B1-24 / CEFR B1 / EPISODE 24

First Date Rewind

Suggesting an alternative when plans clash

SceneTina is meeting Frank at their usual café after her first date with someone new.

Tina gesturing as she talks in a cafe at night. — Select the illustration to view it at full size in a new tab.

Narrator

Tina is meeting Frank at their usual café after her first date with someone new.

ティナは、新しく知り合った相手との初デートのあと、いつものカフェでフランクと会っている。

Tina01

If I'd known what he liked, I'd have picked a different restaurant.

彼の好みを知ってたら、違う店を選んでたわ。

Frank02

Where did you go?

どこへ行ったの？

Tina03

My favorite sushi place. I ordered for both of us.

お気に入りのお寿司屋さん。私が二人分注文したの。

Frank04

Did he like it?

彼は気に入った？

Tina05

He only ate the rice, so I asked what was wrong.

ご飯しか食べないから、どうしたのって聞いたの。

Frank06

What did he say?

何て言ってた？

Tina07

He doesn't like raw fish. He'd hoped he could manage it.

生魚が苦手なんだって。頑張れば食べられるかと思ってたみたい。

Frank08

So what did you do?

それで、どうしたの？

Tina09

I apologized and suggested tempura. He finished it, and we finally relaxed and talked.

謝って、天ぷらを提案したの。全部食べてくれて、やっと二人とも気が楽になって話せたわ。

Frank10

So... will there be a second date?

それで……二回目はあるの？

Tina11

He just texted: "Italian on Friday?" But I'm working late on Friday.

ちょうど今メッセージが来たの。「金曜にイタリアンはどう？」って。でも金曜は残業なのよね。

Frank12

Then suggest another day. And this time, ask what he likes.

じゃあ別の日を提案しなよ。それと、今度は彼の好みを聞くこと。

Tina13

"I'd love to, but I can't do Friday. How about Saturday? Any foods you hate?" ...Sent. I'm learning.

「行きたいけど、金曜は無理なの。土曜はどう？苦手な食べ物はある？」……送信。私、学んでるでしょ。

WORDS & CONTEXT

Words & context

“I'd love to, but I can't do Friday.”

A polite refusal first shows enthusiasm with I'd love to, explains the conflict after but, and offers an alternative with How about Saturday? Can't do Friday is a casual way to say Friday is unavailable.

Browse all 60 B1 episodes

STORY English with optional Japanese translations

Words & context

“I'd love to, but I can't do Friday.”