/ioc-tokyo-olympics-to-unveil-rule-book-for-beating-pandemic

The committee in charge of the Olympics will release a rule book on how to safely conduct the event. As most of you are aware, the Olympics has been canceled last year due to the Coronavirus and the organizers are strong-willed to have it this year. In the rule book, it has different “imagined” scenarios that might be the case in July. With this, they strongly believe that they would be able to handle the situation much better.

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz: 

 

Here’s last week’s song:

(Fast forward to 01:45)

 

We staked out on a mission to find our inner peace

Make it everlasting, so nothing’s incomplete

It’s easy being with you, sacred simplicity

As long as we’re together, there’s no place I’d rather be

 

Here’s this week’s song:

 

(Fast forward to 00:04)

 

 

If you _____ run away with me, I know a ______

And I can ___ you for a ride

I had a premonition ____ we fell into a ______

Where the _____ don’t stop for ____

 

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

 

Following last week’s stay-home Youtube channel, is another one that would help you make your weekends at home fun! This week, I’d like to introduce a channel that I’ve been watching for months now, but admittedly, have not tried any of what she has done. This week’s recommendation is “Emma’s Goodies” and she bakes cakes and bread with easy-to-understand language and not-so complicated steps! Also, it’s fun listening to her!

 

This is her latest vlog:

Good luck!

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

 

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/jan/27/lockdown-cabin-fever-here-are-56-tried-tested-and-terrific-ways-to-beat-the-boredom

Aside from the Youtube recommendation, here’s another recommendation made by theguardian. It’s a list of activities you could do at home when you’re trying to avoid the crowd on weekends! But before anything, I think studying English should be on that list, too!

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

Learn English and Practice Yoga at the Same Time!

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

For those living in Tokyo and in its neighboring areas, please be advised that there might be snowfall later today! Please dress accordingly and don’t forget to bring an umbrella!

 

https://japantoday.com/category/national/pandemic-reveals-hidden-poverty-in-wealthy-japan

There are several social issues that have arisen due to the pandemic and one of them is poverty in Japan. Because of Corona virus, the gap between the rich and the poor are becoming wider and it’s now more apparent than ever. People have lost their jobs and because of that, there’s a domino effect of how it negatively affected their lives. There are non-profit organizations helping them. What do you think of this social issue?

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz: 

 

Here’s last week’s song:

 

(Fast forward to 00:55)

 

Here comes bad news talking this and that

Well give me all you got, don’t hold it back

Well I should probably warn you, I’ll be just fine

No offense to you, don’t waste your time

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 01:45)

 

We staked out on a ______ to find our inner ____

____ it everlasting, so ________ incomplete

It’s easy _____ with you, sacred __________

As long as we’re _________, there’s no place I’d ______ be

 

 

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

 

Most of us have been staying at home. We’ve moved from working in the office to working from home and in our free time, we usually choose to spend time relaxing at home. One of the change’s downside is that we’re less active, and for this week’s recommendation, let me introduce a channel where you can learn English and train your body at the same time. Something I’ve used before and have started using again is Yoga with Adriene. It’s quite relaxing and it’s a good way to hit two birds with one stone! (1つの石で2羽の鳥を打つ)

 

This is her latest vlog:

Good luck!

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

 

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/22/trump-impeachment-trial-articles-sent-house-senate

Following the inauguration (就任式) of Joe Biden is the leaving of Donald Trump from the White House. However, his impeachment (弾劾) trial was postponed to next month for his team to be able to form a defense. For the time being, (一先ず) he is staying in his “winter white house” in Florida. Read the article for more information about US politics.

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

比較3 倍数表現と強調表現


こんにちは!

 

前回までで比較の基本表現について説明しました。

今日は倍数表現強調表現について説明します。

 


【倍数表現】

 

何かを比較するときに、倍数表現を知っていると便利です。

たとえば「彼は僕の2倍の数の本を持っている」という英文は、以下のようになります。

 

[例1]
He has twice as many books as I have.
彼は僕の2倍の数の本を持っている

 

上の例の、”twice”を「倍数詞」といい、「2倍」を表します。

原級比較の場合、”as ~ as”の前に倍数詞を挿入します。

 

倍数詞の作り方は簡単です。

2倍は”twice”
3倍以上は”three times”, “four times”, “fiver times”といった感じで、「基数詞+times」で表せます。基数詞はone, two, three …の、いわゆる普通の数字を表す数詞です。

 

[例2]
This new method enables three times as effective as previous one.
この新しい方法により、以前の方法の3倍の効果が得られます。

 

 

次に、比較級の場合を見てみましょう。

 

[例3]
The sun is over 100 times bigger than the earth.
太陽は地球の100倍以上の大きさです。

 

このように、比較級の前にダイレクトに倍数詞をおけばOKです。

また、[~ times as ~ as…]を[~ times ~er than …]に書き換えることもできます。

例2の文を比較級に書き換えてみましょう。

 

[例4]
This new method enables three times more effective than previous one.
この新しい方法により、以前の方法の3倍の効果が得られます。

 


【比較級の強調表現】

 

基本の表現としてまずは“many/much more”を紹介します。

manyもmuchも「たくさんの」という修飾語ですが、manyは可算名詞(数えられるもの)に、muchは不可算名詞(数えられないもの)に使います。

 

[例5]
She ate many more pieces of cake than me within the time limit of all-you-can-eat.
彼女は食べ放題の制限時間内に私よりもはるかに多くのケーキを食べました。

 

[例6]
Owning a house seems to cost much more money than I expected.
家を所有することは私が予想したよりはるかに多くのお金がかかるようです。

 

※間違えやすいですが、「お金」”money”は不可算名詞ですので注意が必要です。

 

他に、比較級を強調する語には、“far / by far / a lot / lots”などがあります。

 

[例7]
Military rations include far many calories than ordinary foods.
軍の配給には、通常の食品よりもはるかに多くのカロリーが含まれています。

 


【最上級の強調表現】

 

最上級の強調表現は、“by far / very / much”などで表します。

 

[例8]
Grand Canyon is by far the most beautiful place that I’ve ever visited.
グランドキャニオンは私が今まで訪れた中で断然最も美しい場所です。

 

上記のように、強調表現をthe 最上級の前に挟めばOKです。

ただ、veryの時は”the very best”という語順になるなど、例外もあるので注意しましょう。

 

[例9]
I think the very best whisky in the world is Bowmore.
世界で最高のウイスキーはボウモアだと思います。

 


 

今日は倍数表現と強調表現について説明しました。

それではまた来週!

比較2 比較級・最上級の基本


こんにちは!

 

今日は比較級と最上級について説明します。

実用的な使い方や様々な表現は次回以降にしますので、今日は基本的な用法について説明します。

 


【比較級の基本】

 

比較級は、2つのものの間で程度を比べるときに使います。

たとえば田中さんと本田さんの背の高さを比べて、田中さんの方がより背が高いことを表現したいときは、以下のようになります。

 

[例1]
Mr.Tanaka is taller than Mr.Honda.
田中さんは本田さんより背が高い

 

比較を使わず、ただ田中さんが背が高いことを表現する場合は以下のようになります。

 

[例1′]
Mr.Tanaka is tall.
田中さんは背が高い

 

例1’の形容詞”tall”「背が高い」が、例1の比較の文になると”taller”になっています。
このように、比較する文になると、形容詞や副詞の形が変化します。
これを「比較級」と言い、「A 比較級+than B」で、「BよりAの方がより〜」という表現になります。

 

比較級に関しては、形容詞や副詞の前に”more”をつけるパターンもあります。
2音節以上の語や、-lyで終わる副詞はこの形になります。

 

[例2  2音節以上の語]
This car is more expensive than that one.
この車はあの車より高い

 

[例3  -lyで終わる副詞]
He walks more slowly than I.
彼は私よりゆっくり歩く。

 

さらに、不規則変化の比較級もあります。
これは最上級とあわせて、後で説明します。

 


【最上級の基本】

最上級は、「いくつかのものの中で1番〜」を表す表現です。
たとえば、富士山が日本で1番高い山であることを表す場合は以下のような文になります。

 

[例4]
Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan.
富士山は日本で最も高い山です。

 

形容詞”high”の後ろに”-est”がついて”highest”になっています。
このように、最上級の文でも形容詞や副詞が変化します。
基本形は「A (the)+最上級+in(of) B」で「AはBの中で1番〜」となります。

 

最上級は、形容詞や副詞の前に”most”をつけるパターンもあります。
比較級と同様、2音節以上の語や、-lyで終わる副詞はこの形になります。

 

[例5  2音節以上の語]
I think this is the most useful way of all the proposed plans.
これが提案されたすべての計画の中で最も有用な方法だと思います。

 


【比較級・最上級の変化まとめ】

 

ここまでの説明で、比較級・最上級の変化が似ていることが分かったと思います。

ここで、それぞれの変化についてまとめますね。

 

①規則変化[-er -estのタイプ]

1音節語はこのタイプ

[例]
big – bigger – biggest
weak – weaker – weakest
high – higher – highest

2音節語でもこの変化をするものがあります。
clever – cleverer – cleverest など
bright – brighter – brightest

 

②規則変化[more mostをつけるタイプ]

基本は2音節以上の語と、-lyのつく副詞です。
ただし2音節の語は①のパターンの場合があります。

[例]
popular – more popular – most popular
beautiful – more beautiful – most beautiful
diligently – more diligently – most diligently

 

③不規則変化

さて、最後に不規則変化の語についてまとめておきます。
数は多く無いので覚えてしまいましょう!

[例]
good / well – better – best
bad / ill / badly – worse – worst
many / much – more – most
little – less – least

 


本日は比較級・最上級の基本について解説しました。
次回以降、比較表現をゴリゴリ掘り下げていく予定です。

それではまた!

Find Out Indonesia’s Approach To The Pandemic

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

The state of emergency is not extended to Gifu, Tochigi, Hyogo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.

Please be careful!

 

https://japantoday.com/category/national/suga-announces-new-measures-to-stem-virus-surge-including-fines-review-of-medical-system

Following last week’s article, we are focusing on the PM’s advances regarding the pandemic. PM Suga has asked bar and restaurant owners to close by 8 PM and those who do not abide will be publicly announced and listed. In addition to that, the PM will impose a fine (罰金). He has not disclosed (打ち明ける) how much it would be, but this would be strictly implemented, he said.

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz: 

 

Here’s last week’s song:

 

(Fast forward to 01:07)

 

We’re like diamonds  in the sky; I knew that we’d become one right away

Oh, right away; At first sight I felt the energy of sun rays

I saw the life inside  your eyes; So shine bright, tonight you and I

We’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky; Eye to eye, so alive

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 00:55)

 

Here comes bad news ______ this and that

Well ____ me all you got, don’t ____ back

Well I should _____ warn you I’ll be just fine

No ______ to you don’t _____ your time

Here’s why

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

 

This is more of something casual and inspirational. This is Leah Wei, a Youtuber based in Canada. She uses easy-to-understand English, so following what she’s saying would be easy, and what she usually talks about is something fun and highly entertaining! She usually talks about what has happened over the week, as well as some pieces of advice and tips. Also, she’s vegan, so if you want to be healthier for the year 2021, following her videos would give you some recipes on what to make the next time you want to cook something scrumptious (美味しい), yet healthy!

 

This is her latest vlog:

Good luck!

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55620356

Apart from US President’s Trump’s second impeachment, which by the way is a first in US history, Indonesia will start vaccinations very soon. However, their approach to it is the polar opposite of most, if not all, countries. They would start vaccinating the younger population and their reasoning behind it is that the younger generation is more active compared to the elderly. They are aiming for herd immunity (集団免疫), which means that at least 60-70% of the population must be vaccinated. Another concern they’ve raised is that whether the vaccine is halal or not. Chinese pharmaceutical company disclosed that while it doesn’t have pig, it has monkeys in the vaccine.

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

Tech Giants Taking Political Steps

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

Happy Sunday! Right now, we have the long weekend! I hope you’re able to take the time off to relax, but still be safe.

 

https://japantoday.com/category/national/fraught-history-haunts-japan-virus-vaccine-roll-out

I have asked a lot of my friends about what they think of the vaccines against Coronavirus. A few of them have said they’ll get vaccinated, but some have voiced out their concern regarding why Japan has not made their own vaccine, and at the same time, their reluctance (不本意) to get vaccinated. Apparently, it relates back to previous incidents that has happened in Japan and vaccines. Read more into it and let me know if you agree or disagree.

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz: 

 

Here’s last week’s song:

(Fast forward to 02:30)

 

I tiptoe, too slow; Out of the door to your house

I know you know; That this way leads me out

Outside, too bright; You’re within I’m without

You’re within

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 01:07)

 

We’re like ________  in the sky; I knew that we’d ______ one right away

Oh, right away; At first ___ I felt the energy of sun rays

I saw the life ______  your eyes; So shine ______, tonight you and I

We’re _______ like diamonds in the sky; Eye to eye, so ____

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

 

When I’m commuting, I always listen to music because I like to appreciate good music or songs I enjoy listening to. However, I’m also interested in trying out new things. So, in case you’re someone like me, I highly recommend theneedledrop, who rates and comments on new (and old) albums! He gives detailed descriptions of different albums, which would be good for vocabulary and sentence construction!

This is what I suggest you start with:

 

Good luck!

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.npr.org/2021/01/09/955329265/amazon-and-apple-drop-parler

Following the events that occurred a few days ago in the US, major social platforms and companies are dropping those who did not do enough to prevent it from happening. For example, tech giants like Amazon and Apple are making the application “Parler” unavailable on their stores. They said it’s because Parler management didn’t filter and prevent those who grouped to protest. On another note, Twitter has permanently banned Trump’s account. What do you think of major companies taking a political step? Are you for or against it?

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo