Phrase of the Week: Allow Me

“Here’s our table. Please, allow me.” This is a phrase you use when you do something helpful, such as pull out a chair or open a door for someone. It draws attention to how polite you’re being and shows that you don’t mind helping. 「こちらが私たちのテーブルですね。どうぞ。」...

Let’s Count! Ten Little Presents! 数えてみよう!10個のプレゼント!

Getting a present is very exciting, especially when you’re young! Please enjoy the ten presents in this video! (Although we don’t show you what’s inside!)   プレゼントをもらうと、特に子供の場合はワクワクしますね!この動画に出る10個のプレゼントをお楽しみください!(中身はお見せしませんけどね!)   Classroom Tip This is a...

Trivia of the Week: Brand Names

What’s English for a plastic bandage you can put on a small cut? Not Band-Aid—that’s a brand name. It’s just so popular that many people don’t know any other name for that kind of bandage. This has happened to many brands. Kleenex has become a word for any facial...

Idiom of the Week: Come Up in the World

“He used to work in the mail room, but now he’s a senior manager. He’s really come up in the world.”   In the world there are many positions and jobs. Those with more power, prestige or money are considered “higher” so as you gain more power or a better job, you...