Speak English Naturally | Essential Daily Phrases You’ll Use Every Day | English Podcast Slowly

Hi everyone. Welcome back to our English podcast. I'm Emma.

podcast. I'm Emma.

>> And I'm Jack. We're so happy you're here today.

>> Yes. Today we're going to talk about essential English phrases, the ones you need for daily conversations.

>> That's right. These are the words and sentences people use every day to say hello, to ask for help, to talk to friends, to shop, and so on.

So, if you want to sound more natural when you speak English, stay with us until the end.

>> And don't forget, if you like this podcast, hit the like button, subscribe, and share it with your friends.

>> Exactly. All right, Jack, let's start.

How about we begin with greetings?

>> Sure. Easy, but so important. So, how do you start a conversation, Emma?

>> I usually say, "Hi, how are you?"

classic. And I often say, "Hey, what's up?"

up?" >> Oh, yes. What's up? Is very casual. You

can use it with friends.

>> Right. And the answer can be simple, too. Not much. I'm good. Or just

too. Not much. I'm good. Or just

relaxing.

>> Yes. Let's try it. Hey, Jack. What's up?

>> Not much, just chilling. How about you?

>> I'm good. Just had some coffee.

>> Nice. I think greetings are the easiest way to start a friendly chat.

>> Totally. And after that, people often ask about your day. Like, how is your day going?

>> Or how was your weekend?

>> Right. Those are perfect small talk questions. So, Jack, how's your day

questions. So, Jack, how's your day going?

>> Pretty good, thanks. I went for a walk this morning. The weather was really

this morning. The weather was really nice.

>> Oh, that sounds lovely. It's cold here today. I needed two cups of tea to wake

today. I needed two cups of tea to wake up. [laughter]

up. [laughter] >> Ha, same here. I can't start my day without coffee.

>> You and your coffee. Anyway, small talk is great. It keeps the conversation

is great. It keeps the conversation friendly.

>> Yes. And it helps you connect with people even if you don't know them well.

>> Exactly. Now, let's move to polite phrases. Things we say to be kind or

phrases. Things we say to be kind or respectful.

>> [music] >> So, Emma, what are some polite words people should always remember?

>> Easy. Please, thank you, and excuse me.

>> The big three.

>> Absolutely. They make your English sound polite and friendly.

>> Let's use them in real examples. Imagine

we're in a cafe.

>> Okay. I'll be the customer, you be the barista.

>> Great. Go ahead.

>> Hi, can I have a cappuccino, please?

>> Of course. Anything else? No, that's

all. Thank you.

>> You're welcome. That'll be $3.

>> Here you go.

>> Thanks.

>> See, simple but polite.

>> Exactly. Politeness makes a big difference.

>> Another phrase I love is sorry. It's

useful for many situations.

>> Oh, yes. Like when you bump into someone. Oh, sorry.

someone. Oh, sorry.

>> Or if you didn't hear something. Sorry.

Could you repeat that?

>> Nice one. And sometimes people say, "I'm sorry I'm late."

>> Oh, that's me every morning. [laughter]

>> I believe that.

>> Hey, but really, it's okay to make small mistakes if you say sorry politely.

>> Yes, people always appreciate it.

>> What about excuse me?

>> Ah, yes, very useful. You can say it to get someone's attention, like excuse me, where's the station? Or if you need to pass someone in a crowd, excuse me,

sorry.

>> Exactly. It's polite and short.

>> And don't forget, you're welcome. It's a

nice reply to thank you.

>> True. You can also say no problem or anytime.

>> I like anytime. It sounds warm.

>> So, polite words are really just small ways to show kindness.

>> Yes. And they help you make good impressions when you meet new people.

>> [music] >> Okay, Jack. Let's move to real life situations. For example, when you go

situations. For example, when you go shopping.

>> Oh, yes. Shopping phrases are super useful.

>> So, let's imagine we're in a clothing store.

>> All right. You're the customer again and I'm the shop assistant.

>> Perfect. Here we go. Hi. Do you have this shirt in a medium size?

>> Let me check. Yes, we do. Would you like to try it on? Yes, please. Where are the fitting rooms?

>> They're over there next to the mirrors.

>> Thank you.

>> No problem. Take your time.

>> Nice. That's a perfect example of a polite and simple conversation in a store.

>> Exactly. You can also say, "How much is this?" Or, "Do you have this in another

this?" Or, "Do you have this in another color?"

color?" >> Right? Those are key phrases. And don't

>> Right? Those are key phrases. And don't

forget, can I pay by card?

>> Yes. So important. And if you want to be extra polite, you can say, "Could I pay by card, please?"

>> I like that. It sounds friendly and natural.

>> Also, at the end, people often say, "Have a nice day."

>> Or, "Thanks. You, too."

>> That's a lovely way to end a short conversation.

>> Okay, let's change the scene. What about

asking for directions?

>> Ah, yes. That's something travelers need all the time.

>> Definitely. So, if you're lost in a city, what's a polite way to ask?

>> You can start with, "Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to?"

>> For example, "Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the train station?"

>> Perfect. Or a shorter version, excuse me, where's the nearest bus stop?

>> Yes. And people often reply with simple directions. Go straight. Turn left. It's

directions. Go straight. Turn left. It's

next to the bank. Exactly. Let's try it.

You ask me for directions.

>> Okay. Excuse me. Where's the nearest supermarket?

>> Go straight for two blocks, then turn right. It's on your left next to the

right. It's on your left next to the pharmacy.

>> Thank you so much.

>> You're welcome.

>> Natural. These phrases are easy to remember.

>> Yes. And they make you sound confident when you travel.

>> Totally. And sometimes people may ask you for directions.

>> True. You can reply with phrases like, "Sure, it's over there." Or, "Sorry, I'm not from around here."

>> Oh, that last one is very common. Sorry,

I'm not from here.

>> Yeah, that's my go-to when I have no idea where I am. [laughter]

>> Happens here, too. Okay, let's talk about chatting with friends. everyday

casual talk.

>> Ooh, my favorite part.

>> So, when you meet a friend, what do you usually say?

>> I might say, "Hey, long time no see."

Or, "It's been a while."

>> Oh, yes. I love it's been a while. It's

warm and friendly.

>> And people usually ask, "How have you been?"

been?" >> Right? Let's do a short example.

>> Right? Let's do a short example.

>> Hey, Emma. Long time no see. How have

you been? I've been good, thanks. How

about you?

>> I'm doing great. Work's been busy, though.

>> Yeah, same here. I've really needed the weekend.

>> We all do.

>> This kind of small talk is great for staying connected with people.

>> Yes. And it helps you practice natural English rhythm, too.

>> Absolutely. And if you want to end a friendly chat, you can say, "It was nice talking to you."

>> Or, "Catch you later.

>> See you soon." works too.

>> So many ways to sound friendly and natural.

>> Totally. And I think beginners can easily learn these short common sentences, >> right? Because they're used every single

>> right? Because they're used every single day.

>> Every single day.

>> Yes.

>> Okay. One more thing before we move to phone and restaurant phrases.

Compliments.

>> Ah, compliments. A little kindness goes a long way.

>> Exactly. You can say things like, "You look great today." Or, "I love your jacket."

jacket." >> Or, "That's a nice photo." Or, "You did a great job."

>> Those are lovely. People always smile when they hear compliments.

>> True. And don't forget to reply with something nice, too, like thanks or that's very kind of you.

>> Thank you. That means a lot.

>> Me, too. It's friendly and natural. So,

compliments help keep conversations positive and warm.

>> Definitely. All right, ready for the next part?

>> Yes. Next up, phrases for phone calls and restaurants.

[music] All right, Jack, let's move on to something we all do a lot these days.

Phone calls.

>> Oh, yes. Talking on the phone can be a little scary in another language, but with the right phrases, it's easy.

>> Totally. So, what's a good way to start a phone call?

>> Well, if you know the person, you can say, "Hi, it's Jack. How are you?"

>> Simple and friendly. And if it's a more formal call, you can say, "Hello, this is Emma speaking."

>> Right? That sounds polite and clear.

>> What about when you answer the phone?

>> You can just say, "Hello," or "Good morning."

morning." >> And if it's workrelated, maybe, "Good afternoon. This is Jack from English

afternoon. This is Jack from English Pod." Perfect. That's professional.

Pod." Perfect. That's professional.

>> Okay. Let's act out a short phone call.

>> Sure. Let's do it.

>> Okay. The phone rings. Ring. Ring.

>> Hello.

>> Hi, Jack. It's Emma. How are you?

>> Hey, Emma. I'm great, thanks. What's up?

>> I just wanted to check what time we're recording tomorrow.

>> Oh, right. Let's do 10:00 a.m. Is that

okay?

>> Perfect. Thanks, Jack.

>> No problem. See you then.

>> See you. Bye. And that's it. Short and

friendly.

>> Yes, that's how real phone calls sound.

Simple and natural.

>> And if you can't hear someone, just say, "Sorry, can you speak up?" Or, "Could you repeat that, please?"

>> Good one. And to end the call, you can say, "Talk to you soon." Or, "Have a great day."

great day." >> Or even, "Bye for now."

>> Love that.

>> Okay, now let's move to one of my favorite topics, food.

>> Yes, eating out. Going to a restaurant or cafe can be a fun way to practice English.

>> Totally. Let's do a short restaurant scene.

>> All right, I'll be the waiter this time.

>> Perfect. Here we go.

>> Good evening. How many people?

>> Just two, please.

>> Right this way. Here's your table. Can I

get you something to drink?

>> Yes. A glass of water, please. And maybe

a lemonade.

>> Of course. Are you ready to order?

>> Not yet. Could we have a few more minutes?

>> Sure. Take your time.

>> Okay, I think we're ready. I'll have the grilled chicken with salad.

>> And for you.

>> Oh, I'm alone, but thanks. [laughter]

>> Right. I forgot.

>> And for dessert, I'd like a piece of chocolate cake.

>> Excellent choice. I'll bring your order soon.

>> Thank you.

>> You're welcome.

>> That's such a classic restaurant conversation.

>> Yeah. And at the end, you can say, "Could I have the bill, please?" or

check please if you're in the US.

>> True. And don't forget to say the food was delicious >> or everything was great. Thank you.

>> And if you like the place, you can say we'll come again.

>> That's always nice to hear.

>> Restaurants are a great way to practice polite English.

>> Yes. And also to enjoy good food.

>> Totally.

>> Okay, we've covered greetings, polite words shopping directions friends phones, and restaurants. That's a lot.

>> It really is. These are all essential phrases that help you in everyday life.

>> Right. And remember listeners, you don't need to memorize everything at once.

>> Exactly. Just start with a few and use them every day.

>> Like every time you meet someone, say, "How are you?"

>> Or when you buy something, say thank you and have a nice day.

>> The more you use these phrases, the more natural they become.

>> 100%.

Practice makes progress.

>> I love that. Not perfect, but progress.

>> Yes, that's our motto here.

>> Before we finish, let's share a few friendly phrases people can use in any situation.

>> Good idea.

>> You can say that sounds great.

>> I'd love that.

>> Really?

>> Oh, that's interesting.

>> I know, right?

>> Exactly. These are great for reacting naturally in conversations.

>> Yeah, they make you sound engaged and friendly.

>> Okay, Jack, time to wrap it up >> already. That went so fast.

>> already. That went so fast.

>> I know. But before we go, if you enjoyed this episode, please give it a like and subscribe to our channel >> and share it with a friend who's learning English, too.

>> Yes, because learning is more fun together.

>> Definitely.

>> All right, everyone. Thank you so much for listening to essential English phrases you need for daily conversations.

>> Keep practicing, keep speaking, and keep smiling. See you next time.

smiling. See you next time.

>> Bye-bye.

>> Bye.

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