Zoom英会話クラス(火)

Lesson Notes February 18, 2025 (TUESDAY ZOOM)

Words & Phrases

• We are going through a (cold wave / cold snap).

• Plum flowers smell good outside.

• An avalanche blocked the way to a small mountain town.

• With all the new construction, the Shinjuku underground feels like a maze.

• The Odakyu building was demolished, and now there’s nothing there.

• I almost never go to Isetan.

• I hardly ever shop at Isetan.

• I rarely step foot in Isetan.

• The price of cleaning clothes has been high recently.

• Rice prices are supposed to go down soon.

• Staple foods are basic foods that are eaten regularly and form a large part of people’s diets.

• In Japan, the staple food is rice.

• In Canada, the staple food varies depending on the region, but common staples include wheat (for bread and pasta), potatoes, and corn.

• Would you take the Shinkansen with your dog? I read an article saying you can reserve seats for both you and your dog.

• Do you need to bathe your cat often?

• It’s necessary to clean our cat’s eyes because they get some gunk or sleep.

• It’s pretty common to see pets in strollers.

Pronunciation

• Avalanche (noun) ( ˈæv.ə.læntʃ ) AV-a-lanche

• Carbohydrates (noun) ( ˌkɑːr.boʊˈhaɪdreɪts ) CAR-bo-hy-drates

Appropriate Language

“A cold snap” is a short, sudden period of cold weather. It’s usually brief but can be intense.

• “We’re having a cold snap this week.”

“A cold wave” is a longer period of unusually cold weather, often lasting several days or more.

• “A cold wave is sweeping across the country.”

“Smell” is used to talk about the general sense of something’s odour, whether good or bad. Can be used as a noun or verb.

• “The smell of fresh bread is amazing.” (noun)

• “I can smell the flowers.” (verb)

“Scent” is a pleasant or distinct smell, often used when talking about something subtle or delicate. Usually used as a noun.

• “The scent of roses filled the room.”

• “I love the scent of fresh rain.”

“Fragrance” is typically used for pleasant or sweet smells, especially when referring to flowers, perfumes, or foods. Often used as a noun.

• “The fragrance of lavender is calming.”

• “She wore a fragrance that smelled like vanilla and jasmine.”