執筆者 Modern English | 2013年06月06日 | Trivia
In Japanese, the character ん can make several different sounds. We write the word for newspaper as “shimbun” because it sounds like an “M” before the “B” sound. When it comes before a “K” or “G” sound it can sound like “NG”. But when it comes at the end of a word, it...
執筆者 Modern English | 2013年05月30日 | Trivia
A foster family provides care for a child or pet that has no place to go. It could be a pet that was abandoned or born homeless, or a child who has lost his parents or whose parents could not take care of him. If the new home becomes permanent, then the child or pet...
執筆者 Modern English | 2013年05月23日 | Trivia
Have you seen an American, British, or Australian ambulance? You might notice that the word “ambulance” is written backwards on the front. Why is that? Ambulances must drive quickly, and everyone knows to stay out of their way. If you are driving and you see an...
執筆者 Modern English | 2013年05月16日 | Trivia
May Day is a holiday, but “Mayday!” is a distress call. If your boat or plane is in serious trouble and you need help, you can say “Mayday!” on the radio. Why does “Mayday” mean “I need help”? It actually comes from a French phrase meaning “help me”! If you are really...
執筆者 Modern English | 2013年05月09日 | Trivia
If you find a penny on the ground, it is not worth much money, but it can bring you good luck! A penny has two sides: heads (a picture of President Lincoln) and tails (a picture of the Lincoln Memorial). Some people believe that if the tails side is facing up, you...
