B1-30 / CEFR B1 / EPISODE 30

Awkward Family Dinner

Changing the subject of intrusive questions

SceneTina has stopped by Frank's room after a family dinner. He puts down his book as she comes in.

Tina gesturing at home with Frank beside her. — Select the illustration to view it at full size in a new tab.

Narrator

Tina has stopped by Frank's room after a family dinner. He puts down his book as she comes in.

ティナは親戚の夕食会のあと、フランクの部屋に立ち寄った。彼女が入ってくると、フランクは読んでいた本を置く。

Tina01

My aunt asked so many questions, I missed dessert!

おばの質問攻めで、デザートを食べ損ねたわ！

Frank02

What did she ask?

何を聞かれたの？

Tina03

"Are you dating anyone? Why not?" It never stopped.

「誰かと付き合ってるの？どうして付き合ってないの？」って。終わらないのよ。

Frank04

Did you try changing the subject?

話題を変えてみた？

Tina05

Yes. I asked about the cake. She asked about my next date.

うん。ケーキの話をしたら、次のデートの予定を聞かれたわ。

Frank06

You needed someone to help change the subject.

話題を変えるのを手伝ってくれる人が必要だったんだね。

Tina07

Exactly. Would you come with me next time?

そうなの。次は一緒に来てくれる？

Frank08

Sure. I could ask her about her hobbies.

いいよ。おばさんの趣味を聞いてみようかな。

Tina09

That might work. Until she asks if we're dating.

それならいけるかも。私たちが付き合ってるのか聞かれるまではね。

Frank10

Even if you introduced me as your friend?

友達だって紹介しても？

Tina11

Especially then. She'd want the whole story.

そう言ったら、なおさらよ。詳しく聞きたがるわ。

Frank12

Then I'll explain that we're just friends.

じゃあ、ただの友達だって僕から説明するよ。

Tina13

Good. You explain. I'll finally get to eat dessert.

いいわね。説明は任せた。私はやっとデザートを食べられるわ。

WORDS & CONTEXT

Words & context

“Did you try changing the subject?”

Change the subject means to move to a different topic, often to escape persistent questions. Tina tried to divert her aunt's questions toward the cake. Change the topic is also possible, but change the subject is more common conversationally.

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STORY English with optional Japanese translations

Words & context

“Did you try changing the subject?”