TOP

Conversation

  • You know what?
  • Where was I?
  • Where were we?
  • Sorry to interrupt, but…
  • Mind if I join the conversation?
  • You gotta be kidding.
  • Are you kidding me?
  • You must be joking.
  • Thanks anyway.
  • Thanks, but no thanks.
  • Don’t even get me started.
  • Just between you and me…
  • I might be wrong, but…
  • Not at all. Allow me.
  • I’ll see what I can do.
  • I can never figure that kind of thing out.
  • I’d like you to take the time to catch up on sleep.
  • I wouldn’t kid about something like this.
  • I bumped into him.
  • What I’m trying to say is…
  • I’ll think about it.
  • Come to think of it.
  • Far as I remember.
  • Ever since I could remember…
  • Take your time.
  • I’ll do the best I can.
  • I’ll see what I can do.
  • I was thinking the same thing.
  • It’s too bad that you don’t like her, but to each their own, right?
  • Like I said.
  • I like the way you think.
  • I’m counting on you.
  • I got your back.
  • You are in good hands.
  • I’m done with this.
  • Do you mind asking that?
  • First off(First of all).
  • I hate to tell you this, but…
  • To change the subject…
  • Just in case.
  • I can’t really explain it though…
  • Time flies when you are having a good time.
  • Don’t pick on me.
  • Well, if you insist…
  • Oh, that reminds me…
  • Speaking of **** things…
  • It’s on the tip of my tongue.
  • I’m about to.
  • Whose side are you on?
  • It’s up to you.
  • After you.
  • Age before beauty.
  • Be sorry for nothing.
  • Why didn’t I think of like that?
  • Believe it or not…
  • Don’t be a stranger.
  • I’m used to do it.
  • You read my mind.
  • Not even worth talking.
  • Past tense.
  • I’m a man of my word.
  • Don’t flatter me.
  • Good guessing.
  • If only I had a skateboard.
  • Looking back on it now…
  • In my opinion…
  • The way I see it…
  • Get rid of that.
  • Don’t pay any attention, please?
  • I don’t belong here.
  • Leave it to me.
  • It’s a good thing that I wasn’t there.
  • Were I you, I’d tell him my feelings.
  • I don’t know the truth, nor do I want to.
  • I’m a stranger here myself.
  • My mind suddenly went blank.
  • It’s none of your business.
  • I cant stand it.
  • Just the two of us.
  • Just days after I went to NY.
  • You should already know that.
  • In the mean time.
  • Can you break a dollar?
  • Make a long story short…
  • I run into my friend.
  • We’re working on it.
  • It was a nice thought, but…
  • Tell me about it.(I understand you so much)
  • You don’t sound too enthusiastic about that.
  • I’ve been itching to go for a while.
  • He’s as stubborn as you are.
  • I’m on my way.
  • Never heard of.
  • In fact.
  • This is perfect, or what?
  • No matter what. (ex: No matter what he says, don’t go. No matter what, it’s always the same.)
  • Just for the fun.
  • Let’s get outta here.
  • Don’t dwell on it.
  • I’m having an affair.
  • It’s really coming down.
  • What I’,m trying to say is…
  • I’ve still got a ways to go.
  • No wonder.(ex: No wonder people have been looking at me.)
  • I made it.
  • I did it.
  • It’s killing me.
  • Get over it.
  • Not a man like you.
  • Don’t take this the wrong way, but…
  • You read my mind.
  • No sweat.
  • I was just leaving.
  • 24/7
  • Look, who’s talking.
  • In Japan we have a saying…
  • That’s my thing.
  • I hate to tell you this, but…
  • I love you for who you are.
  • You’re welcome to look at these documents while I’m gone.
  • I wonder how long it’ll last.
  • Let me get a coffee right away.
  • Beats me.
  • It’s written all over your face.
  • Refresh your memory.
  • Ever since I was ten.
  • Put it away.
  • You said it. / I said it.
  • You have spoken. / I have spoken.
  • That’s a relief.
  • You should eat less snacks.
  • Not even worth mentioning.
  • You seem a bit down.
  • You’d better get used to do it.
  • Hash words.
  • I’m stressing out that…
  • I was just making sure.
  • I’m working on it.
  • I can’t afford it.
  • Let’s get some fresh air.
  • Sorry about all that.
  • I can’t stand it.
  • Guess what it is.
  • My efforts are paying off.
  • We’ve split up.
  • Good guessing.
  • It was just a fluke.
  • I can’t wait to get started.
  • That’s highly unlikely.
  • Come on.
  • Gimme a break.
  • It doesn’t matter.
  • Jimmy’s taste in music is different from mine.
  • I have to figure out what this is all about.
  • Pull over.
  • I’m in kind of a hurry.
  • There’s nothing deeply.
  • Look at the time.
  • Suit yourself.
  • We called off the picnic.
  • Don’t flatter me.
  • I gotta get back to the grind.(ex:Man, I had a ball in Miami last week. I kicked it hard, but shit, I got to get back to the Grind now. Play time is over, there’s money to make.)
  • That’s what I said.
  • Think it over.
  • For instance,
  • Ta Da!
  • More or less.
  • More than some what.
  • Don’t pick one me.
  • I get it all the time.
  • I’m about to.
  • I think it’s gonna pay off.
  • On purpose.
  • All I know is…
  • I’ll be back late.
  • I don’t know what else to say.
  • I can do anything I want, and so can you.
  • Dont rush me.
  • I’m sick of it.
  • Just pull the plug.
  • I’m so glad that you made it.
  • I thought you’d say that.
  • I am very passionate about the planet.
  • Allow me.
  • I lost my train of thought.
  • I need it keep me going.
  • I don’t belong here.
  • I’m listening.
  • If you insist.
  • Apparently.
  • It was just like a fender bender.
  • It makes me wonder.
  • There’s a catch.(What’s the catch?)
  • I never imagined anything like this would happen.
  • I really appreciated everything you have done for me.
  • I believe this promotion is well-deserved.
  • I personally don’t use it.

Asking

  • Do you need any help?
  • Do you have a minute?
  • Do you wanna come along?
  • Would you like a lift?
  • Could you give me a hand with this package?
  • Could you keep an eye on my things?
  • What are you up to?
  • Can I ask a favor?
  • Can you do me a favor?
  • I don’t suppose there’s anyway I could catch a ride to the airport.
  • If it’s not too much trouble.Don’t go to any trouble.
  • Can you hand me my bag, please?
  • Hand me the remote.
  • Can I take a look?
  • Can you tell me a little more about it?
  • What seems to be the problem?
  • How long should that take?
  • How long did it take?
  • What’s the use of it?
  • I’m working on it.
  • I can handle it.
  • Is there anything else I can do?
  • If there’s anything I can do, let me know.
  • What is that supposed to mean?
  • Do you have something to say?
  • What do you usually do in your free time?
  • Would you like a lift?
  • Could I get the past you?
  • How am I supposed to do?
  • Do you understand what SV stands for?
  • What’s eating you?
  • You need a help?
  • A little help?
  • Are you being helped?
  • Can I be excused?
  • What’s his relationship to you?
  • Would you mind asking that?
  • Do you mind asking that?
  • If you don’t mind my asking.
  • What’s on your mind?
  • The what?
  • What could that be?
  • Do something.
  • Give it a try. / Give it a shot.
  • Can I ask what do you do for a living?
  • What do you make of this one?
  • “N” as in “November”? Or “M” as in “Mike”?
  • Do you mind me saying that?
  • Do you mind me asking that?
  • I dare you to jump over there.
  • Keep me informed.
  • Why not exercise more?
  • Could you keep an eye on my things?
  • Is this way to the station?
  • What’s the use of it?
  • Get ready.
  • How long should that take?
  • That’s fishy.
  • What kind of childhood did you have?
  • How does Saturday sound?
  • Take a guess.
  • Someone like you?
  • I’d never dream of asking you, but…
  • Do you wanna come along?
  • What I do to learn how to fight?
  • How come?
  • Fill me in?
  • Do you have a time?
  • Do you have the time?
  • What have I done?
  • Let us know a little about yourself.
  • Do you know how to get to the station?
  • It’s on the tip of my tongue.
  • His father made what he is today.
  • Not what I heard.
  • I slipped my mind.
  • Step on it.
  • How long was I asleep for?
  • Whose side are you on?
  • Can I get your autograph?
  • What’s the point of doing this?
  • Going as planed?
  • Can you do me a favor?
  • Is that seat taken?
  • Hand me the remote.
  • You’re not allowed to smoke here.
  • What’s the catch?
  • Could you repeat that?
  • Could you say that again one more time?
  • Got a second?
  • Cop me that, please?

Greeting

  • Hi there.
  • I’m here to see you.
  • I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Toshiya.
  • I know we haven’t met. I’m Toshiya.
  • Good to see you.
  • Never better.
  • Okay, I guess.
  • Fancy that.
  • I’ve heard a lot about you.(All good things I hope.)
  • I’d like you to meet Mr. Higuchi.
  • Glad you could make it.
  • The same to you.

Asking how people are doing

  • How ya doing?
  • How’s it going?
  • It’s been a long time. What’s it been?
  • What’ve been up to?
  • What are you up to?
  • You seem a bit down.
  • What’s wrong with you?
  • I don’t have anything left.

Answering how I am doing

  • Good. What about you?
  • Never better.
  • Pretty good.
  • Okay, I guess.
  • The usual.
  • Same old same old.
  • I’m stuck.
  • I’m exhausted.
  • Not really.
  • I think I’m coming down with something.
  • I’ve been so busy at work lately.
  • You really should get plenty of rest.
  • Are you alright? Can I get you anything?
  • Can’t complain.
  • We’re definitely on the right track.
  • We’ve still got a ways to go.
  • Better than none.
  • I’m doing the best I can.

Meeting / Hanging out

  • Fancy that!
  • I just came by to say hi.
  • How does two o’clock sound?
  • Where’s it gonna be?
  • Let’s pencil in a meeting for Thursday afternoon. You can text me and confirm.
  • Okay, for the moment in a meeting for Saturday morning…
  • You are welcome to look at these documents while I’m gone.
  • I know our meeting was supposed to be at 3 today, but I was wondering if we could push it back to 4 instead?
  • Thanks for meeting up.
  • Let’s stay here until they throw us out.
  • Just bring yourself.
  • Still on for Sunday?
  • Could I get the past you?
  • At the 10 o’clock on the dot.

Back-channelling

  • Wow.
  • Oh my god.
  • Uh-huh.
  • Yeah?
  • Is that so?
  • Is that right?
  • Seriously?
  • The what?
  • What’re you saying then?
  • Right.
  • Yup.
  • You’re right.
  • That’s right.
  • That’s true.
  • It is.
  • Indeed.
  • Totally.
  • Exactly.
  • Absolutely.
  • No doubt.
  • For sure.
  • Sure thing.
  • You bet.
  • Deal.
  • I see.
  • I see what you mean.
  • I don’t know what you mean.
  • What are you saying then?
  • I guess I can see that.
  • I’m not sure if I understand.
  • I understand.
  • I dunno.
  • I agree.
  • I’m down for it.
  • Fair enough.
  • I doubt it.
  • No wonder.
  • Why not?
  • How come?
  • I have no idea.
  • I have no clue.
  • Sounds good.
  • That sounds like fun.
  • That sounds like a good idea.
  • Make sense.
  • It doesn’t make any sense.
  • It doesn’t matter.
  • Like what?
  • Such as?
  • For example?
  • You never know.
  • Who knows?
  • Who cares?
  • That’s a hard one.
  • Cool.
  • Nice.
  • It could be.
  • And then?
  • So what?
  • For what?
  • You are kidding me.
  • You gotta be kidding.
  • No kidding?
  • I didn’t meant to.
  • Same here.
  • Me as well.
  • Likewise.
  • Well done.
  • Well said.
  • You said it.
  • You have spoken.
  • Jeez.
  • Not again?
  • Not really.
  • It can’t be.
  • Sort of.
  • Kind of.
  • Come on!
  • That’s insane.
  • That’s outrageous.
  • Whatever.
  • Yeah, blah-blah-blah.
  • Tempting.
  • Fascinating.
  • Interesting.
  • Irritating.
  • Typical.
  • Very impressive.
  • It depends.(Depends.)
  • More or less.
  • Sooner or later.
  • Nuff said.
  • Good for you.
  • That’s what I said.
  • That’s what’m talking about.
  • I was thinking the same thing.
  • That’s what I like to hear.
  • Now you’re talking.
  • That’s more like it.
  • That’s highly unlikely.
  • What’d you just say?
  • I guess I can see that.

Make people waiting

  • Just a sec.
  • Just a second.
  • Just a moment.
  • Give me a second.
  • Hang on a sec.
  • Hold on.
  • Hold on a moment.
  • Moment, please?
  • One moment, please?
  • Could you give me a minute, please?

Apologizes and excuses

  • I’m running a bit late. I probably won’t be there until 2:30.
  • I’m to blame.
  • I don’t blame you.
  • Don’t take this the wrong way, but…
  • No offense. but…
  • I can’t make it Friday night.
  • It completely slipped my mind.
  • I’ll make up to you.
  • I’m sorry to hear that.
  • Sorry to keep you waiting.
  • Sorry to bother you.
  • Sorry, it’s totally a reflex.
  • I’ll let you off the hook.
  • Do you mind asking that?
  • Be sorry for nothing.
  • I didn’t mean to.
  • Time flies when you are having a good time.
  • Up to four people can stay in this room.
  • Nothing’s easier.
  • It can’t just be a coincidence.
  • I got help at work.

Permission

  • Do you mind if I have a look?
  • Mind if I join the conversation?
  • Is it okay if I sit here?

Declines

  • I have to take a rain check.
  • I’ll think about it. Thanks.
  • I’m really not that crazy about jet skiing.
  • Maybe some other time.
  • I don’t like the way it looks. I’ll think about it.
  • I don’t have any appetite.
  • I’m in kind of a hurry.

Calling

  • Hello, Fujii seed company Toshiya Takenaka speaking. How can I help you?
  • May I have your name, please, sir/miss?
  • I’m afraid, how do you spell your name?
  • Which company are you with?
  • Sorry, he’s away from his desk at  the moment.
  • Can I take a massage?
  • Could you send us an email?
  • Okay, I will let him know that you called, and he’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
  • Could you say that again?
  • Could you be more specific?
  • Thanks for calling.
  • Have a nice day.
  • He’s no longer with us.
  • Who’s calling, please?
  • Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.
  • May I have your phone number, please?
  • Who would you like to speak?
  • Which section do you want?
  • This is he.
  • Yes, speaking.
  • I’ll get someone for you right away. Please hold on.
  • Let me put you though the section in charge.
  • Let me put you through the person in charge.
  • Sorry, he is away on a business trip now.
  • He’s off today. He should be back on next Monday.
  • He’s already left for the day.
  • He’s on another line at the moment, but I don’t think it’ll so long. Would you mind holding?
  • You have a phone call.
  • Just a moment.
  • One moment please?
  • Could you hold please?
  • Should I have him call you back?
  • Do you know when he is supposed to come back?
  • Do you know when she’ll be back?
  • Just tell him I called.
  • Okay, I’ll let him know.
  • Would you mind calling back?
  • May I speak to Mrs. Sandra, please?
  • I’m not sure who I should speak to, but…
  • Is there anyone else who understands the situation?
  • I’d like to speak someone in HR.
  • Could you have him call me back?
  • Could you tell him to call me back?
  • Could you tell him that I called?
  • I’ll get back to him.
  • I’ll have him return your call.
  • Sorry, you are breaking up
  • I can’t hear you.
  • Can you hear me?
  • Could you speak up a little?
  • I’m calling on behalf of Mr. Nagamatsu.
  • Do you still have the seeds in stock?
  • When will you have it in stock?
  • Could you send us an estimate?
  • How soon can you deliver the seeds?
  • How much does it cost?
  • What is the payment method?
  • All transactions are Japanese yen.
  • What payment options are available?
  • Do we need to pay a cancellation fee?
  • Can we reduce our order?
  • Could you look into this issue right away?
  • What are your business hours?
  • We got cut off. Sorry about that.
  • “Please give me a call when you can.”
  • Please keep me informed.
  • You have the wrong number.
  • If it’s not too much trouble…
  • Anytime after 3:00 is good for me.
  • Okay, I’ll let him know.
  • Here I come.
  • My battery was flat.
  • I’ll get back to you.
  • I’m on my way.
  • Just around the corner.
  • Here I come.
  • Thank you for your time.
  • You have the wrong number.
  • Gimme a call on my cell.
  • Sorry you’re cutting out.
  • I think we’ve got a bad connection.

email

  • Sorry for the late response.
  • Could you answer the following questions?
  • [Request for a catalog for a new product]
  • [Prospective meeting with the London branch manager]
  • [Reply requested]
  • [Urgent]
  • [RSVP(要出欠確認)]
  • To Whom It May Concern,
  • Dear Sirs,
  • Toshiya Takenaka(Mr.)
  • Sincerely,
  • Best regards,
  • ; = 前の文と関連性の強い場合に使用(ex: Keeping your desk tidy is important for business personnel; if your desk is messy, you may spend too much time looking for a piece of paper.)(Exercising is a good way to refresh; actually, many businesspeople enjoy jogging during their lunch time or after work.)
  • : = 何かを列記する場合、前の言葉を定義、説明する場合に使用(ex: Osaka: the capital of Osaka prefecture with a population of 2.5 million.)(My secretary bought me three documents to sign: a sales agreement, a lease agreement, and an employment agreement.)
  • Thank you for spending some time with me this morning to go over the ABC project.
  • It was good to see you again last week. 
  • I’m sorry for not replying sooner. I was away all last week. 
  • I’m sorry for the delay in my response. 
  • May I ask you a couple of questions? I wii answer your questions, one by one. 
  • I have a (small) favor to ask,….
  • I hope things are going well with you. 
  • I wish you the best of luck. 
  • I would be grateful if you could reply by the end of next week.
  • I look forward to hearing from you.
  • A prompt reply would be appreciated. 
  • Your itinerary is set as follows:
    Departure: Arrival: Hotel: Transportation from the airport to the hotel: 
  • Wednesday, October 1, 2017
  • I went back to my hometown during the Bon period.
  • The price of this item will go up next season.
  • The price of this item will go up by 8% next season, due to the material shortage.
  • The price of this item will go up by 8% next season, compared with fall 2013, due to the shortage of materials.
  • In terms of GDP, the United States is number one in the world.
  • We ranked third in customer satisfaction in the industry.
  • This is the newest version of the app.
  • Our new toy series targets children aged four to six.
  • I’m happy to hear that things are going well for you.
  • Thank you for all your help the other day.
  • Sorry it’s been so long since I last got in touch.
  • Further to our previous conversation, there is something I would like to add.
  • I wanted to follow up on a few points that we were talking about earlier.
  • I will definitely consider the possibility.
  • I will contact you without delay.
  • Regarding the meeting, this is fine with me.
  • Please narrow down the personnel selection by Friday.
  • We will hold an event to communicate with the on-site staff.
  • Does there seem to be room to negotiate?
  • There are many factors tied into the cause.
  • The client has not yet contacted me.
  • I would appreciate your reconsideration.
  • I feel it problematic.
  • How there been any progress on the product quality survey?
  • I tried it out, but it didn’t go well.
  • I will try to contact a researcher I have in mind. 
  • The email that you sent is garbled and I cannot read it.
  • I apologize for the flaws in the document.
  • In the end, the plan hit a setback.
  • I would like to take time to form a conclusion.
  • The market is very competitive in very respect.(どう見ても) 
  • My contact asked me to deliver the items next month no matter what.
  • Currently, there is no one who understands what happened at that time.
  • Please respond at your earliest convenience.
  • Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
  • First, a brief notice(まずはご案内まで/取り急ぎご連絡).
  • Thank you for your help regarding the matters above.
  • Please accept our deep regrets in not being able to respond your inquiry.
  • Thank you very much for your quick response.
  • In addition,…
  • I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
  • I would be most grateful if you could reply by July 15.
  • Our quotation is as follows:
  • We are very sorry not to have been able to meet your request in this instance.
  • Would it be possible for you to allow us a 5% discount on the overall price?
  • We would be extremely grateful if we could receive a discount of one dollar per unit.
  • If you provide payment in a lump sum, we will bear the shipping cost.
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to comply with your request on this occasion.
  • We apologize for our inability to respond to your wishes.
  • Can I pay in installments by credit card?
  • We are a company dealing in seeds of vegetables, located in Osaka, Japan.
  • We hope you will consider designating us as your distributor.
  • We already have a distributor in Japan.
  • We very much regret that we are unable to respond to your offer on this occasion, but we hope that we will be able to develop a valuable relationship from here on between out two companies.
  • It is our hope that we may continue to do business together for many years to come.
  • Unfortunately I am not able to help you out on this occasion.
  • Thank you for helping me out at such a short notice the other day.
  • Use is permitted for non-profit purposes only.
  • I would like to ask for your understanding regarding this matter.
  • Your prompt consent was a great help.
  • At the moment the date and the time you mentioned are fine with me.
  • I might have to go on a business trip on that same day. If that is the case, I will contact you again.
  • Could you send me the minutes later?
  • I should be available in the afternoon on that day.
  • Something urgent has come up. I’m afraid that I have to cancel my attendance at the meeting.
  • I’m sorry, but I won’t be attending the meeting on October 31.
  • I will arrive there late, and it looks like I won’t make it in time for the meeting.
  • If that is the case, I will contact you again.
  • Please let me know whether or not you will be able to attend the meeting.
  • There are no alterations to the date or location.
  • If there’s anything you’d like to comment on, please do so.
  • Wouldn’t it be better to meet and discuss this matter in person, rather than communicating via e-mail?
  • If this isn’t convenient for you, please let me know.
  • Would it be possible to move our appointment to next week?
  • I’m not well versed in the field.
  • Am I right in thinking that the meeting will take place from 10:00 a.m?
  • If you like, after we are done with work on the 28th, we could all go out for something to eat.
  • Can you contact us regarding the shipment status?
  • The surfboard I ordered was supposed to arrive yesterday, but I haven’t received it yet.
  • Thank you for your email regarding the delay in the delivery of order number 888YP.
  • Please accept our apologies for not contacting you sooner.
  • We can send you a replacement product if you wish.
  • Please let us know if you would like us to do so.
  • We wish to send everything back. Can you confirm that you will bear the cost of return postage?
  • We are pressed for time. When will you send the remaining items?
  • We will do our utmost to ensure that this kind of problem doesn’t occur again in the future.
  • Could you send back the defective item? We will cover the cost of postage.
  • Please fix the error in the amount and resend the correct invoice.
  • We think that some kind of error must have occurred and we ask you to remedy this.
  • This year’s physical checkups will be conducted on June 12.
  • The new address, telephone number and fax number are as follows.
  • It will be no longer be possible to send e-mails to this address from December 1.
  • The name of the person who will take over from me is Makoto Hasegawa.
  • I hope that we may continue to do business together into the future.
  • We will suspend operations during the summer vacation period from August 12-18.
  • We will halt operations from December 28 to January4 for the New Year break.
  • I will contact you once again as soon as my schedule has been decided. Please wait a little longer.
  • We are located about 10 minutes’ walk from Nishi-Asahigaoka station on
  • Please feel free to ask if there is anything about which you are uncertain.
  • We are sorry that we are not able to meet your expectations. We wish you all the best.
  • I would like to thank you again for making the various arrangements for me despite being so busy.
  • I don’t think there’s anybody who is as flexible in their thinking as you.
  • It is not going too far to say that your explicit advice led to a turnaround in sales midway through the year.
  • Looking back on the long lasting relationship we have had with your company.
  • You two, always kindly supporting each other, have become a role model for us.
  • From today up to the end of March,
  • The price you specified is too high for us to meet.
  • I am sorry we are unable to do business with you on this occasion, but we look forward to doing so in the future.
  • I am sorry for the rush, but we would be most grateful if you could reply by Friday of this week.
  • When would it be convenient for you?
  • Would it be possible to meet with you sometime next week?
  • Please let me know when would be convenient for you.
  • I was wondering if we could meet sometime next week.
  • Could we get together tomorrow afternoon?
  • Without your help, we would not have been able to accomplish anything.
  • Had it not been for your financial assistance, we could not have made our project successful.
  • The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until noon.
  • In the coming meeting we will discuss sales strategies.
  • A meeting agenda will be distributed ahead of time.
  • Would you let me know where the meeting will be held?
  • Brad will take over my duties.
  • My replacement will be Mr. Perez.
  • Thank you so much for your assistance during the past five years.
  • We are pleased to welcome Ms.Samantha Ross as our newest staff member.
  • We are pleased your interest in our company and its products.
  • We regret that it would be difficult for us to cooperate with you.
  • Unfortunately, we have already made a contract with another company.
  • We will get back to you as soon as we reach a decision.
  • We hope to be able to establish a business relationship with you.
  • You will receive your order on December 2 at the earliest.

 

Words with e-mails

  • subordinates
  • supervisor
  • cooperation
  • narrow down
  • on-site
  • the headquarters(本社)
  • Every day I am learning from my colleagues who were in my position a few years ago.
  • ×our staff  ○our staff members
  • airfare
  • went up
  • have risen
  • The number of part-times has grown in the last two years.
  • ×cheap  ○inexpensive or reasonable
  • order than 30 (30歳は含まない。29歳以上)
  • The number of people aged 30 and younger in my city is decreasing.
  • Rounded up, 130.79 is 131.
  • Rounded down, 130.33 is 130.
  • If 1.627 is rounded to the second decimal place, it is 1.63.
  • Please open to page 25.
  • The temperature dropped to 10 degrees.
  • sort out(洗い出す)
  • backorder(取り寄せ)
  • lump sum(一括払い)
  • postal mail
  • cardboard(ダンボール)
  • in-house(社内の)
  • w/ = with
  • w/o = without
  • ex; Tuesday, December 11
  • 10:00 a.m.
  • minutes
  • Subject: Change in meeting time
  • By all means(是非)
  • touch down(着陸)ex: Please give me a call when you touch down.
  • postage(送料)
  • likeminded colleagues(志を同じくする者)
  • staff trip(社員旅行)
  • in Japan and abroad(国内外)
  • He became prone to take time off.
  • I hope my advice is of some use.
  • business alliance(業務提携)
  • CIF(cost insurance and freight=運賃・保険料込み条件)
  • P.O(Purchase Order = 注文書)
  • up-to-date(最新)

 

 

 

Recommendation

  • What kind of place have you visited in Japan?
  • Don’t bother, it’s not very good.(I’ll take your word for it.)
  • Take my word for it.
  • You won’t regret it.
  • I promise.
  • You should definitely if you ever get a chance.
  • It’s addictive.
  • Is it worth going?
  • Okay, I’ll take your word for it.
  • I’d love to show you around Osaka if you ever get a chance.
  • I’ll look for somewhere else instead then.

Complementation

  • Look at you. You look beautiful.
  • It suit you. It looks so elegant.
  • I like the way you think.
  • You are very good at speaking Japanese.
  • That was really something.
  • You are really something.
  • So are you.
  • There you go.

Cheering people up

  • It happens all the time.
  • Accidents happen.
  • Don’t dwell on it.
  • Don’t be so hard on yourself.
  • Job interviews are really tough. You win some, you lose some.
  • I’m sure you’ll blow them away.
  • Nothing to worry about.
  • You are in good hands.
  • What’s done is done.
  • I got your back.

Joking / Making fun of people

  • What kind of childhood did you have?
  • Have you been drinking?
  • You’re actually smarter than you look.
  • Cut got your tongue?
  • Who do you think you are?
  • You’re weird, and this is a compliment.

Advises

  • You really need to cut back.
  • You should eat less snacks.
  • Cut it out.

Eating

  • I was wondering if you had plans for lunch today.(Nope, nothing so far.)
  • Do you wanna go grab something around 1:00?
  • Sure. Sounds good. Come by when you are ready to go.
  • I’d like a to make a reservation for tonight.
  • What name should I make the reservation under?
  • I’m not really in the mood for Chinese food.
  • To stay or to go?
  • Thanks for having me over for dinner.
  • Care for drink?
  • Would you care for something to drink?
  • I’m parched.
  • Do you know what they put in it?
  • Are you ready to order?
  • Could you give me a few more minutes? I’m still deciding.
  • Would you like a drink while you’re still deciding?
  • Can I get an orange juice?
  • Can I get a cafe latte and scone to go?
  • I can’t make up my mind. What do you recommend?
  • I wonder what it tastes like?
  • What does it taste like?
  • Do you have any vegetarian options?
  • That sounds delicious. I’ll have that, please.
  • On second thought. Could I have the lemon chicken instead?
  • Let’s dig in.
  • Can I get something to clean this up with?
  • That was a great meal.
  • Have another one?
  • No, I can’t eat another bite.
  • It’s just too full to finish this.
  • No, there’s no way we can finish that.
  • Excuse me? Could I get the rest of it to take home?
  • Could I get the rest to go, please?
  • Sure. I’ll put it in a container for you.
  • Are you paying together or separately?
  • Let me get it. I owe you. It’s on me.
  • You’ve done a lot for me.
  • No, let’s split the bill.
  • Okay. Can we pay separately?
  • What did you have?
  • That comes to $8.80.
  • Keep the change.
  • Do you have 5 single?
  • I can’t really explain what kind of taste it has.
  • Do you have 5 single?
  • Have another one?

Making out

  • What are you up to tomorrow after class?
  • Could you maybe meet up and go for a coffee or some?
  • I was wondering if you had plans for lunch today.(Nope, nothing so far.)
  • Do you wanna go grab something around 1:00?
  • Why don’t we go out for a drink tonight?
  • It’ll help you get your mind off your studies.
  • It might make you feel better.
  • How does 2:00 o’clock sound?
  • That’s sounds like a good idea.
  • When’s good for you?
  • I’m not in the mood for hamburger.
  • I got something for you. I hope you like it.(It’s just what wanted. Thank you.)
  • The usual spot?
  • I can take you there if you like.
  • See you in a few.
  • Do you mind if I sit here?
  • How about going to a cafe?
  • Are you seeing anyone at the moment?
  • I wish I had met you earlier.
  • Sit tight.
  • I love you for who you are.
  • Two for “Evil Dead”, please?
  • I can’t think anything, but you.

New York

  • I used to live in New York. I’d lived there for about a year and a half to study English.
  • I was able to talk with a really diverse group of people. You know, in New York, there are a lot of people who have different nationalities so. 
  • I’d lived in Harlem. Harlem is very famous for unsafe area.
  • Yes, I used to be a New Yorker, but it’s been about 4-5 years since I got back to Japan.

Emotions

  • I’m impressed.
  • I’m satisfied.
  • I’m worried.
  • I’m relieved.
  • I’m nervous.
  • I’m concerned.
  • I was embarrassed.
  • It’s embarrassing.
  • The thing I’m most worried about is..

Introducing myself

  • I’m addicted to playing with cats.
  • It helps me to relax.
  • I’ve been to Florida***********************
  • My father used to pull it on me all the time.
  • I had a ball in Miami.
  • I’m Toshiya in the Product Department. My job is like to manage and organize the stock in the warehouse such as ordering, receiving, cleaning and sending the seeds. Also supporting the farmers to make their vegetables in good condition.

Reservation

  • Do you have any rooms available for tonight?
  • Do you have a less expensive room?
  • I’d like to book a table for five today at 2:00 p.m.

 

Others

  • Computer illiterate
  • Athletically challenged
  • Directionally challenged
  • Addictive.
  • Make a complaint.
  • Late August / Early March.
  • Newlywed(people who got married lately)
  • I’m optimistic / pessimistic.
  • Self-centered.
  • It’s nice and crisp.
  • left brain / right brain(ex: I’m a right brain)
  • to throw someone off(ex: to make someone confused or disappointed).
  • It really turned me off.
  • By the time I was seventeen.
  • cardio(walking, swimming, hiking).
  • ding-dong-ditch.
  • Nature calles.
  • back to back (= doing sth continuing    ex:We played two games back to back. Back-to-back typhoon. )
  • Potluck party
  • On alternate days.
  • On alternate weeks.
  • On alternate months.
  • On alternate Monday.
  • every other day.
  • every other week.
  • every other month.
  • every other Monday.

About Japan

  • In Japan, we have a saying…
  • Zan-shin
  • 911 and 119
  • Ame-otoko
  • Awaji-shima.

Differences

  • How’s your project coming along?(You are working on that project together) vs How’s your project going?(personal question)
  • ○I overslept this morning; however, I made it to the train. ×I overslept this morning, however, I made it to the train. (副詞なので2つの節を結ぶことはできない。;を使えばできる。)
  • ×help your work. contact this address. decrease 20% consumption explain you a rule. suggest you a plan. ○help you with your work. contact me at this address. explain a rule to you. suggest a plan to you.
  • ×many number. expensive cost. little expense. start from 6:00 p.m. see a dream. ○large number. high cost. small/low expense. start at 6:00 p.m. have a dream.

Q and A

  • What do you do for a living?/What’s your occupation?/What is your job?

I work for a company dealing in seeds of vegetables like seeds of carrots, lettuces, tomatoes and so on. Like agricultural industry, located in Osaka Minoh-city. My department is called “Product Department”. To manage and organize the stock in the warehouse such as ordering, receiving, and cleaning the seeds and sending the seeds. And also supporting farmers to make their vegetables in good condition some like that.

  • What do you wanna be?

 

  • We would very much like to be of service to you as a distributer in Iran.

I’m afraid we don’t have any plans to get a distributer in your country so far. I have already talked to my manager and CEO about this and they said no. I am sorry. I’m looking forward to doing business with your company in the future. Thank you. Thank you for calling. It was good to talk to you. Have a nice day.

 

 

 

 

May 7, 2017

Things I want to talk about.

  • 🙅Back pain
  • 🆗Soccer
  • 🆗What I like to focus on
  • 🆗The reason why she chose Japan?
  • 🆗Zan-shin
  • 🆗911 and 119
  • 🆗Ame-otoko
  • 🆗Illinois Foundation Inc
  • Awaji-shima
  • 🆗Upsetting things
  • 🆗Free time
  • 🆗Food/soba
  • That was really something
  • 🆗If seeing anybody
  • 🙅Ashley in kanji
  • 🆗Money things
  • 🆗Next meeting
  • [Awaji-shima] Last time we talked about what is the best place to travel or to live in Japan. I recommend you to go to Awajishima. Awaji-shima is an island that is very close to here like it takes two hours by car or bus. There’re a lot of beautiful scenery cause it’s an island like  I said you know what I mean? and lots of good food too. What’s more, you can see the longest suspension bridge in the world like 1,200 miles. 
  • 🆗[Why’d choose Japan?] No offense, but you could’ve studied biology like you said before, right? in any other countries, not only Japan. You gotta be kidding. Seriously? Wow, you made me surprised. Come to think of it, I remember the last time we met. And after the meeting, just after saying good bye with each other, and you were looking at me until I leave. That’s Japanese people usually do, to respect people. Have you ever heard of a word “Zanshin”? Zanshin is a Japanese word that is origin from Japanese traditional martial arts like Samurai culture and traditional performing arts like Sa-do, have you ever heard of it or have you ever tried it? like having a tea ceremony. This originally means concentrating on what you’re doing until you finished. For instance, even if a soldier is killed by others, the dead body might be pretending to be dead, and he might start attacking us. Which means, you must concentrate on what you are doing and prepare for the next. Or, in situation of saying good bye, it’s better to look at people you said good bye until he or she leaves. It means you enjoyed the time so much, you want to see him or her again. Also, when you close the door, when you hang up a phone. You can enjoy bathing in the afterglow, you know what I mean? That is the way of thinking of Zanshin.
  • 🆗[Money things] I’ve been thinking that 2,500 yen for you lesson per hour is a little bit too much cheap. You deserve to get 3,000 yen. So I can give you 3,000 yen. Or what do you make of this one? 3,000 yen for one hour. 5,000 yen for two hours. So which means, the more I take your lesson, the more I can get a discount a little bit. What do you think? Cause I feel sorry even though you come over, pay for your commute and a coffee.
  • 🆗[Upsetting] When was the last time you got upset? Cause you are so kind and calm. So I was just curious what kind of things make you get upset.
  • 🆗[Free time] What do you do in your free time? Like I said, I like cats. Playing with cat’s is addictive. I live with a cat, but my mother takes care of 14 cats in her place. And a dog. She loves taking care of animals.
  • 🆗[Soccer] I saw you on facebook and you made me surprised. I thought you like watching soccer games, but you actually do soccer. Wow, very impressive. How long have you been playing soccer? I’m not good at soccer, why don’t you teach me also soccer if you ever get a chance?
  • 🙅[Back pain] Okay, I guess. I mean my back is killing me. I must have injured when I was running three days ago. You know, I realized that I’m getting old, not like you.
  • 🆗[Expo-city] Have you ever been to Expo-city? It’s a huge shopping mall that is very close to here. You can shop, eat, watch movies, go and see animals at the zoo. There’s a white tiger.
  • 🆗[911] You guys call 911 when somebody got injury, right? Here in Japan, we call 119. Do you know why we call like this number? We used to use phones which have dials. And then, when we call, we turn the dial, then it returns automatically, 1 is closest to the original position, but 9 and 0 are the farthest. So you turn the 9 it needs the longest time than others, so you can get chill in the mean time. 
  • 🆗[Ame-otoko?] Have you heard about the word “Ame-otoko”? Like a person who always brings rain clouds. Like rain clouds are always following that person. It’s called Ame-otoko for men. Ame-onna for women.
  • 🙅[亜朱李] Has anybody put the Japanese character for your name? Okay, I can do that. It’s kinda difficult even though I started saying like that. How about this? This sounds like A like America. This character means red color. And this one means a plum, the fruit.
  • 🆗[Boyfriend] Are you seeing anybody? If you don’t mind my asking.
  • [That was really something] What kind of timing I can use like “That was really something” “You are really something” those are kind of compliments, right?
  • 🆗[Illinois Foundation Seeds Inc]I was wondering if you have heard of “Illinois Foundation Seeds Inc”? That company is very close to Illinois University, and we work together actually. Have you ever seen them?
  • 🆗[Food/soba] What kind of Japanese food do you like the most? Have you ever tried soba? Soba is a kind of Japanese noodles that are made from buckwheat. Do you know what the buckwheat is? Buckwheat is a plant that we usually import from Russia and China. When you eat soba, you gotta drink the water that the noodles have been boiled. It’s very nutritious, and it’s very good to keep your skins healthy. You should try once. I’m sure you won’t regret it. Take my word for it.
  • 🆗[What I like to focus on] Listen, last time we talked about what I want to focus on, right? Then I said to you like “I haven’t decided yet.” So I’ve been thinking that I wanna focus on speaking the most. I can learn reading, writing and listening by myself, but speaking. I need somebody who listens to me, who I talk to. So you can fix what I said at the moment of afterwards.
  • 🆗[Next meeting] Meeting at the same place always is kinda boring. Don’t you think? Even though you are going to leave on this August. You gotta go and see many places as much as possible.

Things what I learned on May 7th 2017

  • FYI × (Sounds like sassy) Difference between “sassy” and “sassy”?
    Just for your information
  • sarcastic = ironic, but could be positive sometimes.
  • quick-witted = smart, someone who can understands the situation and can take action quickly.
  • meme = an idea, belief system, or pattern of behavior that spreads throughout a culture. ex: internet meme. anything else that I can use meme?
  • road rage = aggressive or angry behavior by a driver which include rude gestures, verbal insults, physical threats and so on.
  • compassionate = able to understand people’s feelings.
  • gnarly(nar-lee) = almost same as “radical”(←old), extremely cool, awesome. Don you have any example that I can use gnarly? ex: He’s f**kin’ gnarly.
  • a kid at heart = a person who acts or becomes very youthful or possibly childish. ex: You are such a kid at heart.
  • procrastinate / procrastinating =  a person who can’t concentrate on things that s/he has to do. Then he does something different even tho he has something to do.
  • immature = not fully developed.
  • childish = just like a child. almost all the time negative I think, but could be positive sometimes. But a kid at heart almost all always positive.
  • settle down = getting married. Can I say going to tie the knot?

May 13th, 2017

  • Difference between ”saucy” and “sassy”.
  • [review] Why don’t we review what I learned from you last time? Is it natural if I say the word “review” in this case? Or do I have to say like “go though”? ”go over”?
  • [A kid a t heart] I’m sure I’m a kid at heart ‘cause I watch TMNT Mutant Tattles every morning. I need it keep me going.
  • Awaji shima
  • Zanshin
  • 119
  • food
  • that was really something / you are really something
  • Ame otoko
  • Farewell party. We were having a farewell party for our co-worker. She’s been working for our company for 4-5 years. But it seems she’s sick of it. She doesn’t like her boss who is not my boss though. Actually, she is much more skilled than her boss, but she has to do anything that the boss says to her. So she’s sick of it.

Things what I learned on May 12th, 2017.

  • to threw someone off / to be thrown off
  • left-brain / right-brain(a person who always uses left/right brain. ex: I’m a right brain.)
  • passive agression
  • street-smart / book-smart(A person who learned how to live by reading books, or on the street)
  • juicy
  • “Kermit”(One of the meme TVs)
  • cheesy(poor quality, tasteless, unstable)
  • corny(too old-fashioned, not cool / nice ex: That’s such a corny song. Bakers field.).
  • Deuces (= goodbye)
  • fam(family, buddy, close friends…etc ex: How ya doing, fam?)
  • jaywalking(ignoring traffic signals during the walk)

What I want to ask on May 18th, 2017

  • [high-tension] (Japanese people usually say “high-tension” when they get high, when they get excited, but I don’t think it’s in use in the U.S. How do you say when you get high)
  • [guys] I usually use “guys” like “How do you guys usually say?”. “Hey guys.” Is it okay if I say guys even if you are not a guy, or if there’s no guys in a place?
  • 🆗[Awaji-shima] The time before the last or maybe more, but we have talked about where’s the best place to travel in Japan, right? How about going to Awajishima? It’s an island and it’s not so far from here. You can eat a lot of seafoods like Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco. Of course there are a lot of beautiful scenery ‘cause it’s an island like I said. I went to Awajishima in the winter before last. We ate oysters, octopuses, an onion burger ‘cause Awajishima is famous for onion, and akashiyaki too. Have you ever eaten Akashiyaki? It’s very similar to Takoyaki, not exactly. Actually, Takoyaki is origin from akashiyaki. Much more softer than Takoyaki, you can almost drop from your chopsticks. You can eat akashiyaki with a soup, you can dip with the soup. It tastes like udon soup. It’s very delicious. You should try that once., alright?
  • 🆗[corny] corny is like too old-fashioned, not too cool, not too nice like “That’s such a corny song, a corny movie, a corny place” like a Bakers Field maybe. a bit cute.
  • [That was really something / You are really something] When you say like, “That was really something”, “You are really something” is a kind of a compliment, right? What kind of situation I can say like this?
  • 🆗[Going to tie the knot] To settle down has some meanings, right? Like calm down chill out, or getting married. Can I say I’m going to tie the knot? Too much old-fashioned?
  • 🆗[Running] I usually go for running as workout, but I don’t run long-distance, only short distance, fast and again and again. How can I say when I run fast in short distance again and again? Sprint? Anaerobics? Just dash?

Things what I learned on May 18th, 2017

  • “horse shoe”= An Illinois soul food that has cheese on many fried potatoes
  • chubby = a bit obese
  • curvy = a person who has a sexy and curvy body.
  • attractive =  a good looking guy, girl who you are interested in.
  • fit (super thin) – in shape(normal) – built(macho)
  • batter = mixture of eggs, milk and flour.
  • out-dated = no longer useful because of being old-fashioned.
  • pass out = to be unconscious(I passed out on the train)
  • faint= to be unconscious (ex: go off in a faint, recover in a faint)
  • prom = a dance party that hold when the time before high school students graduate.

Things what I want to ask

  • high-tension
  • guys
  • [That was really something / You are really something] When you say like, “That was really something”, “You are really something” is a kind of a compliment, right? What kind of situation I can say like this?
  • [“Drop me a line.” “Drop me a facebook?”] What I ask people to text me when they can. “Drop me a line.” “Drop me a facebook.” instead of “Text me”?
  • [guys] I usually use “guys” like “How do you guys usually say?”. “Hey guys.” Is it okay if I say guys even if you are not a guy, or if there’s no guys in a place?
  • [high-tension] (Japanese people usually say “high-tension” when they get high, when they get excited, but I don’t think it’s in use in the U.S. How do you say when you get high)

First seed

You’ve already sent an email to Takayoshi, but you haven’t got any reply from him, right?

Well, I asked him yesterday and he said that he’s already read your email, but he’s been thinking if he can arrange his schedule for you. You know, especially these days, he’s been busy so. So I have a question. By when should he get back to you? By tomorrow? or by next week? or by the end of this month?

Okay, I’ll let him know that you called and you are waiting for his email. Okay, I’ll let him know, and he’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks for calling and have a nice day.

Things I want to ask.

  • [Konkatsu-party] I’ve met my girl at a single party which is called konkatu-party in Japan. Do you guys have this kind of party? I went to that party just because it was just a few days after I split up with my ex. And one of my friends used to go to the parties often. So I decided to go there. I really needed to get over it.
  • [Asagata-ningen] As you know, I always wake early in the morning like an old man which is called “asagata-ningen” in Japanese. And a person who is active at night is called “yorugata-ningen” or just “yorugata”. Is there any word in English?
  • [Business trip] I gotta go on a business trip to Chiba on next Monday to look into? to investigate our farmers carrots how they are going. I prefer to stay and work at my office. ‘cause which means, I have to take care of my customers, like hanging out and drink and go to karaoke thing and so on. I really hate it. What’s more, I can’t meet my cat during the business trip. Oh my god. I already asked my mom to take care of her though. I have to see and play with her at least twice in a day.
  • [Part-time job] Have you ever experienced a part-time job except this? In my case, I used to teach karate, and I have worked for a sports club? is it English? and also, I have experienced an outfit shops clerk. And Making bread in a factory. Some like that.
  • [“Drop me a line.” “Drop me a facebook?”] What I ask people to text me when they can. “Drop me a line.” “Drop me a facebook.” instead of “Text me”?

June 18th, 2017

I’ve been so busy lately. like first, I went to Chiba to look into how my client’s carrots are going well or not,

and then I went to Yamaguchi last week to advertise the client’s sweet corns in a supermarket. I was saying and asking people to buy sweet corns like “This is very delicious” “Would you try?” some like that.

Then the day before yesterday to yesterday, I went to Yamanashi to have a meeting for a new project with Kagome which is very huge and famous company that makes vegetable juices, ketchups and dressing. We had a meeting and then, went to the farm to shot the farm and sweet corns, also we used a drone to record a movie from the sky.

Everything was good. I mean every works went so well, but the after meeting, we hanged out and drink a lot until 3 or 4 am. That’s why I really hate business trips. What’t more, I can’t see my cat during the business trip. I can’t stand it. I can almost go crazy. I can’t think anything, but my cat. My girl is okay. ‘Cause I know she’s doing well even though I don’t keep in touch. She’s the person who can manage herself well much more than me.

July 5th, 2017

[Propose thing]

I proposed her and she accepted me. Thanks. But I had already known she was going to accept ‘cause she’s asked me to marry her. She said like that a month ago, even though I was already planning to propose her. We went to Awajishima and we went to a hot-spring and ate a dinner. Then I gave her some present which I have already told you cat art works? Things you can see in a museum. Then I show her a slides that I put lots of pictures we took since we had met. She cried and so did I.

[Tsurigaki]

Have you ever heard of Tsurigaki? I would be surprised if you had known about it because I hadn’t known that even though I was born in Japan. Well Tsurigaki is a resume that a guy gives to a the parents of the girl who he wants to get married. I gotta write which school I graduated, which company I am working. How told I am. How much weight I have. How big is my family. Whether or not I have got big illnesses in my life. Then I need a picture of myself too. That’s very tiring. Even though I’ve been so busy lately.

[Kamu]

When I am talking then I couldn’t say what I was trying to say. Like I can control my brain , but can’t control my tongue. We say “Kamu” is a verb or “Kanda” is the past tense. How do you guys say that kind of situation?

[Busy]

I’ve been so busy at work lately. Yo know July is the busiest month for us. I just have 5-6 day offs in a month. It’s the season of carrots and sweet corns. We gotta clean the seeds for the farmers to make their vegetables in good condition. What about you? What’ve been up to?

[aroma]

I’m into aroma spa these days. Do American guy usually go to spa? So do Japanese guys. It’s changing though. I have to maintain body and keep my body in condition to get over July. Have you ever tried any kinds of spa?

  • early riser, morning person, early bird(the early bird gets the warm)
  • night owl
  • gotcha = I got you.
  • exhilarating = feeling nice and cool
  • impatient = someone who can’t wait, want to do anything quickly.
  • washroom – restroom – bathroom – toilet
  • boba = a drink with tapioca
  • tedious = You do things which is so boring and you are sick of it.
  • wine and dine = inviting and giving a food to a guest(ex: I wine and dine her parents. Carl wined and dined me.)
  • slyly =狡猾な
  • spit out = 吐き出す
  • trace = なぞる
  • horoscope = zodiac sign
  • tongue-tied = 噛む
  • nutritionist = 栄養士

What do you do for living?

What’s your favorite food?

What’d you do last night?

 

 

 

Could you explain how to use picking cart?