DISCLAIMER: We are not professional historians. We understand that many of the historical "facts" discussed in this episode are debatable. This is a language learning podcast that uses conversation as a learning tool. It's very possible that we got some facts wrong, or didn't deeply explore all sides of each discussion topic.


Chillchat (Learn Chinese and Chill)

WHY Putonghua??

ドイツの田舎では庭に鳥小屋を置いている家をよく見かけます。
これは鳥を飼うためのものではなく、野生の鳥にえさをあげるためのものです。
私の家の大家さんもいつもひまわりの種を鳥小屋の中に置いています。
時々そこにえさを食べに来ている鳥を見ることができます。
私の家の庭には大きな木があり、窓から木に止まっている鳥を見ることができます。
先週、ドイツの家の庭で見ることができる鳥の種類を描いたポスターを買いました。私はドイツに来るまで野生の鳥にあまり興味がありませんでした。でも今はこのポスターを見ながら、「今日はこれを見たよ」とか「この種類はまだ見たことがないね」とパートナーと言って楽しんでいます。

日本で鳥といえば、カラスやハトですよね。カラスはゴミをあさったり、ハトはベランダにふんをしたりするので私は正直嫌いでした。
皆さんは鳥を見るのが好きですか？

田舎：いなか　countryside
庭：にわ　garden
鳥小屋：とりごや　bird house 
野生の：やせいの　wild
気軽に：きがるに　easily, casually
大家さん：おおやさん　landlord
ひまわり：sunflower
種：たね　seeds
窓：まど　window
種類：しゅるい　kind
カラス：crow
はと：pigeon
ゴミをあさる:　scavenge through garbage
ふんをする：take a poop
正直：しょうじき　honestly

Nihongo Short Story by Noriko

鳥を見るのは好きですか？(Do you like bird watching?)

Episode 43 is here to help you master verbs that add nuance and intention to your conversations. Whether you're inspiring someone, interpreting meaning, or expressing interest, these verbs will empower your communication skills!

🔹 Inspire – 激发 (Jīfā) ✨
🔹 Instruct – 指导 (Zhǐdǎo) 🧑‍🏫
🔹 Insult – 侮辱 (Wǔrǔ) 😠
🔹 Interested in – 对….感兴趣 (Duì ... gǎn xìngqù) 🤔
🔹 Interpret – 解释 (Jiěshì) 📖

For more practice, check out:
📘 C(43) Vocabulary Flash Cards: Visualize and Memorize – Keep these verbs fresh in your mind with quick visual cues!
🎯 C(43) Verbs Quiz: Test Your Knowledge – Challenge yourself to see how well you’ve grasped today’s verbs!


5 Verbs a Day. 每天学习五个动词。

C (43) Verbs Set : Inspire Instruct Insult Interested in Interpret

SALESPERSON: Can I help you?
GLORIA: Yes, I’m looking for a sweater — in a size medium.
SALESPERSON: Let’s see … here’s a nice white one. What do 
you think?
GLORIA: I think I’d rather have it in blue.
SALESPERSON: OK … here’s blue, in a medium. Would you
like to try it on?
GLORIA: OK … yes, I love it. It fits perfectly. How much is it?
SALESPERSON: It’s $50. It will be $53, with tax.
GLORIA: Perfect! I’ll take it.

LANGUAGE NOTES
• Can I help you? or “May I help you?” is what a salesperson normally says to greet 
a customer.
• I’m looking for a here means “I don’t know exactly which one I want.”
• Size medium. Clothing usually comes in small, medium and large sizes. Some 
women’s clothing comes in number sizes, usually ranging from 2 to 16.
• Let’s see … An expression used when a person wants to think something over, to 
make a choice or decision, or to look for something.
• I’d rather have it in here means “I don’t like this exact one. I would prefer it in a 
different” color/size/material, etc.
• Would you like to …? is a polite way to ask “Do you want to …?”
• Try it on means to test the fit or appearance of a garment by putting it on. “Try on” is a 
separable phrasal verb, so the object “it” goes between “try” and “on.”
• How much is it? means “How much does it cost?” Notice that the main sentence 
stress falls on “is” in this question.
• I’ll take it means “I will buy it.”

English Conversation practice (30-day challenge)

Day 18: Shopping

What is a winning mindset for a job interview?+

As someone who has interviewed hundreds of English teachers, I’ve seen firsthand the mindset patterns that set top performers apart.

Here are a few key traits of winners:

Growth Mindset: Winners see every interview, even those that don’t lead to a job offer, as an opportunity to learn and grow. They reflect on their performance, identify areas for improvement, and use feedback to enhance their skills.

Positive Self-Belief: Winners believe in their abilities and their potential to succeed. They approach interviews with confidence and a genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Goal-Oriented: Winners have a clear understanding of their career goals and how the role aligns with their aspirations. They articulate their aspirations clearly and demonstrate how their skills and experience can contribute to the company’s success.

So, what exactly is a winning mindset?

It’s not about being perfect or always getting the job. It’s about embracing a set of attitudes and beliefs that empower you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.

Listen to the recording and gain insights from someone who was the top performer for 54 consecutive months out of 1500-4000 English teachers!

You’ll uncover key strategies that can help you develop a winning mindset and ace your next interview.

To Your Success,
Anatoly

#job interview #HIRED #mindset #coaching #career coaching #mindset coaching #career advice #job interview questions #S.T.A.R. method 


Job Interview Preparation for Women Executives | Build CEO-Level Presence Under Pressure

What is a winning mindset for a job interview?

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

Impariamo la differenza tra questi due tempi verbali per usarli come un italiano.