B1-60 / CEFR B1 / EPISODE 60

The First Real Fight

Expressing disappointment before it builds up

SceneTina canceled their Saturday plans at the last minute. Frank hasn't told her how he feels for two days. Now they're at his table. Tina picks up the cup beside Frank.

The friends having a serious conversation over their cups at home. — Select the illustration to view it at full size in a new tab.

Narrator

Tina canceled their Saturday plans at the last minute. Frank hasn't told her how he feels for two days. Now they're at his table. Tina picks up the cup beside Frank.

ティナは土曜の約束を直前にキャンセルした。フランクは二日間、そのことへの気持ちを伝えていない。今、二人は彼の部屋のテーブルについている。ティナがフランクの横のカップを手に取る。

Frank01

You canceled just as I was leaving. Why didn't you tell me earlier?

出かけようとしたところでキャンセルだった。どうしてもっと早く言ってくれなかったの？

Tina02

Sorry. Work ran late. I kept thinking I'd finish in time.

ごめん。仕事が長引いたの。まだ間に合うと思って、連絡を延ばしてた。

Frank03

It's becoming a habit, though. That's what bothers me.

でも、癖になってきてる。それが引っかかるんだ。

Tina04

A habit? I didn't choose to work late.

癖ですって？好きで仕事を長引かせたわけじゃないわ。

Frank05

It's the third Saturday this month. I turned down another invitation. I wanted to see you.

今月の土曜は、これで三回目だよ。別の誘いも断ったんだ。君と会いたかったから。

Tina06

I didn't know that. But why didn't you tell me sooner? You've been quiet for two days.

それは知らなかった。でも、どうしてもっと早く言ってくれなかったの？二日も黙ってたじゃない。

Frank07

I thought I'd sound demanding. So I stayed quiet for two days.

無理を言ってるように聞こえそうで。それで、二日も黙ってしまった。

Tina08

You can tell me you're disappointed. I want to know.

がっかりしたって言っていいのよ。私も知りたいわ。

Frank09

I'm sorry I was so distant.

よそよそしくして、ごめん。

Tina10

I'm sorry I kept you waiting. I'll tell you as soon as I know I can't come.

待たせてごめんね。次は、行けないとわかったらすぐ連絡するわ。

Frank11

And I'll tell you that day if something bothers me.

僕も、何か気になったら、その日のうちに言うよ。

Tina12

Good. You can start now.

いいわね。今から始めてもいいのよ。

Frank13

Then I'd like my coffee back. That's my cup.

じゃあ、コーヒーを返してほしい。それ、僕のカップなんだ。

WORDS & CONTEXT

Words & context

“It's becoming a habit, though.”

Become a habit means to develop into a repeated pattern. The progressive It's becoming emphasizes gradual change. About another person's behavior, it can express frustration that it keeps happening.

“That's what bothers me.”

Bother can mean to annoy or trouble someone. That's what bothers me. calmly identifies the source of concern rather than attacking the listener in anger.

“I turned down another invitation.”

Turn down means to refuse an invitation or offer. It is more conversational than refuse or decline. Frank declined another invitation so he could meet Tina.

“I thought I'd sound demanding.”

Demanding means expecting or requiring a lot. Frank stayed silent for two days because he worried that asking Tina to keep her promise would sound demanding. Sound … describes how words come across to the listener.

Browse all 60 B1 episodes