Join me this week on Tony's Talk Corner as I give you a tour of my cozy two-bedroom apartment. Discover my favorite spots, the joys of small-space living, and a few personal touches that make it home.

Tony’s Talk Corner

My Cozy Apartment Tour

Watching series can help you gain competence in a language, improve your vocabulary and learn new expressions. So, in this episode of your Spanish Journey, I'll talk about the benefits of watching series and learning with them. Also, I will recommend some Spanish TV series that you can find on Netflix and you can't miss! Are you ready?

Your Spanish Journey

Watching series to learn Spanish (and three series you can't miss!)

Reading a book in Japanese ''The Music Box Planet'' #16
You can practice shadowing, and repeating with this reading and the text below. Besides, it's helpful to study Kanji. 😊 
📚My lessons: https://www.italki.com/ja/teacher/6185061

カンパネラ爺は、机のひきだしから 古びたアンモナイトの殻をとりだし、
ラッパの根もとに むけました。あのときのオルゴールです。
ハンドルを ゆっくりまわすと、アンモナイトのオルゴールから
とても やさしい音色が ながれました。
アンモナイトのオルゴールの やさしい音色は、カンパネラ爺が５０年かけて 
こしらえたラッパを とおって、大きな大きな音になり、空中帝国の はしのはしまで
鳴りひびきました。こんな やさしい音色は、いままで だれも聴いたことが ありません。　
世界のすべてが、とまったかのようでした。
だれもが一度、手をやすめ、その音色に心を うばわれました。


【Kanji】

机　　　　　　　　つくえ
古びた　　　　　　ふるびた
殻　　　　　　　　から
音色　　　　　　　ねいろ
鳴りひびきました　なりひびきました
聴いたこと　　　　きいたこと
一度　　　　　　　いちど
手　　　　　　　　て
心　　　　　　　　こころ


朗読クラブ📚Reading to Japanese language learners 

朗読：『オルゴールワールド』#16にしのあきひろ著

My recent experience with dogsitting

Vocabulary:
dogsitting: babysitting dogs while the owner is away
heavy: having a lot of weight
to do one's business: to go to the bathroom
spacious: having lots of space
to be the center of attention: to be in the spotlight, to receive attention from everyone else
belly rub: petting a dog's belly
ravenous: very hungry
snatch: to grab
zoomies: when cats run around really fast
pent-up energy: lots of energy that needs to be let out
unleash: to let something out

Learn English with Stories

Dogsitting

In questo episodio parliamo con un pizzico di umorismo (e un po' di stereotipi) di alcune differenze ambientali, sociali, culturali ed economiche tra le varie aree geografiche italiane.

Il dolce far niente

2. L'Italia del nord, del sud, del centro e le isole

Easy Steps to Chinese Grammar⭐

Do you know how to express age with "岁 (suì)" and how to know someone's age by asking about the zodiac sign? You can find out the answer in this episode.

Easy Steps to Chinese Grammar 

9. Age with "岁 (suì)"【A1】

Picture this: you’re standing at the coffee machine and a colleague comes over. You don’t know him very well. You both say hello and then you can’t think of much to say. You mumble* something about the weather (if you are British this is a sure thing. We love to talk about the weather) and then… nothing. 

Your mind goes blank* and you stand awkwardly looking at the coffee, wondering why it is taking so long to make…

Or picture this: you’ve joined a meeting online and there are one or two colleagues already there. You’re waiting for others to join and you have to pass the time. But the same thing happens … you can’t think of anything interesting to say and there is awkward silence….

In these situations we need small talk.

👉 Book a class with me today: www.italki.com/teacher/8719362

Engine English

Episode 7: Small talk at work: an English learner’s guide

In this podcast, we talk about the following ten words:
Souvenir: Derived from the French word "souvenir," meaning "to remember," this word entered English in the late 18th century. It refers to an object or memento that serves as a reminder of a person, place, or event.

Rendezvous: Originating from the French phrase "rendez-vous," which means "meeting" or "appointment," this word entered English in the 16th century. 

Cuisine: Borrowed directly from French, "cuisine" refers to a style or method of cooking, often associated with a particular culture or region. It encompasses the preparation and presentation of food.

Fiancé/Fiancée: These terms come from the French words "fiancé" (masculine) and "fiancée" (feminine), both meaning "engaged." They are used to describe a person who is engaged to be married.

Déjà vu: This widely recognized phrase comes from French, where it literally means "already seen." It refers to the feeling or sensation that one has experienced the present situation before, even though it is new.

Encore: Borrowed from French, "encore" means "again" or "once more." It is often used in the context of a performance to request an additional or repeated act from the performer.

Lingerie: Derived from the French word "lingerie," this term refers to women's underwear and intimate apparel. It encompasses a range of garments, including bras, panties, nightgowns, and robes.

Décor: Also borrowed from French, "décor" denotes the overall style, arrangement, and aesthetics of a space or setting. It refers to the decorative elements used to enhance the ambiance or atmosphere.

Croissant: This word, of French origin, describes a flaky and crescent-shaped pastry. It has become popular worldwide and is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack item.

Ballet: Originating from French, "ballet" refers to a highly expressive and intricate form of dance. It combines precise movements, graceful gestures, and storytelling to create a visual spectacle.


English on the Road 

Top Ten English Words with French Origins

Ability to understand the text read and answer questions.