A2-17 / CEFR A2 / EPISODE 17

Group Chat Problem

Discussing a group chat problem

SceneTina reports a group chat argument to Frank.

Tina shows Frank a group chat on her phone at a cafe. — Select the illustration to view it at full size in a new tab.

Narrator

There was some drama in the group chat last night. Tina is telling Frank what happened.

昨夜グループチャットで揉め事があった。ティナがフランクに報告している。

Tina01

Did you see the group chat last night?

昨夜のグループチャット見た？

Frank02

No. What happened? You look upset.

いや。何があったの？動揺してるみたいだ。

Tina03

Emma left the group. After a big argument with Sarah.

エマがグループを抜けたの。サラと大喧嘩して。

Frank04

What started it?

発端は？

Tina05

Emma posted a joke. It really hurt Sarah.

エマが冗談を投稿したの。それでサラがすごく傷ついた。

Frank06

Did Emma apologize?

エマは謝った？

Tina07

No. She said "it was just a joke" and left.

いいえ。「ただの冗談」だって言って、抜けたわ。

Frank08

Has anyone talked to Emma since then?

そのあと、誰かエマと話した？

Tina09

No. We talked in the group for hours, but nobody messaged her.

ううん。グループでは何時間も話したけど、誰もエマにはメッセージを送ってないの。

Frank10

Then someone should message Emma. Just one person. Not the whole group.

じゃあ誰かがエマにメッセージを送ったほうがいい。ひとりだけね。グループ全員じゃなくて。

Tina11

Okay, me. "Hi, Emma. Is now a good time to talk?"

わかった、私が送る。「エマ、今ちょっと話せる？」

Frank12

Good. Short and kind. Send it, then wait for her reply.

いいね。短くて、優しい。送ったら、返事を待とう。

Tina13

Sent! ...Oh no. To the group chat. Emma's not even in it.

送った！……あっ、しまった。グループチャットに送っちゃった。エマ、もういないのに。

WORDS & CONTEXT

Words & context

“There was some drama in the group chat last night.”

Here drama means interpersonal trouble or conflict, rather than a play or television show. There was some drama. introduces a disagreement in the group chat.

“Emma left the group.”

In a group chat, leave means to exit the group. Emma voluntarily left after the argument.

“Is now a good time to talk?”

This is a standard opener that checks the other person's availability before raising the subject: "Is now a good time to talk?" Is this a good time? and Do you have a minute? work the same way. Here Tina first sends only a message asking whether Emma is free, planning to talk about last night after Emma replies. The next line's wait for her reply means wait for Emma's answer; her refers to Emma.

“Emma's not even in it.”

Not even adds emphasis: Emma is no longer in the group at all. Since she has already left, she will not receive a message sent there. Tina's mistaken choice of recipient creates the punch line.

Browse all 60 A2 episodes