タグ別アーカイブ: 英語 文法

The Torch Relay Has Started!

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

The torch relay has started weeks ago and will continue until July.

This signifies that the Olympics will officially be held this year.

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Article:

https://japantoday.com/category/tokyo-2020-olympics/tokyo-olympic-torch-relay-providing-cultural-showcase-amid-pandemic

Amid the pandemic, the Olympics Committee has decided to push through with their plan to hold the Games this year. The torch relay has started a few weeks back and will continue until the latter half of July. Over the 121 days of this ceremony, the torchbearers will showcase Japan’s scenic sites and locations, as well as some traditional sports. Given this, would you go out of your way to spectate the torch relay event?

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz:

Here’s last week’s song:

 

(Fast forward to 01:26)

Why am I so emotional?

No, it’s not a good look, gain some self-control

And deep down I know this never works

But you can lay with me so it doesn’t hurt

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 01:20)

I just hope you’re _____ next to somebody, who _____ how to love you like me

There must be a good ______ that you’re gone

Every ____ and ____ I think you might want me to

Come show up at your _____, but I’m just too ______ that I’ll be wrong

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

This week, we’ll be taking a more casual Youtube channel. Her name is Kelly Stamps and she’s a Youtuber who lived in New York and has recently moved to Cuba. She makes motivational videos and shares her life stories/experiences, but does it in a way that’s funny and relatable. I personally enjoy watching her videos because she explains things that I could understand and process in my head easily.

 

This is not her latest vlog, but what I enjoyed the most:

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-56535822

This news has sparked controversy last year, but has gained people’s attention again this year due to the US’ allegations in January that China has been targeting the Uighurs and other Muslim minorities. The Uighurs main product is the Xinjiang Cotton, which is found in most clothing brands, however, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly which brands use them. Some brands, however, have been identified and are currently under fire for being unable to be more sustainable. People are now boycotting these brands for having the said Xinjiang Cotton, which is considered unsustainable. What do you think of this matter?

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

The School of Life!

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

The application for the JLPT has opened and I’m aiming for N2!

I’m studying a lot and if you have any book recommendations, please let me know!

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Article:

https://japantoday.com/category/national/update-3-japan-to-lift-tokyo-area-state-of-emergency-as-planned-on-sunday

As planned, Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, and Saitama will all be free from the state of emergency. This means that shops can freely close what time they want, however, the government still advises them to close at 9 PM until the end of the month. Also, this means that the subsidy they get from the government will stop, and shops and restaurants would have to rely on their own sales. Regarding this decision, what do you think?

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz:

Here’s last week’s song:

 

(Fast forward to 01:14)

My world’s been hectic, seems electric

But Ive been wakin’ up with your voice in my head

And I’m tryna send a message and let you know

That every single minute I’m without you, I regret it

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 01:26)

Why am I so _________?

No, it’s not a good ____, gain some self-________

And _____ down I know this never works

But you can lay with me so it doesn’t _____

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

For this week, it’s a bit of a serious channel. I’ve been following it for quite some time now and it gives insights and deep explanations regarding emotional/psychological questions and problems. Narrated by Alain de Botton, who speaks in a British accent and would be a good listening practice, in my opinion. Unfortunately, the subtitles are only available in English, but I think it would be an extra difficult challenge for everyone to partake in.

 

This is their latest vlog:

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-56415248

One thing that some of you may be asking is that one of the good things that came after the pandemic is the population of most, if not all, countries would go up. On the contrary, it’s not the case for some countries. The article above gives detailed theories as to why, but in a nutshell, it boils down to two major factors: stress and financial condition. For more information, please read the article above!

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

Teamlab’s Latest Exhibition!

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

The new Evangelion movie is out! I’m currently watching all the previous movies and TV shows before I watch the latest movie! Are you also excited for the new movie?

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Article:

https://japantoday.com/category/business/japanese-drugmaker-starts-astrazeneca-vaccine-production-in-japan

A Japanese company, Daiichi Sankyo, has collaborated with Astrazeneca to produce vaccines against COVID-19. This is the latest news against the pandemic, however some people are still against getting inoculated. A significantly less number will be manufactured locally and others would still be transported abroad. What do you think about this news?

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz:

Here’s last week’s song:

(Fast forward to 01:20)

I’ve seen the world, lit it up as my stage now

Channeling angels in, the new age now

Hot summer days, rock and roll

The way you’d play for me at your show

And all the ways I got to know

Your pretty face and electric soul

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 01:14)

My world’s been _____, seems _______

But Ive been wakin’ up with your _____ in my head

And I’m tryna send a ______ and let you know

That every single _____ I’m without you, I regret it

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

If you’re into horror movies and how to figure out a way out of every puzzle/dilemma in them, then I suggest this channel. It’s called, “Cinema Summary” and it discusses recent movies and TV shows from all over the world. The narrator uses casual English and his speaking speed is not so fast, so it’s easy to understand what he’s saying.

This is his latest vlog:

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/Museum-sauna-digital-art-experience

Together with the two exhibitions in Odaiba and Toyosu, teamlab has produced another that fits the current season. It’s not so cold anymore, and at the same time, it’s not so warm, so teamlab’s most recent exhibition, which combines light shows with sauna/onsen would feel really therapeutic. I’m not quite sure how they’ve changed the system according to the current pandemic, but I think it’s worth checking out!

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

第一回Phrasal Verbs特集 Take①

.
こんにちは!

 

本日から数回にわたってPhrasal Verbs特集をやっていこうと思います。

Phrasal Verbsは日本語では「句動詞」と言われているもので、「動詞+前置詞や副詞」の塊で一つの意味になります。

 

たとえば以下のようなものが句動詞の例です。

 

“take after ~”「〜に似ている」

 

[例1]
He really takes after his father.
彼はお父さんによく似ている。

 

“take”と”after”がそれぞれ別々に働くのではなく、“take after”で一つの意味になっています。

今回から毎回一つの動詞を取り上げて、その動詞のPhasal Verbを紹介していけたらと思います。

 

本日のテーマは上記例でも挙げた”take”です。
それではいきましょう!

 


【1.take off】

take offには多種多様な意味がありますが、ここでは3つの例を挙げてみます。

 

<(飛行機などが)離陸する>

これはそのままカタカナ語でも「テイクオフ」と言いますよね。

[例2]
When the airplane was taking off, he looked very nervous.
飛行機が離陸している時、彼はとても緊張していました。

 

<(服などを)脱ぐ>

take offには「(服などを)脱ぐ」の意味もあります。
takeは「はずす、取る、離す」という意味があり、「離陸する」も「地面から離れること」で、「脱ぐ」も「体から衣服を取り外す」と考えると納得ではないでしょうか。

[例3]
Take off your wet clothes and come near to the fireplace. You’ll catch a cold.
濡れた服を脱いで暖炉の近くに来てください。風邪をひいてしまいます。

 

なお、着る時は”take on”ではないので気をつけてください。
「(服などを)着る」は”put on”か”wear”です。

 

ちなみにBlink 182というバンドの作品に“Take Off Your Pants & Jacket”というタイトルのものがありますが、ジャケットにはタイトルの記載がなく、上から「飛行機」「ズボン」「上着」の3つのアイコンのみが描かれており、このアイコンだけでアルバムタイトルを表すというジョークであることがわかります。これも「離陸する」と「服を脱ぐ」二つの意味があればこそのジョークですね。

 

<お休みを取る>

こちらはビジネス英語ではよく使う表現ですね。

“take 日数 off”で「〜日休む」です。

“take a day off”で「1日休む」“take a week off”なら「一週間休む」です。
有給や事前申請など、ちゃんと許可をとって休む時の表現です。

 

“take off a day”ではなく“take a day off”というように“take”と”off”で日数を挟むことに注意です。

 

[例4]
He is not in the office today because of taking a day off.
彼は休みのため本日は出社していません。

 


【2.take over】

take overもいくつか意味がありますが、ビジネスで不可欠な「〜を引き継ぐ」の意味を紹介します。

 

[例5]
The person in charge will take over this case.
本件担当者が引き継ぎます。

 

気をつけて欲しいのが、”take over”は主語が誰かから引き継ぐ時の意味になります。

主語が誰かに引き継ぐときは”hand over something to someone”になるので注意しましょう。

 

[例6]
I will hand over this project to my successor.
このプロジェクトを後任に引き継ぎます。

 

“take”が「取る」”hand”が「手渡す」であることを意識していれば、間違った使い方にななりにくいと思います。

 


【3.take on】

“take on”も様々な意味がありますが、「取る」の”take”を源にした2つの意味を紹介します。

 

<(責任や仕事を)引き受ける>

まずは「(責任や仕事を)引き受ける」で、”accept”に似た意味になります。

 

[例7]
The more you get promoted, the more you have to take on heavy responsibilities.
昇進すればするほど、重い責任を負わなければなりません。

 

 

<(人を)雇う>

“take on”には「(人を)雇う」の意味もあります。
こちらは、”employ”とほぼ同じ意味になります。

 

[例8]
How many employees will we take on this year?
今年は何人の従業員を採用しますか?

 


 

本日はtakeのPhrasal Verbsを紹介しましたが、まだたくさんあるので来週続編をやりますね〜

それではまた!

Foreigners Prohibited to Come Here for the Olympics?

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

Things have started moving forward here in Japan. From the Olympics to the inoculation of everyone against COVID-19.

 

Today’s Article:

https://japantoday.com/category/tokyo-2020-olympics/Fans-from-abroad-unlikely-for-postponed-Tokyo-Olympics

The Tokyo Olympics Committee has answered questions regarding the upcoming event. The committee has not directly answered whether foreigners will be allowed to come for the big event or not, but how they have answered the questions imply that foreigners would not be allowed to come here. Given that case, the Olympics will either only have residents as the audience or no audience at all. This, unfortunately, means that the losses would have to be taken out of public money. Read the article for the complete report.

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz: 

 

Here’s last week’s song:

 

(Fast forward to 00:48)

 

 

It’s like I’ve been awakened, every rule I had you breaking

It’s the risk that I’m taking, I ain’t never gonna shut you out

Everywhere I’m looking now, I’m surrounded by your embrace

Baby, I can see your halo, you know you’re my saving grace

 

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 01:20)

 

 

I’ve seen the _____, lit it up as my stage now

Channeling _______ in, the new age now

Hot summer days, ____ and ____

The way you’d ____ for me at your show

And all the ____ I got to know

Your ____ face and _______ soul

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

Because of the state of emergency and the on-going pandemic, I’m sure everyone misses traveling around the country. And due to that, I recommend the channel, “Abroad in Japan”, which features different places in Japan and recommendations as to where to go and eat in & out of Tokyo. He talks with his native, British accent, which would be good listening practice. 

 

This is his latest vlog:

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/04/south-koreas-first-transgender-soldier-found-dead

Something that happens in Japan’s neighboring country. The military in South Korea refuses to accept transgenders to take part in protecting the country. Last year, a soldier openly announced that she had gender reassignment surgery done and stood by her decision to still be a soldier. She was found dead a week ago and they are now investigating the cause of it.

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

比較8 比較を使った様々な表現 最上級編


こんにちは!

 

本日は比較の最終回です。
最上級を使った様々な表現を、3つ紹介します!

 


【the second (third, fourth, …) + 最上級】

 

最上級は、「最も〜な」という意味を表しますが、こちらは1番だけではなく、2(3、4…)番目に〜を表す方法です。

 

“the second (third, fourth, …) + 最上級”の意味は「2(3,4…)番目に〜」です。

“the”と最上級の間に”second (third, fourth, …) “など序数詞を挟めばOKです。

 

[例1]
Mt. Kitadake is the second highest mountain in Japan.
北岳は日本で2番目に高い山です。

 

[例2]
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world.
ブラジルは世界で5番目に大きい国です。

 


【make the most(best) of ~】

“make the most of ~”「〜を最大限に活用する」という意味です。

 

[例3]
I think he can make the most of his experience for this task.
この仕事のために彼の経験を最大限に活用できると思います。

 

“make the best of~” でも同じような意味になりますが、こちらの方が切羽詰まっているニュアンスとなります。

 

[例4]
Let’s make the best of our time to meet the deadline.
締め切りに間に合わせるために、時間を最大限に活用しましょう。

 


【the last A + to不定詞】

 

“the last A + to不定詞”「最も〜しそうもないA」という意味です。

実は”last”は”late”の最上級なので、この機会に覚えておきましょう。

 

また、”late”は「時間が遅い」か「順番が遅い」かで2つの比較変化があります。

 

late – later –  latest 👉 時間が遅い
late – latter – last   👉 順番が遅い 

 

今回は「順番が遅い」の”last”ですので、「Aが最も〜しそうにない」となるわけです。例を見てみましょう。

 

[例5]
He is the last person to break his promise.
彼は、約束を破るような人じゃない。

 

ここでの”last”は、可能性が一番最後(要するに低い)ことを表します。

ですので「一番〜したくないA」という、ネガティブなニュアンスで使われることも多いです。

 

[例6]
A layoff is the last option to take.
解雇は一番選びたくない選択肢です。

 


 

今日は様々な最上級の表現について説明しました。

それではまた来週!

Japan + Comedy = Dogen!

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

The weekend is about to be here! Also, let’s start this post with some relatively good news!

 

Today’s Article:

https://japantoday.com/category/national/update2-japan-to-start-covid-19-vaccinations-for-elderly-on-april-12

After the medical frontliners from weeks ago, they will start vaccinating the elderly from April 12. That will only happen after the rest of the medical personnel, including the Self-Defense Forces, will be in the middle of March. Following the elderly, however, are people with preexisting conditions, such as diabetes. Finally, the general public will be inoculated.

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz: 

 

Here’s last week’s song:

(Fast forward to 00:58)

 

And I know we weren’t perfect but I’ve never felt this way for no one

And I just can’t imagine how you could be so okay now that I’m gone

Guess you didn’t mean what you wrote in that song about me

Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street

 

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 00:48)

 

 

It’s like I’ve been _________, every rule I had you ______

It’s the risk that I’m ______, I ain’t never _____ shut you out

__________ I’m looking now, I’m ________ by your embrace

Baby, I can see your ____, you know you’re my saving ____

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

For this week, we have someone from the US! His name is Dogen and he makes funny videos about the experiences of foreigners living in Japan, as well as what he has noticed within the Japanese society. I think this is best watched with an open mind, but regardless, give his videos a try! (Also, I seriously think his Japanese accent is native level!)

 

This is his latest vlog:

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210216-why-do-professional-titles-actually-matter

This article might be a little lengthy, but I think it’s worth the read. It talks about how there are certain biases against women, particularly those who have earned titles. According to this article, it comes naturally for people to address men with their corresponding titles, but there are more cases we don’t do it for women, be it “doctor” or ” professor”, etc. Try reading the article and let me know what you think of it!

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

比較7 比較を使った様々な表現 比較級編


こんにちは!

 

前回は原級を使った表現について説明しました。

今日は比較級を使った表現を全部で5つ紹介します。

 


【the 比較級 ~, the 比較級 …】

 

“the 比較級 ~, the 比較級 …”は「〜すればするほど…」という意味になります。

よく例文で使われるのは、以下のような“the more ~, the more …”タイプですね。

 

[例1]
The more I know about her, the more I got attracted to her.
彼女のことを知れば知るほど、彼女に惹かれるようになりました。

 

以下のように、more以外の比較級でも大丈夫です。

[例2]
The harder you train, the stronger you will be.
厳しく訓練すればするほど、あなたは強くなります。

 


【比較級 and 比較級】

 

“比較級 and 比較級”は「ますます〜」というような意味になります。

こちらもまずは“more and more”、「ますます多くの〜」から例文を見てみましょう。

 

[例3]
More and more men come to use cosmetics these days.
最近は化粧品を使う男性がますます増えています。

 

では、次にmore以外の例も見てみましょう。

 

[例4]
Her headache was getting worse and worse.
彼女の頭痛はどんどん悪化していた。

 


【much less ~】

 

“much less ~”は、否定の節に続けて「まして〜ない」という意味です。

 

[例5]
He can’t even do multiplication, much less division.
彼は掛け算すらできませんし、ましてや割り算などとてもできません。

 

“much less ~”は、“still less ~”“let alone~”でも同じ意味です。

 

[例6]
I have never even been out of Honshu, still less abroad.
本州を出たことすらないのに、ましてや海外なんて行ったことはない。

 

[例7]
He can’t even eat cooked tomatoes like tomato soup, let alone raw of them.
彼はトマトスープのような調理したトマトすら食べれないのに、まして生など食べられるわけがない。

 


【know better than to ~】

 

“know better than to ~”は「〜するほど馬鹿ではない」という意味です。

 

[例8]
I know better than to tell him the secret.
彼に秘密を話すほど馬鹿ではないよ。

 

thanの後ろが不定詞になるので注意してください!

 


【better off ~】

 

“better off ~”は「〜したほうがマシだ」という意味の表現です。

これはSUM41というロックバンドの“Over My Head (Better Off Dead)”という曲のサビに使われていて初めて知った表現です。

 

[例9]
I’m better off dead!
死んだほうがマシだ!

 

なお、比較表現ではないですが、この曲のタイトルになっている”Over My Head”は、“be in over one’s head”で、「自分の力ではどうにもできないような難しい状況に巻き込まれてしまっている様子」を表すそうです。

 

要するに「お手上げ状態だ!」ってことですね。
緊迫したリフがかっこいい名曲です。

 

Youtubeリンク貼っておくのでよかったら聞いてみてくださいね〜

 

 


来週は最上級の慣用表現を紹介します。

それではまた!

Living Big in a Tiny House!

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

I think it’s time to start changing wardrobes now because the warmer seasons are starting to come back!

 

Today’s Article:

http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14197548

From next week, selected hospitals and medical institutions will get vaccinations. Over 5000 people would first get vaccinated and in the next batch, the rest of the medical care professionals. For a more detailed list of how the process will be, scroll down the article for more information. While the vaccination will start next week, people younger than 65 and without preexisting conditions would most likely get vaccinated either on the second half of the year, or early next year.

 

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz: 

 

Here’s last week’s song:

 

(Fast forward to 00:07)

 

 

You ran away to find something to say

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

I’m still in love and I say that because

I know how it seems between you and me, It hasn’t been easy, darlin’

 

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 00:58)

 

 

And I know we weren’t ______ but I’ve never ____ this way for no one

And I just can’t _______ how you could be so okay now that I’m ____

____ you didn’t mean what you wrote in that _____ about me

Cause you said _______, now I drive ____ past your street

 

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

Today’s Youtube recommendation is about an Australian vlogger who has been living in Japan for 5 years. I think it’ll be a challenge for some of you who are used to American/British TV shows because Emma is from a different country, and she has a different accent. But her videos are highly entertaining and informative. Also, it’s interesting to see how life has changed for her and how she’s discovering new things in Japan.

 

This is his latest vlog:

 

By the way, she first started getting famous after a Youtube channel named, Living Big in a Tiny House. You can check out the video down below:

 

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56065527

Following Mr. Mori’s comment with regard to meetings, BBC has published an article that sheds light on women in Dubai. This article shows how women are treated differently in their country. It also tackles their princess, Princess Latifa, and how she’s attempted to escape their country in flee of her father.

 

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

比較6 比較を使った様々な表現① 原級編


こんにちは!

 

比較は日常会話の中や、英語のビジネスメールなど、様々なシチュエーションで使われています。

今日からは、そのような比較を使った様々な表現について説明します!

本日は原級編です。

 


【as ~ as one can】

 

まずは“as ~ as one can”を紹介します。

意味は「できるだけ〜」で、この表現、特にメールなどでとても多用します!
まずは“as soon as ~”のパターンを見ていきましょう。

 

[例1]
We will respond you as soon as we can.
できるだけ早く対応させていただきます。

 

このように、”soon”を入れると「できるだけ早く〜します」と言う意味になります。

“as soon as possible”でも同じ意味になります。
メールなどでは“ASAP”と省略されて使われることもあります。

 

[例2]
Could you call me as soon as possible?
できるだけ早くお電話いただけませんか?

 

[例3]
Help me ASAP! I can’t login to the system.
できるだけ早く助けてください! システムにログインできません。

 

次に“as much as one can”のパターンを見ていきましょう。
こちらは「できるだけ頑張る」の意味になります。

 

[例4]
I’ll do as much as I can.
できる限りがんばります。

 

他にも、「できるだけ多くの〜」としたいのであれば“as many ~ as possible”とすればOKです。

 

[例5]
We should consider as many samples as possible.
できるだけ多くのサンプルを検討するべきです。

 

このように、“as ~ as one can (possible)”の形はとても応用が効く上、「できる限り頑張ってる感」を演出できるのでビジネス英語では必須とも言えます。覚えておいて損はないでしょう。

 


【not so much A as B】

 

“not so much A as B”「AというよりむしろB」と言う意味になります。

「AとB、両方当てはまるがどちらかというとB」を表します。

 

[例6]
He is not so much a guitarist as a musician.
彼は、ギタリストというより音楽家です。

 

これは”not so much as V”とは違うので注意してください。

こちらは「〜さえしない」の意味になります。

 

[例7]
He didn’t so much as wash the dishes.
彼は皿洗いすらしませんでした。

 


【might as well ~ (as …)】

 

“might as well ~ (as …)”は「…するくらいなら〜したほうがマシだ」という意味で、諦めのニュアンスが含まれています。

 

[例8]
We might as well go home and get some sleep as waste time here.
ここで時間を無駄にするよりは、家に帰って寝ていたほうがましだ。

 


 

今日は原級を使った様々な表現について説明しました。

それではまた次回!