2023年6月4日更新
ネイティブ表現の音声データはこちからご活用ください。
https://speechify.page.link/cR3FcP8vXdsGKAtH8
外国人ネイティブが実際に日常生活やビジネス場面で使っている活きた表現をほぼ毎日、紹介していきます! 学校やテキストでは習わなかった実用的な言い回しを身につけていきましょう。
I am here for it
「いいよね」「まったくだよ」
何かに興味や関心があることを表現するときに使われます。具体的には、何かをサポートしたい、参加したい、楽しみたい、学びたいなどの意味があります。
A: Hey, B, have you heard about the new music festival happening next month?
B: Yes, I have! I am so excited about it. The lineup looks amazing.
A: Right? They’ve got some of my favorite artists performing. I am here for it!
B: Absolutely! I’ve been waiting for an event like this for so long. The energy and the atmosphere are going to be incredible.
big picture
「全体像」「対局」
ビジネスでも使われる「big picture」の意味は、大きな絵ではないです。
A: Hey, B, I’ve been thinking about our project, and I believe we should consider the big picture before making any decisions.
B: Absolutely, A. It’s essential to take a step back and look at the overall goals we want to achieve.
A: Exactly. Sometimes we get caught up in the details and lose sight of the larger vision.
B: I couldn’t agree more. By focusing on the big picture, we can prioritize our efforts and ensure that everything we do aligns with our ultimate objectives.
a handful of
「少しの」
「手に十分に持てるぐらい」の意味になり、これは量やサイズについて表現しています。多すぎとも少なすぎとも言っていませんが、基本的にはそこまで多くはない量です。
A: Hey, did you hear about the new restaurant that opened downtown?
B: Yeah, I heard it’s fantastic! Have you been there yet?
A: Not yet, but I’ve heard they serve amazing sushi.
B: Oh, I’m a big fan of sushi! We should definitely check it out sometime.
A: Definitely! Let’s gather a handful of our friends and make a reservation for this weekend.
drive me bananas
「腹が立つ」「イラつく」
バナナに夢中になるサルをほのめかしているという説もあるようです。
A: Hey, I heard you started a new job. How’s it going?
B: Oh, it’s been quite a ride! The workload is intense, and the deadlines drive me bananas.
A: I can imagine. Starting a new job can be overwhelming. Hang in there! It’ll get better with time.
B: I hope so. It’s just that the constant pressure sometimes drives me bananas. But I’m determined to succeed.
in addition to
「加えて」「他に」
and,besides,と同様に会話を繋げていく時に便利な表現です。
A: Have you finished the report for the upcoming meeting?
B: Yes, I have. In addition to the main points, I also included some supporting data and charts.
A: That’s great! In addition to that, did you address the concerns raised by the client in the last meeting?
B: Absolutely! I made sure to incorporate their feedback and suggestions into the report as well.
break it down
「分かり易く説明する」
噛み砕いて物事を説明する言い回しです。
A: I don’t really understand this math problem. Can you help me?
B: Sure thing. Let’s break it down step by step.
A: Thanks, that would be great. I’m just having a hard time seeing how the formulas fit together.
B: No problem. First, let’s start with the basic formula and then we can add in the variables. That should help break it down and make it easier to understand.
be fan of
「好き」
likeと同じく、好きなことを表現する時に使えるネイティブっぽい言い方です。
A: What kind of music do you like?
B: I’m a big fan of rock music. The energy and guitar riffs just get me every time.
A: That’s awesome! Any specific bands or artists you enjoy listening to?
B: Definitely! I’m a huge fan of bands like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Guns N’ Roses. Their music never fails to pump me up.
Back and forth
「行ったり来たり」
Backは後ろ、forthは前と言う意味で、日本語とは語順が逆ですが、前に行ったり戻ったりと言う意味で、堂々巡りの状態を表します。
A: I’m not sure which movie to watch tonight. Should we go for something action-packed or a romantic comedy?
B: Well, we could go back and forth and alternate between the two genres. That way we both get to watch something we like.
A: Hmm, that’s not a bad idea. But I feel like watching something light-hearted tonight. Can we start with the romantic comedy?
B: Sure, we can do that. Then next time we can pick an action movie. How about that?
A: Sounds like a plan. Thanks for being flexible and accommodating my preference.
B: No problem, happy to help. Let’s enjoy the movie!
get the hang of it
「慣れていく」
get the hang of it という表現は、何かを理解し、上手にできるようになることを意味します。
A: I’m having trouble understanding how to use this new library in my code.
B: Don’t worry, it can take some time to get the hang of it. Here’s a helpful tutorial that might make things clearer
hit and miss
「当たり外れが大きい」
hitは当たる、missはその反対で外れるという意味から、上手くいく時もあればそうでない時もある、行き当たりばったりというニュアンスにもなります。
A: How was the food at the new restaurant you tried last night?
B: It was hit and miss, to be honest. Some dishes were really delicious, but others were just okay.
A: Oh, I see. Which dishes did you like the most?
B: The chicken tikka masala was amazing, and the naan bread was really good too. But the samosas were a bit disappointing.
A: I see. Well, at least you found some things you liked. Maybe next time you can try some different dishes.
B: Definitely. It’s worth giving it another shot.
jump ahead
「先を急ぐ」
get aheadも同様で物事の順序を無視して先を急ぐことを表します。
A: I’m a little worried about this project. We’re already behind schedule and there’s still so much to do.
B: Don’t worry, we can jump ahead by working on the most important tasks first. That way, we can make up some of the lost time.
A: That’s a good idea. Which tasks do you think we should prioritize?
B: Let’s start with the ones that have the biggest impact on the project’s success. That way, we can ensure we’re making progress on the most critical parts.
A: Okay, that makes sense. Let’s get started then.
ETA
「到着予定時間」
「estimated time of arrival」の略で、会話でも略語として使われます。
A: I need your help now! An urgent errand needed to be done by EOD.
B: Oh shit, I am in the middle of taking shower now.
A: Oh my god, give me your ETA.
B: I will be your home around 23:00. Hope it still works for you.
a.k.a
「〜として知られている」「通称」「別名」
“also known as” の頭文字をとって、 “a.k.a” と使われています。
たとえば、海外セレブやアーティストが、本名とは違うステージネームを使っている場合に、「本名 a.k.a ステージネーム」のように使われたりします。
A: Hey guys! I am Toru,a.k.a. most handsome guy at the party tonight !
B: Yuck,what a jerk he is. a.k.a. I am not interested.
C: He looks cute,though.
B: Huh, enjoy the night !
out of woods
「困難を乗り越えて」
森から外へ出て」みたいな意味になり、そこから「困難を乗り越える」という意味で使われます。
A: My father is still in the hospital. He is not out of woods yet.
B: Sorry to hear that. Hope he overcomes his illness soon.
A: Thank you for your caring. I am sure he can recover and come back home this month.
B: I am sure too.
hit on me
「私をナンパする」「私を口説く」
hit on ～ は「～を口説く」という意味です。
A: You look amazing today.
B: Are you trying to hit on me ?
A: Are you seeing anyone ?
B: Yup ! So please do not hit on me lol
up in the air
「宙ぶらりん」「未解決」
何かが決定されなかったり、誰かの返事を待っている状態で使う「未決定」と言う意味のイディオムです。
A: My travel plan during new year holidays are still up in the air.
B: Are you finally planning to go abroad after three years ?
A: That’s right. But, I am concerned about low yen currency now, which cost me a lot abroad.
B: Hum, you might wanna see how it goes for a while then.
hit it off
「意気投合する」
初対面で、意気投合する時に”hit it off“を使います。顔見知りで、「気が合う」「仲がいい」なら”get along“を使います。
A: I finally could see my coworker based in California in the US.
B: You told me you guys had been working together on a big project for three months.
A: That’s right. She came to Japan to see me and we hit it off straight away.
B: Wow. Cool.
pay back
「仕返しをする」「恩返しする」
お金を返済するという意味以外に、「借りを返す」と日本語でも言いますが、この場合は人から受けた行為に対してお返しをするということです。親切を受けた時には「恩を返す」、ひどい仕打ちを受けた時は「仕返しをする」になります。
A: My Chinese coworker helped me accomplish my challenging project.
B: How kind of him ! You need to pay him back when he needs hands for his project.
A: Absolutely. I am willing to do so.
B: It’s always nice to have good coworkers.
head over heels
「惚れ込む」「ゾッコン」
もともと「真っ逆さまに」という意味がありましたが、今では恋人や異性、好きな人などに対して夢中である、ゾッコンであるといった意味で使われるようになりました。
A: You know what ? Ken is such a good looking man.
B: I am here for you. Apparently Naomi is head over heels for him.
A: I am sure she is. Everyone likes him.
B: Although no guarantee he loves her.
off the scale
「計り知れない」
「scale」には、「はかり、計量器」といった意味があります。つまり、はかりのメーターが振り切れていることを意味します。そのぐらい、「計り知れない」、ということです。
A: The impact of the global warming is off the scale.
B: Absolutely. We’ve been experiencing horrible natural disasters as a result of it.
A: This is where we are under the critical situation.
B: Each individual must take actions to prevent further warming on a daily basis.
last resort
「最終手段」
resortには「頼りにするもの」という意味があるので、last resortで「最後の手段」「頼みの綱」のようなニュアンスで使われます。
A: Are we getting enough number of applicants for the manager’s position ?
B: Not at all. I am afraid that the conditions offering are not attractive enough.
A: Well, we can ask Matt to take this role as a last resort.
B: That’s a good idea. He is an experienced manager.
low hanging fruit
「簡単な」
「低いところにぶらさがっている果物」ですが、ビジネスでは「大した努力をしなくとも達成できる目標」のことを指します。
A: Do you think our quarterly sales target is achievable ?
B: In all honesty, it’s low hanging fruit.
A: In your opinion, we should improve our target strategy ?
B: For us, it’s a bit under-stimulated. Why not hearing more opinions from others ?
screw over
「騙す」「嫌な目に合わせる」「浮気する」
screwねじ込むを使ったイディオムは沢山ありますがその一つとして覚えましょう。
A: You know , I’m getting totally screwed over now.
B: I thought it was good chance for you to be promoted as a manager.
A: My boss is mean guy. Likely he had no intensions to promote me for the first place.
B: What a day for you. Let’s party tonight !
given
「〜を考慮すると」
文頭にGivenが登場すると「～を考慮に入れると、～を考えると」の意味です。Consideringがほぼ同じ意味になります。
A: Given his age, he is much younger than regular 50’s.
B: Is he 50’s? Such an eye-opening; I thought he was still 30’s.
A: Amazing, isn’t he ? He looks so heathy.
B: I wish I could be like him when I turned out 50’s.
wiggle room
「（弁解などの）余地」
wiggleは「何かを小さく素早い動きで上下左右に動かす、またはその動き」のことを指します。
またroomには部屋の他に余地、余裕という意味があります。
A: I’d suggest you decide whether you stay with us or leave by this evening.
B: There’s no wiggle room to sleep on it ?
A: Unfortunately no more time for you.
B: Hum, then fine, I will quit by the end of this month.
jaw dropping
「あいた口が塞がらない」
「jaw（下あご）がdropping（落下）」するほどあっと驚くという意味で、驚きのあまり口をぽっかり開けているさまを表す表現です。
A: The typhoon hit us last month was literally jaw dropping.
B: We’ve never experienced that scale of typhoon in the past.
A: Huge typhoon is one of the phenomena that global warming caused us.
B: Totally. I am really concerning about recent climate changes.
wouldn’t bet on it
「それはどうかな」
「私はそれを確かだと当てにしない」または「私はそれを保証しない」という意味になり、そこから、「そうはならないと思うよ」、「あまり見込みはないと思うよ」という意味になります。
A: Do you think we can end our project by due date ?
B: I wouldn’t bet on it. We need more time for doing QA.
A: You are right. We should improve our quality of assets to deliver.
B: Do you think you can negotiate with our client about extension ?
at the drop of a hat
「すぐさま」「きっかけさえあれば」「ためらわず」
アメリカで男同士がけんかをする時、帽子を投げて地面に落ちた瞬間を開始の合図にしていたことから派生したイディオムです。
A: If my friend were much younger, he’d quit his current job at the drop of a hat.
B: Doesn’t he like what he is dong for a living ?
A: He just hates his boss who just came from other division.
B: Huh, it’s true that it’s not easy for changing a job once getting older.
You made the bed, now lie in it.
「自分の蒔いた種だ」
直訳は「あなたが作ったベッドで寝ないといけない」と不思議な表現ですが、
「あなたが作った状況を受け入れないといけない」のような意味で使われます。
A: You know, my brother-in-law, married a Chinese almost 10 years ago and had a son now.
B: Yup. How’ are they doing ?
A: They say they both have difficulties to understand mutually due to cultural differences and language barriers. And they will end up getting divorced if it goes worse.
B: They should have known many challenging for the first place. I would say, ‘ You made the bed, now lie in it.`
good vibes
「よい感じ、雰囲気」
スラング的な意味で、振動のvibrationの短縮系のvibeを使い、良い感じという意味で人や場所に対して使われます。
A: I really miss my previous workplace with good vibes.
B: Same here. We were happy to work with good people for a time being.
A: Sadly, I heard the company culture was totally destroyed by a new owner.
B: I know many good people left and new guys coming from the owner’s company now.
better off
「〜した方が良い」
You’d be better offをYou shouldと考えたら分かりやすいでしょう。但し、Better offは、「〜をした方がもっとよい状態になる」のニュアンスがあります。
A: I know you are so busy this week. You’d better off taking rest this weekend.
B: Thank you, for sure, I will have a chill at home.
A: You’d better off forgetting about all hectic at work.
B: Yeah, Hoping this project ends successfully next week, though..
dead on
「全く正しい」
一説によれば、射撃が由来になっているようで、「dead on the mark」の省略形だとのことです。つまり、完璧に的を射るという意味です。
A: You know what, your presentation was dead on today.
B: Really ? Happy to hear that. It deserved spending so much time for the preparation.
A: Definitely. It worths taking time off next week.
B: Are you kidding me ? I am super high now.
It stands out to me
「感心する」
英語ネイティブは stand out を「優れている」「際立つ」のようなニュアンスでもよく使います。
A: Climate these days are really issues for anybody.
B: Absolutely, there are many audio programs talking about global warming and discuss how to figure it out.
A: One of the broadcast which really stands out to me is the one you recommended me last week.
B: Do you like it ? I am also listening to it and sometimes I join the conversation and share my thoughts on there.
way
「とても」
wayと聞いて「道」もしくは「方法」という意味はよく知っていますね。
ですが、このway（形容詞・副詞を強調して「すごく」という意味で使われます）日常会話でよく使われます。
A: Can you make it at 15h ? We can have a very late lunch together.
B: It’s way late for the lunch for me. I will be starving.
A: Okey then, can you make it 13h30 ?
B: For sure, where can I see you ? Any favorite restaurant near you office ?
feel grounded,be grounded
「安心する」「しっかりしている」
groundはグラウンド、つまり大地にしっかりと根付いた植物をイメージすると意味が分かりやすくなりますね。
A: My current boss is very calm and fair to anybody.
B: That sounds cool.
A: Yeah, I feel grounded when I see him at the office.
B: I am sure he is very grounded too.
speaking of which
「そう言えば」
speaking of whichは「それでいうと」「そういえば」「ちなみに」というような意味を表します。日常会話え良く使われます。
A: You know what, Silver week is just around the corner.
B: Speaking of which, do you have anything you gonna do ?
A: I’m gonna see my parents and visit our family grave.
B: Okay, that’s really good thing to do.
roll out
「〜を発売する」「〜の提供を開始する」
新しい製品・サービス・計画などを初めて世に出して、人々が買えるようにしたり、使えるようにするというニュアンスです。
A: Apple rolled out new products this month.
B: Right, I watched the Apple Event and found out AirPods Pro Second Generation.
A: That’s the one I want to buy.
B: Same here, it says they got a super personalized sounds provided by new technology.
Let’s say
「例えば、〜としましょう」「〜はどう？」
Suppose」やWhat if ?も同じ意味合いを持ちますが、Let’s sayの方がよりカジュアルに使われます。また、「〜はどう？」のように、提案をちょっと控え目なニュアンスとしても使われます。
A: Let’s say you reach the age 60, what do you wanna do afterwards ?
B: Well, firstly I don’t wanna work at the office anymore. All I wanna do is to enjoy my rest of my life.
A: I know what you mean but realistically you have still longer years left.
B: That’s the thing. We still need money to live, right ?
by any chance
「ひょっとして」「もしや」
断定を避けてやわらかい言い方にしたい時に便利なフレーズです。
A: Sorry but do you know the place where I can buy a movie ticket around here by any chance ?
B: Let’s me think, Um, you may find a ticket service counter at the mall over there.
A: Thanks, I will have a look while shopping around there.
B: I am pretty sure you can find the service desk on the first floor, but enjoy shopping anyway !
eye opening
「新しい学び」
文字通りに目が開くような出来事で、新しい経験、学びになったことを表します。
A: Talking with people from different countries are really eye opening experiences for me.
B: How do you make it possible to do so while in Japan ?
A: I just joined online English lessons that gave me chances to meet a lot of people from the world.
B: Sounds amazing. You can learn not only English but also cultures of different locations.
head off
「失礼する」「帰る」
その場所から去る、出発するという意味から、会話の中では、仕事を終えて先に帰る、失礼するなどの意味でも使われます。
A: I don’t have my 3pm session today, it was cancelled at the last minutes.
B: Sounds like you are free after 3pm then.
A: Yup. I am going to head off. Have a nice weekend !
B: For sure, thank you, you too!
sketchy
「怪しい」
一般的には怪しげで危険な雰囲気を感じるような場所や人物に対して使われるスラング的な表現です。
A: There are a lot of sketchy parts of Shinjuku, especially around Kabukicho area, so please be careful.
B: I saw a bunch of sketchy looking people at night there.
A: Oh my gosh, you’ve been there already ?
B: Yeah, but we stayed there only for a short time, though.
hook up
「接続する」「繋ぐ」
「hook up」は本来の「つなぐ」という意味から派生して、スラング的な用法を含め、さまざまな使い方があります。今回は、ディバイスなどを接続するという意味を紹介します。
A: I am unable to upload the data, any tech issues now ?
B: Are you hooked up with company wifi ?
A: Indeed.
B: You wanna try to hook up via ethernet ?
feel free
「遠慮なく〜してください」
「遠慮しないでどうぞ」という気持ちを表す時に使う便利な表現です。
A: I’ve done very rough draft of our presentation for next meeting.
B: That’s super helpful.
A: Feel free to make any changes to the presentation. We can have a sync once mutually checked this week.
B: That will be nice, thank you !
full on
「大変」
「とてもハードで、極限に達していて、（人に使うときは）その人がとても情熱的（通常迷惑な感じ）になっている」という意味で使われます。
A: You look so tired today. Are you okay ?
B: Uni a bit full on today so exhausted.
A: You still wanna go out tonight ?
B: You don’t mind if I pass it ? Maybe next week after my exams.
smart aleck
「知ったかぶりをする」
A: I am not IT savvy. But should I be a smart aleck when you are not with me today ?
B: You don’t have to be. All you should say is to reach out to me tomorrow again when they need some help.
A: Thank you for your clarification. That makes me less worried.
B: Not at all, enjoy your day today in the office.
stand to reason
「理に適っている」「当然だ」
A: It’s in the middle of company’s drastic restructuring.
B: They are trying to cut cost such as our base salary as well.
A: Have you signed a contract to accept new salary condition ?
B: No ways, it stands to reason that I should decline the offer.
be stretched thin
「余力がない」「キャパを超えている」
イメージは「引き伸ばされて薄くなっている状態」になります。「逼迫している状態」や「余力がない状態」、または「やることが多い状態」を指しています。
A: Just wanted to ask you but do you think you can handle another project?
B: Um, I may be a little stretched thin.
A: Ok, I see. What if we hire a couple of more vendors for you ?
B: Positive. But still need a couple of weeks for preparation, though.
silver bullet
「特効薬」
おおかみ男を銀の弾丸で殺せるという言い伝えから使われています。
A: It’s really annoying that we must keep entering data manually everyday.
B: Same page. It’s absolutely time-consuming.
A: Are there any silver bullet for improvements ?
B: Not at the moment. Chances are our tech team will develop a miracle tool for us in the future.
wing it
「何も計画せずに行う」「場当たり次第で」
何かを即興ですることを「Wing it」といいます。
A: Have you already done any preparation for interview tomorrow ?
B: Not really, I’m going to wing it.
A: Didn’t you say that would be a final one with CEO ?
B: Yes, but there are nothing I can do at this stage.
full steam ahead
「フル回転」
汽船がフルに蒸気をふかして全速力で進むことから出来たフレーズ。
A: How’s the project coming along ?
B: We have a very short delivery window, it’s so hectic now.
A: Sounds like it’s full stream ahead.
B: We are working hard now.
wade out
「やっと切り抜ける」
Wadeは「苦労して進む」や「やっと切り抜ける」という意味になります。
A: My four-year-old son cried a lot when I left home.
B: Poor boy. So you just waded it out.
A: Still miss him though, but I can see him after finishing my business trip.
B: I am sure you want to see him soon.
sleep on it
「考える」
「一晩考える」や「時間をとって考える」と言った意味でネイティブによく使われます。
A: Have you already made up your mind ?
B: About what ? You mean if I quit my job or not ?
A: Yeah, you said you would decide it by this week.
B: Let me sleep on it. I still can not decide yet.
be in the same boat
「同じ状況にある」
文字通りの意味は、同じ船の上、つまり、皆同じ状況にあることを意味しています。
A: Having much less time socializing with others after Covid hit us, makes me lonely.
B: I know but we are all in the same boat.
A: But some people in other countries already seem to be back normal.
B: We have to remember that we are still in the middle of global pandemic though.
on fire
「調子がいい」「素晴らしい」
引き続き、Fireを使ったイディオムの紹介です。文字通りの意味は、「燃える」という意味ですが、そこから、熱狂的とか、調子が良いという意味になります。
A: My team is winning the games three times in a row.
B: You are on fire !
A: Stephan is nailed. Did you see his shoot ?
B: Yeah, he is on fire.
play with fire
「危険を冒す」
文字通りの意味は、火遊びをするですが、口語的には「リスクや危険を冒す行為」として表現します。
A: I’m aware that you need more budget for this project.
B: Recruitment costs me a lot more than I thought.
A: But don’t try to cheat your boss. You will be playing with fire.
B: I am okay, my boss is very reliable so I am sure he helps me.
My gut tells me
「直感で」
gut／guts”は「内臓」を表す口語表現です。そこから転じて「気力」や「勇気」日本語の「ガッツ」の意味が生まれたようです。
A: Just feeling something fishy about him.
B: How fishy, though ?
A: My gut tells me.
B: Got it, trust you, then just cancel it.
base off of
「基づいて」
日本人だとbased on に慣れ親しんでいるイディオムとほぼ同義になります。
A: What challenging for me is to find good candidates for this position.
B: Do not base your decision off of a job description because they are generally meaningless.
A: Thank you for your advice.
B: I know it’s not easy for you to screen the candidates though.
get carried away
「調子に乗る」「我を忘れる」
“Carry away”は、我を忘れるほど何かに夢中になったり興奮したりすること、またはおだてられていい気になったりすることを表します。
A: They were very interesting people and it’s easy to chat.
B: But sometimes they got carried away.
A: You are right. They never stop chatting.
B: Some might get annoyed by that.
check the boxes
「チェック項目にレ点を入れる」「やるべきことだけやっている」
文字通りの意味は、□のチェックボックスにレ点を入れて仕事をチェックしながらやっているという意味ですが、ただチェックだけをしている仕事をしているという意味ででも使われます。
A: My previous boss never allow me to so something creative at work.
B: I guess she was a type of person just checking the boxes.
A: Exactly. She seemed she did not like to so something different at all.
B: But now you have a new manager who has more flexibility, right ?
throw someone under the bus
「～を犠牲にする、～を裏切る」
文字通りの意味は、誰かをバスの下に投げつけるという意味ですが、罪を誰からになすりつけることを表現する際に使われます。
A: Are you okay ? I heard you were transferred to other team.
B: Yup. I was assuming my previous boss threw me under the bus.
A: What did you do ?
B: The project I was working with her did not go well.That’s why she kicked me out.
no fuss
「面倒なし」「手間なし」
慌てず、大騒ぎせずにことを進める時によく使われる表現です。
A: By the deadline, I had completed the project with no issues, no fuss.
B: Excellent ! You deserve to be promoted soon.
A: To be honest, I have no expectations for that. Just enjoying my work.
B: Yeah, that’s the most important factor in life.
savvy
「精通している」
ネイティブの会話でよく出てくる単語です。何かにとても詳しいことを表現します。
A: My boss, Marcel is a very reliable in terms of tech related issues.
B: You mean, he is a tech savvy ?
A: Yes, definitely. Particularly, he is familiar with all Mac things.
B: That’s good. We all use Macbook for work.
pull the plug
「打ち切る」「おしまいにする」
文字通りにはプラグを抜いて消すという意味ですが、物事を終わりにするという意味で使われます。
A: You know what, this project is not making money at all.
B: Looks like it. What should we do ?
A: I think we should pull the plug.
B: Everyone is on the same page.
it’s not the end of the world
「気にすることじゃない」
直訳すると、この世の終わりじゃないとなりますが、ネイティブでは、「大したことじゃないよ。」という意味で良く使われています。
A: I need you immediately, my device is not working properly atm.
B: Take it easy, all you have to do is to reach out to the helpdesk.
A: Am I allowed to continue woking without using the device for a while ?
B: No worries, it’s not the end of the world.
cover up
「隠蔽する」
布などを被せて隠すこと、事実などを隠蔽する行為という意味でも使われます。
A: We were all shocked to hear the news that former prime minister,Abe was assassinated by 41-year old gunman.
B: It’s really rare incident in Japan, but revealed that Mr Abe was associated with a religious group who might destroy gunman’s family.
A: Sounds like we need to dig into the fact, but major media try to cover up it.
B: Yep. Should unveil the truth behind, though.
turn me off
「ひく」「気持ち悪い」
turn on/offは電気などを付ける、消すなどの意味で使われていますが、面白い使い方としては、異性などに魅力を感じる、ひく、などの意味で使われます。
A: You know what, I met a really creepy guy today.
B: Tell me how weird he was.
A: He was just consistently talking while eating, it turned me off.
B: Overconfident guys turn me off too.
back on track
「軌道修正する」「新たな出発」
on trackで物事が順調に進んでいることを表しています。元に戻って再び軌道に乗ることを表現します。
A: We had a critical issue on our project in terms of recruitment.
B: Yup, we were totally behind the schedule.
A: Thank you for bringing the project back on track.
B: I’m glad it all worked out well now.
high profile
「注目を浴びる」「目立った」
profileには、「人物」とか「プロフィール」という意味の他に、他人から見た「目立ち方」という意味もあり、そこから、「人目を引くような」という意味になります。
A: Beyond my understanding, how come you can resign such a high profile job all of a sudden ?
B: Well, such a life. I’ve done enough.
A: What’s your plans from now on?
B: Well, nothing particularly.
behind the wheel
「自己コントロールができる」
物理的に運転席にいることを言うのではなく、比喩的に、「制御可能な」とか「自分をコントロールできる能力」などを表現しています。
A: We’ve been posting our ads for hiring a project manager.
B: Take a time, we need someone responsible behind the wheel,okay ?
A: Noted. Hope we can find someone responsible soon.
B: I am sure we can.
sorry to jump in
「割り込んでしまってすみませんが」
文字通りですが、会話の際に途中で割り込んで発言をしたい時などに使う表現です。
A: You know what, I got Covid positive last week.
B: Are you okay ?
C: Sorry to jump in, but I think you should be isolated for 10 days.
A: That’s right, that’s why all I can do now is to talk to you guys over Skype like this.
have a lot on my plate
「いっぱいいっぱい」
精神的にも時間的にも余裕がない時によく使われる表現です。
A: Can anybody give us hands ?
B: Not me, I have a lot on my plate.
A: No worries.Anybody ?
B: Unfortunately everyone here has too much on their plate already.
cabin fever
「外出できなくてストレスが溜まる」
元々の意味は狭い機内で長時間いると、熱っぽくなりイライラする状態を表しています。
A: I have to stay at home all day long to receive my parcel.
B: It will be a really beautiful day during a break in the rainy season today.
A: I know, that’s why I get cabin fever.
B: Why not claiming unattended delivery ?
give it a shot
「やってみよう」
”try”と同じ意味です。違いは少しカジュアルなニュアンスのある表現になります。
A: I am not sure I can speak English well in front of everyone on the stage .
B: All you need is to have enough confidence. Give it a shot !
A: Okay, thank you. I do my best.
B: Good luck !
point being that
「要するに」
The point is と同じ意味ですが、口語的によく使われています。
A: What a world to be alive now. There are so many strange things going on.
B: Yup, Covid, War, Inflation, you name it.
A: Nobody is sure the world exists tomorrow nowadays.
B: Point being that we are in the middle of difficult times.
better off
「マシ」
Betterよりも、Better offは「〜をした方がもっとよい状態になる」のニュアンスがあります。
A: I need to work hard and earn more for my family. I have three kids.
B: I’m better off single.
A: I wish I was a single.
B: Are you okay ? You may need some time to be alone.
from scratch
「０から」「最初から」
from 0ではなく、scratchを使います。英語独特の表現になります。
A: Hi there,How was your presentation today ? I know you stayed up all night for the preparation.
B: Hi, Unfortunately some of them didn’t like it. I have to start from scratch.
A: Oh dear, Is there anything I can help you ?
B: Thank you but I am okay, I can manage this by myself.
drive nuts
「気が狂う」
食べ物のナッツを使った英語の表現の中で、こちらの言い方もよく使われていますので、覚えましょう。
A: You know what, still we have tons of manual labors even though we are one of the big tech companies.
B: Silly. The management got to think how to streamline a business process.
A: Absolutely. I got to do overtime for processing payments manually.
B: I am sure it drives you nuts.
bend over backwards
「全力を尽くす」
直訳すると「身体を後ろ側に曲げる」という意味から、何かを成し遂げるために一生懸命努力しているという意味になります。
A: How’s your new project going ?
B: Actually doing well so far.
A: Ah, good to know that. You bend over backwards to move foward this challenging project.
B: I am grad that my hard work pays off now.
ring a bell
「思い出す」
直訳すると、「ベルが鳴る」ですが、何か忘れている人に、「思い当たることがある？」「思い出した？」「ピンとこない？」というニュアンスで使われます。
A: This scent reminds me a decade ago when I was in Paris.
B: Does it ring a bell ? This is a special gift for your birthday from me.
A: You are so sweet. You remember my favorite shop.
B: Of course. I met you in Paris when we both were college students.
The sky is the limit
「天井知らず」「無限の可能性」
limitなので制限があるように見えますが、これで表現的には無制限という意味になります。
A: Wow, you are just 20 years old, so young.
B: Yup. I have many things I want to try.
A: The sky is the limit. You can do whatever you want to do.
B: Thanks ! I will try to learn English first so that I can go abroad for my study.
breeze out
「しらーっといなくなる」
いつの間にかに姿を消すことを表す便利な表現です。
A: Feeling like my boss is about to beg us to do overtime tonight.
B: Oh my, I must leave earlier tonight, though.
A: I thinki you should breeze out now.
B: I wil do so, thank you !
screw up
「しくじる」「へまをする」
スラング的な意味で会話で良く使われます。
A: I’ve learned many things through my past projects.
B: What was the most challenging experience ever ?
A: I would say the recruitment is the one. I screwed up the process of contracting with the venders.
B: I would assume it would be especially difficult when it comes to legal understanding in English.
head off
「お先に」
headは向かう、行くなどの意味でネイティブは多様しますが、head offをお先に失礼しますというニュアンスで使うこともできます。
A: Killer migraine not to responding to medicines.
B: That’s bad. You should leave earlier today.
A: Thanks, I will take a nap but for sure I’m gonna head off a bit early.
B: Take care, see you tomorrow.
off for the day
「退勤します」
オフィス英語でよく使われていますが、仕事が終わって退勤する際に「お先に」という意味で使えます。
A: Long day, today, wasn’t it ?
B: Yup, many meetings ate up most of our time.
A: I am burn out, will be off for the day soon.
B: Same here.
in two minds
「決めかねている」
２つの心ということで、まだどちらにするかを決められない状態を表現しています。
A: I had a quarterly meeting with my boss yesterday and was recommended to be a section manager if I would.
B: Is that your promotion ? Congrats on you.
A: Not yet.I am in two minds about being a manger.
B: You mean you rather like to stay as a staff member for a while ?
sugarcoat
「オブラートに包む」
文字通りには砂糖で表面を包むということですが、上部を取り繕う、表現を甘く見せるということで、日本語にすると、オブラートに包んだような言い方を表します。
A: I know you are quite straightforward, but It’s better not to say much toward your new boss yet.
B: What do you mean ? You mean I should sugarcoat what I say to my boss ?
A: That’s my suggestion. Particularly he is from asian culture, so I assume he may be rather reserved and watch what he says carefully rather than expressing whatever he thinks like we normally do.
B: I see. Thank you for your advice.
heads up
「先に知らせる」
ビジネスでも良く使われていますが、相手や自分が「心構えをしておく」、「準備をしておく」というニュアンス大きく含まれ、そのような状況で使われます。
A: Hi there, we are schueduled a quaterly sales meeting this Friday.
B: You are right, but I don’t know in details about it, so I am not sure if there are anythings that I should prepare for it.
A: I’ll give you a heads up later this afternoon.
B: Great, thank you.
guess what
「ねぇ聞いてよ」
会話の最初に相手の興味を引きつける時などに使う便利な言葉です。
A: Guess what ? I am quitting my job next month.
B: What ? Are you kidding ?
A: Serious. I am going to be beteen jobs for a while.
B: Hope you will find a new job soon, though.
over the moon
「とても嬉しい」
月を越えるくらいに幸せで嬉しいことを表現しています。
A: You know what, I won the lottery !
B: You are kidding ? How much did you gain ?
A: 10 million dollars !! I am over the moon.
B: Oh my God, am I in the middle of dreaming ?
big shoes to fill
「後任者は大変」
とても優秀だった前任者と同じくらいのレベルで仕事ができるよう、後任の人は頑張らなければならない、大変だ、ということを表現したいときに使います。
A: Congratulations on your promotion. How’s going so far as a new manger ?
B: Well, to be honest, the previous manger was so popular by the staff, so I feel very nervous.
A: Sounds like you have big shoes to fill. But don’t worry you can make it.
B: Hoping so. thank you !
tell you what
「じゃあ」「あのね」
提案したり、話しを切り出す時に頻繁に使われている表現です。
A: Looks like getting sunny this afternoon.
B: Tell you what, how about going out the beach by car ?
A: Sounds like a plan.
B: Why not having a chill time under the sunny weather ?
It’s that green grass,again
「隣の芝生は青いか」
The grass is always greener on the other side 「隣の芝生は青い」という諺を口語的に言う表現です。
A: Stefan is very skilled with his hands. He can do a lot of things by himself.
B: Isn’t he amazing ? He even built his own house too.
A: I envy him. I have nothing I can do by myself.
B: It’s that green grass,again, ha ?
dodge a bullet
「危機を乗り越える」
文字通りの訳は、銃弾をよけた、ということで、惨事を逃れたと言う意味で使われます。
A: Whew, the car I was driving hit the wall.
B: Wow, you dodged a bullet, didn’t you ?
A: Yep, I got injured but ended up no hospitalization.
B: Be careful,though.
stand on ceremony
「堅苦しく振る舞う」
生真面目な日本人の振る舞いを表現する時も使えますね。
A: You know, I don’t feel comfortable when I am with your parents.
B: My bad. You should feel at home, though.
A: But I feel like I need to stand on ceremony.
B: You can skip the formalities as you can get used to.
put out
「迷惑をかける」
いろいろな意味がありますが、その中でも、「他人に迷惑をかける」という意味で使われる表現を覚えましょう。
A: I feel hesitancy to visit my relatives.
B: What makes you feel so ?
A: They have a small kid as well as an elderly mother to look after. They may be put out.
B: Never knows. Just call and ask them their convenience.
ripped
「マッチョ」
日本語のマッチョでは通じない言葉で、ビルダーのように体を鍛えて筋肉隆々な体を表す表現です。
A: I like working out at the gym whenever I have free time.
B: No wonder why you are so ripped.
A: I also watch what I eat for the sake of my body.
B: That’s good for diet,right ?
over the top
「やり過ぎ」
スラング的な表現ですが、度を超えているような状態を表す表現です。
A: How do I look today ?
B: Can I be honest with you ?
A: Why not ? What do you think of my new shirt ?
B: I think you’ve kind of gone over the top with your color of shirt.
playing [one’s] cards close to [one’s] chest
「身構える」
ポーカー用語からですが、手元のカードを隠すという意味から、相手に全てを晒すではなく、少し警戒して身構える時に使う表現になります。
A: I think I am a kind of guy to be open to everyone.
B: I know you are. But, sometimes it’s important not to show yourself 100% especially when you meet somebody new.
A: Some people take advantage of it, right ?
B: Yes, I always play my cards to my chest whenever I meet somebody new.
pay off
「報われる」
会話で使われている意味としては、苦労などが報われるという意味が多いです。
A: I helped my brother’s family moving on weekends.
B: Great. I am sure they appreciated you for your work.
A: Yeah. They served me a deliciaous food on Sunday night.
B: Your hard work paid off then.
micro-managery
「小さなことまで管理する」
マイクロマネジメントと日本語でも言いますが、ネイティブの自然な会話の中でたまに形容詞的にeryを付けて表現することもあります。
A: I got a new manager and he seems to be a nice guy.
B: That’s good on you. You used to have a micro-managery boss, right ?
A: That’s right. She was a very reliable boss but with too much interference.
B: I hope your new mangager allows you to be independent with freedom.
let it go
「もう忘れてしまいなさい」
この表現の日本語の意味も様々ありますが、ネイティブが一番使うのは、悩みがある人に対して、「もう忘れちゃいな」というニュアンスで使っています。
A: After Covid hit us in 2021, I lost my long contributed career at the company.
B: Has the company laid off you ?
A: Yes. I was one of the oldest employees, so they did not need me anymore.
B: You should let it go and move on with your new career.
That is quite
「やれやれ」「大変」
日本語でもよく使っている、「大変だ」「やれやれ」などのニュアンスとして使われています。
A: How was your gardening this week ?
B: Gosh, I had to move a lot of heavy stones. That was quite this week
A: Sounds like such a tough labor.
B: Definetely yes.
I hear you
「わかる」「なるほど」
文字通りの意味は、私はあなたが聞こえるですが、会話では、相手の発言に対して同意する時のよく使われます。
A: I don’t like my new boss at all He micromanages us.
B: I hear you. But we can not choose our boss, right ?
A: You are right.We must build up mutual trust gradually.
B: Totally agree.
sounds like a plan
「それはいいね。」
相手の発言に対して、肯定して、それは良い考えだねというニュアンスでよく使われています。
A: We are in the middle of GW holidays in Japan.
B: Wow. What’s your plans to do ?
A: We will visit our parents and will have a BBQ party together.
B: Sounds like a plan.
cutting edge
「最先端」「今風な」
文字通りの意味は、刃先ということですが、最先端という意味で使われます。
A: The company I work provides for the cutting edge technology.
B: I know. Your company is cutting edge in terms of AI technology.
A: That’s right. I am very motivated to work for developing it.
B: Good on you.
apparently
「〜みたい」「〜らしい」
会話でよく使われ聞こえてくる言葉です。日本語でもよく使うので、覚えましょう。
A: Apparently we will have a new manager from next week.
B: Wow.Finally. It has passed almost a half year since the previous manager has gone.
A: Apparently the management team had difficulties to find the qualified person.
B: Looks like it.
all over the place
「パニくっている」
あちこち、色々な場所でという英語の意味を、人を主語にして、「混乱している」「焦っている」などの意味でネイティブがよく使っています。
A: I was supposed to have an initial meeting with my new boss on Teams yesterday.
B: You mean your first introduction with him ?
A: However, I misunderstood the time arranged by his time zone.I was all over the place.
B: Oh my gush.
at my end
「私の方では」
ビジネス上のやり取りでも良く使われている表現です。
A: Does anybody have technical issues of opening files ?
B: I have no issues using files at my end.
A: That’s great. If someone has any problems, please reach out to me.
B: Noted.
promising
「有望な」
「約束」の意味しか知らないと分からない役ですが、会話でも良く出てくるので覚えましょう。
A: It’s been interesting years to alive since 2020 for all human beings.
B: You mean there are too many issues we’ve been facing like Covid, Wars,Twitter, and so on.
A: Yeah, but still the youth should have promising future.
B: Never knows how things go. Be positive, ha ?
fall into
「何かになる」
以前に紹介しend upと似ている表現ですが、何かの結果になる、陥るなどのニュアンスで良く使われています。
A: You know what, May fell into a management role in the new organization.
B: Congrats her on her new role.
A: She’s been outstanding since she joined the company, so does make sense to me.
B: Hope she will be a reliable manager.
window
「限られた時間」
一般的に知っている「窓」という意味以外に、ビジネス上でもよく使われる表現として、「時間」「期限」などを表します。
A: How’s your new project going on so far ?
B: Well, there are some challenges. We have very short delivery window.
A: So, you are busy this week for last delivery to your client.
B: Yep, It’s going to be very hectic week.
PTO
「有給休暇」
色々な言い方がありますが、ビジネス上の英語でよく略語(Paid Time Off )として使われています。日本の会社ではPH(Paid Holiday)なんかも使われていますね。
A: Hey Carlos, I want to take PTO on this Friday.
B: For sure. All you have to do is to claim it by WorkDay platform.
A: Noted ! Thank you for your approval in advance.
B: Enjoy your day-off !
all good
「大丈夫」「全然オッケー」
口語で相手の話しを受けて、「いいわよ、大丈夫」などと返す時に良く使われる表現です。
A: Can I take a day-off this Friday ?
B: All good.
A: Thank you. I am planning to visit my parents and go on a short trip with them on weekend.
B: Enjoy your holiday!
You Rock
「イケてるね」
カジュアルで口語的な表現になりますが、かっこいい、イケてるという意味で使われています。
A: I happened to see you on TV show last night.
B: Did you ? Yeah, I was shot by TV crew when I was skateboarding on the street.
A: You Rock ! I did not know you were such a great skater.
B: Thank you for your compliment.
red flag
「注意」
日本語でもフラグを立てるなどの使い方をしていますが、ビジネスの場面でも、flagは良く使われている表現になります。
A: You know what,our profit has been getting lower recently.
B: That’s a red flag.
A: Definetely,we must be aware of our current situation.
B: Let’s figure out how to fix this issue.
up in the air
「未決定」
宙ぶらりんな状態を表して、まだ決定していない、決まっていないことを言う時に使われます。still 「まだ」と一緒に使われることが多いです。
A: There was a significant organizational restructuring last month.
B: I heard you moved to the new department.
A: Yes, but we still don’ have a new manger. It’s still up in the air atm.
B: That sounds weired for me. But nothing you can do,right ?
errand
「用事」
郵便局に行くとか、買い物に行くなど、ちょっとした用を表す言葉としてerrandがネイティブは好んで使っています。
A: Are you busy this evening ?
B: I got a few errands to run. What’s up ?
A: Not a big deal but just wanted to go out.
B: Maybe next time.
way
「かなり」「ずっと」
wayには色々な意味がありますが、ネイティブは、veryの意味で「かなり」と強調したい時にも使っています。
A: We are facing global warming alert now
B: Yes, we don’t have much time to save our mother planet.
A: Japan is way behind in terms of significant measures what we can do now.
B: We need strong leadership right now.
out of the blue
「突然」
Suddenlyのことですが、口語的によく使われる表現です。
A: My boss resigned out of the blue.
B: Oh my gush. Your favorite boss, right ?
A: Yep, I was very disappointed about that.
B: I hear you.
off topic
「話しからずれますが」
こちの表現もビジネスでも日常でもよく使われています。話題からずれた発言などをする時に使えます。
A: Does anybody have more questions regarding this topic ?
B: Actually, I have. This is a kind of off topic but I have a question.
A: No worries, please do not hisitate to ask any.
B: Thank you.
The last+名詞+節
「節を否定する表現」
The last を使って、否定する表現はネイティブでもよく使われています。
A: I must say my last boss was mean person. I could not relate with him at all.
B: Oh my gush, he is supposed to come to our almuni meeting next Monday night.
A: He is the last person I want to meet now.
B: Oh dear.
it’s just a lot
「うんざり」
日本語でもtoo muchと言ったりしますが、色々沢山あり過ぎてうんざりしていることを表現する言い方です。
A: How’s your moving going on ?
B: We have not enough time to organize things at all.
A: I am with you. Moving is a big deal.
B: It’ s just a lot.
That’s just how it goes
「仕方ない」
日本人が好んで使う日本語の「仕方ない」は英語でこう表現して使われています。
A: It’s so challenging to be employed at a new company over 50 years old in Japan.
B: Do they prefer hiring younger workforces ?
A: I think so. it’s just how it goes in our society.
B: What a shame !
make sense
「分かる」「そうだろう」
日常会話でもビジネスでもよく使われている表現で、話しの内容が理解できたり、「そうだよな」と納得できる時に使われます。
A: We should be paid higher when we work after 10:00 pm.
B: Actually, it does make sense.
A: We are protected by the labor law in Japan.
B: Although, I do like working during day time.
cool with
「いいよ」「OK」
スラングになりますが、「〜していいよ」と許可するMay I〜などよりかなり軽めの言い方になります。
A: Hey, are you cool with that I might be late for the party ?
B: That’s cool with me.
A: Cool. See you later, then
B: Got you. Bye for now.
for sure
「そうだね。」
日本語でもよく相槌する際に使う表現ですが、英語では、そうだね。という意味でよく使われています。
A: I think we have different values as aging.
B: For sure. When we were younger, we used to hungout a lot with friends.
A: Right.But now I have much time being alone.
B: Same here. I must admit I feel rather much comfortable being myself.
recap
「要約する」
Recapitulateの略で、ビジネスでよく使われる表現です。会議の最後にまとめとして要約する際に便利な言葉です。
A: Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this matter.
B: Welcome. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions.
A: Does anybody have different perspectives ?
B: Let me recap what I said, and let’s dig into it.
push it along
「詰める」「前に進める」
前に進める、どんどん進めるということで、締め切りが迫っている仕事を詰めていくという意味で使われています。
A: The HR team is not responsive to my emails.
B: Do you have any urgent matters needed to be done by them ?
A: I’ve been waiting for my onboarding documents for a long time.
B: Got it. I I will follow up them and see if I can push it along.
fall on the shoulders
「負担になる」
肩にのしかかるという意味で、負担になる。日常的な表現として使われています。
A: Do you know the HR team is short staffed right now?
B: Is that because some have taken a long leave of absence ?
A: Yeah, so everything is falling on the shoulders of only a few people.
B: I see. Hope things are getting better.
in the end
「結局は」
会話上でよく聞こえてきます。eventuallyという意味で、「結局のところは」というニュアンスで使われます。
A: I think Russia will suffer from being isolated from the rest of the world in the end.
B: Couldn’t agree more.
A: What Russia has been doing toward Uklaine is totally unacceptable.
B: Yep. Russia has to pay the price for the war.
uplifting
「元気になる」
（気持ちが）上がるという意味で、元気になるとか、励みになるという意味で口語的に使われています。
A: How’s your week been ?
B: My week has been well. I enjoyed viewing cherrybloosoms with my friends.
A: Awsome. Spring warm weather is uplifting.
B: Althoug I suffer from hay fever in Spring.
music to my ears
「それは良い、素晴らしい」
耳に音楽、そうですね、とても心地良いことから、ネイティブが会話で使っているところを耳にすることがよくあります。
A: I will go abroad with my family next month.
B: Wow. On business or on holiday?
A: I was promoted as a branch manager in Scotland.
B: Congrats, that’s music to my ears !
eye opening
「びっくりするような、驚くべき」
学校で習った英単語ではsurprisingになりますが、ネイティブが好む表現とは少し異なります。
A: Elon Musk became a board member of Twitter Inc.
B: I know, it was an eye opening news clip.
A: Do you think social media wii be better and have bright future ?
B: I hope he won’t lift political censorship like supporting Trump,though.
drawback
「欠点、弱点」
なかなか日本語で出てこない単語ですが、英語ではビジネスでも日常でもよく使われる単語です。
A: Have you prepared for your English job interview tomorrow ?
B: Yea, I listed up my strong points and some drawbacks as well.
A: Sounds good. They should know all about you.
B: Hope I can work for my dream company.
atm
「今のところ」「今は」
こちらもビジネス上のメールやチャットでよく見かける略語です。at the moment の略で、今時点を示しています。
A: I need to talk to now. It’s urgent matter.
B: Sorry, I am in a meeting atm, I’ll call you right away when its over.
A: Got it. It’s about the budget change.
B; ahhh,yea.
pass along
「耳に入れておく」「情報などを渡す」
ビジネスでもよく使われており、上司の耳に入れておくとか、手元にある情報を伝える、渡すなどの意味で使われます。
A: I just heard that we were not allowed to rent out our IT equipments to our outside vendors.
B: Really ? It’s new to me. It matters to you ?
A: We can not progress our project without having devices for them.
B: Okay. I get my boss to pass it along.
mind blowing
「びっくりするような」
口語的に使われる表現で、薬物などから頭が吹っ飛ぶというところから、極めて刺激的でびっくりするような時に使います。
A: Have you ever been to South America ?
B: Never. How about you ?
A: I’ve been to Amazon River. It was a mind blowing experience.
B: I am sure it was.
game changer
「革新的」
ビジネスでも日常会話でもよく使われている表現で、その内容がとても大きな影響をもたらすものに対して使われます。
A: I heard you’ve changed your career. Now you are in AI Division.
B: Yep. I was convinced that AI would be a game changer in this times.
A: For sure. We are not able to develop any technonogies without AI solutions.
B: I am exictied about my new career.
side note
「因みに」
ビジネス上でよく使われる表現です。By the wayよりもフォーマルな感じになります。
A: Can anybody take minutes for today’s sync ?
B: I can do that. What’s about for today’s sync ?
A: Just heads up of our new marketing strategy for next month.
B: I see, side note, apparently we’ve been doing a quite good sales so far.
I’m done
「死んだ」「終わった」「疲れた」
とても便利な表現で様々なニュアンスで使われています。日本語でも、「ああ、死んだわ。」とよく使っていますよね。そんな感じの意味もあります。
A: We hit the bottle from 15:00 aftenoon.
B: Until what time ?
A: Most of guys stayed up all night.But I was dumn sleepy at 22:00. I’m done.
B: So you are not getting any younger. haha
flip side
「逆に」「裏面」
対照的に述べる場合に使われる便利な表現です。日本語で言う、「逆に言うと」って感じでも使われます。
A: Stefan is a kind of manager who preferes micromanagement style.
B: Yes, he observes or controls the work of his subordinates employees.
A: He takes care of you well,right ?
B: Yeah, but the flip side is that we have no freedoms under him.
with regard to 〜
「〜に関して」
about よりも、口語的に会話の中でよく使われる表現です。
A: What’s new ?
B: I don’t have any updates,but the cases of Covid has been surging again.
A: With regard to Covid situation, China is in the middle of the worst scenario now.
B: Shanghai is technically lockdown again.
character
「おもしろい人」
characterには色々な意味がありますが、「あの人って少し変わっていて面白いって」言う意味でも会話でよく聞こえてきます。
A: Casandra is a fun to hung out.She is full of energy.
B: I know her. She is a character.
A: Yep. She was born in Czech Repblic and now is based in Tokyo.
B: I miss her. Why not go out with three of us this weeked ?
cardio
「有酸素運動」
日本語からなかなか浮かんでこない英語なども紹介していきます。
A: I want to lose my weight.
B: Then,you should do lift the weights at the gym.
A: Really ? I thought cardio would work for losing weight.
B: Actually,Lifting the weights would work better for staying in shape.
housekeeping
「事務的な連絡」
一般的には、家事という意味で覚えている方もいると思いますが、ネイティブは、事務的なお知らせなどを指して使っています。
A: Hi folks, I am your new instructor, Michael.
B: Nice to meet you, Michael. We are ready for new class from today.
A: First, a little housekeeping announcement before exercising.
B: Got you.We take a note.
A: I will give you a piece of house rulebook and explain them to you.
red mist
「強い怒り」
赤い霧が、強い怒りの感情を表す意味で使われています。
A: A red mist descended and Will Smith slapped the face of Chris Rock.
B: That was a significant incident at the Academy Award Ceremony.
A: Will Smith resigned from Academy after the incident.
B: I am sure he got no benefits by his actions.
dead wrong
「全くの間違い」
deadのネイティブの使い方は、全く、めちゃ、マジで、そんなニュアンスで、強調する時に使われています。
A: Will Smith’s actions were dead wrong.
B: But some say he was brave enough to pay back Chris’s bad joke about his wife’s hair.
A: No ways. Still he should’t have behaved like that.
B: Very enough.He seemed to have toxic masculinity.
for the first place
「そもそも」
日本語でもよく使う表現ですよね。そもそも、最初っから、とかというニュアンスになります。
A: Oh my gosh, I did’t expect this sudden rain today in the middle of hiking.
B: Really ? The weather forecast said it would be raining this afternoon for the first place.
A: I missed it. There is nothing we can do, right ?
B: Unfortunately, all we can do is to keep moving to the finish line.
for now
「とりあえず」
日本語でも多様する表現ですよね。今はとにかく、とりあえず、という意味で英語でも口語的によく使われています。
A: I have many things on my plate today.
B: Do you need a hand ?
A: Thanks for your offer. But for now, all I can do is to organize my own messy desks.
B: Okay, you can ping me anytime when you need my help.
out of line
「度が過ぎる」
一線を越えるという意味で、行き過ぎた行為を指して表現します。
A: Will Smith apologized his attitude at the Academy Award Ceremony.
B: Yep, he admitted that he was out of line.
A: Cool. He was wrong.
B: Totally.We can not accept any violence under any circumstances.
walk back
「撤回する」
walkを使ったもう一つの表現の紹介です。こちらは発言内容などを撤回するという意味で使われます。
A: Biden refused to walk back remarks on Putin.
B: Yes, I watched the news about his comments on Putin.
A: Personally I can relate to what he said.
B: Same here.
walk through
「順を追って説明する」
ビジネスでよく使われる表現で、先輩社員や上司に仕事内容を順を追って説明して貰いたい時などに使うと便利です。
A: Hi,I am new here.
B: Welcome to the marketing team ! I am a team lead, Dereck.
A: Nice to meet you. I am Caren. Could you walk me through my daily tasks to do ?
B: Of course. Let’s make it from 14:00 this afternoon.
a bunch of
「たくさんの」
manyとかa lot of と同じ意味で、多くのものやことを表す表現ですが、口語的に日常会話でよく使います。
A: How come you are so early this morning ?
B: I was too excited to sleep last night.
A: Huh, we sill have a bunch of time. The meeting will start at 11:00.
B: I know. I will look through my presentation documents again.
100%
「全くその通り」
相手の発言に完全に同意する時などに口語的に使われています。
A: Did you see Will Smith’s behavior at Oscars on TV ?
B: Yeah, he has tottaly lost his mind.
A: However,he should have not done such an inmature reaction with violence.
B: 100%
POC
「担当者」「連絡先」
Person of Contactの略語で、ビジネスなどでよく使われています。
A: I am not feeling well today.
B: That’s bad.
A: Allow me take a day off today. Renaud would be your POC while I am out.
B: Noted. Hope you feel better soon.
beat around the bush
「遠回しに言う」
こちらもビジネスでよく使われるイディオムになります。ビジネスでは要点をはっきりと伝えることが重要ですね。
A: I don’t get it. What are you trying to say ?
B: I mean, I don’t know how I should say about this matter, uhm.
A: Stop beating around the bush and get to the point.
B: Okay, I try to express my own opinions in short.
dig into
「調べる」「深掘りする」
ビジネス用語としても使われ、あることを深く調べたり、研究したりする意味になります。
A: Do you have any thoughts on the budget of next fiscal year ?
B: Not at this stage. I need to dig into the details.
A: Very enough. Please do not hesitate to inquiry us if you have any concerns.
B: Understood.
tons of
「たくさんの」「めちゃ多い」
口語的に、めちゃ多いというニュアンスで使われます。
A: Russia has tons of natural resources.
B: Exactly. Many European countries heavily depend on them.
A: However, EU and US has agreed to curb heavily dependance on Russia.
B: I know. Hope these economic sanctions work well so that the war will end soon.
perfect storm
「最悪の事態」
2000年に制作されたアメリカ映画からの由来で、口語的に最悪の状表す表現として使われています。
A: I really miss the times before the pandemic.
B: I am here for you. There have been many bad things happening recently.
A: We really need to prevent the world war III from occurring by Russia.
B: If they use nuclear weapons, it would be perfect storm for all of us.
hit the road
「出発する」
hitには色々な意味があり、口語表現では多様されていますが、今回は出発する、出掛けるという意味を紹介します。
A: We got to hurry. Time is running out.
B: I am almost ready.
A: Okay,we should hit the road in a few minutes.
B: I know but do you know where is my phone ?
over the top
「やり過ぎ」
スラングで、OTTとも略されますが、too muchという意味で、度が過ぎていることを表現します。
A: I like your outfit.It really suits you.
B: Thanks. How about my hair ?
A: Well, to be honest, it’s a bit over the top.
B: Okay, you don’t like purple hair,do you ?
be partial to〜
「〜が大好き」「〜に目がない」
partialは部分的にとか偏ったという意味から、偏愛するとか、目がないというニュアンスで会話でよく使われます。
A: I frequently bump into your husband at the wine shop.
B: Hum, do you like wine too ?
A: Definetly. How about you ?
B: Not for me, but my husband is partial to wine.
on the same page
「同じ意見」
あたなの意見に賛成、全く同感ですという意味で会話上で使われます。
A: I think Japan should accept more immigrants.
B: Totally, we are aging society where lacks of labors.
A: Right. we should provide them with more job opportunities, which ends up supporting our aging society.
B: We are on the same page.
XYZ
「色々」「などなど」
etc, and so on, など、「などなど」「その他諸々」を表す表現はいくつかありますが、会話などで普通に使われている自然な表現です。
A: I heard you were at your hometown during three consecutive holidays.
B: That’s right. I was busy for helping their moving.
A: How did you contribute to them ?
B: Well, I moved some heavy furnitures, unpacked some stuff, I was doing XYZ.
one-off
「一回限りの」」「一個限りの」
和製英語由来になり、ある目的の為に制作された一個だけという意味で使われます。
A: What types of projects are you normally assigned from your team lead ?
B: There are various types of them and usually last for a couple months.
A: Do you have any one-off projects as well ?
B: Yes, irregularly-occurring,though.
on top of 〜
「〜に加えて」
口語的にもビジネスライティングでもよく使われる表現です。
A: Hi, I am new here. Do you have any manuals for me to read ?
B: First of all, you are required to read our guidebooks.
A: Okay, thank you ! Is that all ?
B: Please refer to our SOPs as well on top of other training documentation.
Chances are
「たぶん〜だろう」
未来の可能性を表す表現として、よく日常会話として使われます。
A: I wonder it will stop raining tomorrow.
B: Do you have any plans to do ?
A: We are planning to go out tomorrow afternoon.
B: The chances are that it will rain rain soon.
I don’ t buy it
「それは受け入れられない」
少し難しいイディオムになりますが、直訳すると、「それを買わない」と意味ですが、実は、よく使う表現で、I can’t accept it.の意味合いで使われます。
A: Sorry I can’t make it today’ sales meeting.
B: How come ? Still we have half hour to begin.
A: I couldn’t catch my earlier train and I was a little sick this morning anyway and….
B: I don’t buy it.
in good shape
「うまくいっている」「順調」
体調や調子、具合など相手が心配してくれている時に、問題なく順調なのでご心配なくという意味で使われています。
A: How’s your new work ?
B: Everything is in good shape.
A: Cool. I am sure you can get along with new people well.
B: Yeah,there are a lot of nice people in my team.
been there
「経験済み」「よくわかる」
自分も経験しているから、あなたの言っていることや気持ちがよく分かるという会話の相槌としてよく使われています。
A: It’s been very challeging to find any jobs at my age now.
B: I’ve been there. It is hard.
A: Although you could get a very decent job when you were 50.
B: Yeah, I was lucky. Never knows what happens to you. Don’t give up !
on the ground
「現場で」
A: Have you met our new manager ?
B: Not yet. What’ s she like ?
A: Apparently she’s been on the ground work for a long time.
B: Sounds nice. Hope she knows things we do.
What’s the tea ?
「どうした？」
海外ドラマなどを観ているとたまに出てくるフレーズですが、What’s up ?とかWhat’s new ?という意味ですが、カジュアルに「お、どうした？」っていうニュアンスです。
A: You look nice today.
B: Thanks. I must leave early today.
A: What’s the tea ?
B: No secret between us. I’ll meet my new boyfriend.
easier said than done
「口で言うのは簡単」
諺の紹介です。「言うは易く行うは難し」って意味ですね。
A: I wish we had SOP which make us easier what to do at work.
B: There will be massive amount of work required to create SOP, though.
A: It’ easier said than done.
B: Yep.Somebody need to take initiative to proceed this huge project.
allows me to 〜
「〜ができる」「〜になる」「〜させて」「お願いします」
ネイティブが会話でよく使っている表現です。日本語にすると色々な意味になりますが、直訳すると、「私に〜することを許してくれる」になりますが、英語的な感覚を獲得する為には、色々な会話例で覚えましょう。
A: It’s essential to install Google Map in my phone. It allows me to go out wherever I want to go.
B: Absolutely. It also allows us to find any shops easily.
A: True. That’s my favorite feature of this app.
B: Why don’t we hung out together this afternoon ?
in addition to that
「更に（言うと）」
会話を深掘りしたり、膨らませる時に便利な表現です。短文にならずに、少し長いフレーズが言えるように使ってみましょう。
A: How do you think if we receive more refugees from Ukraine ?
B: I am afraid to say they may face some challenging culturally as well as language barrier they may struggle with.
A: I am with you.
B: In addition to that some may feel difficulties economically. The cost of commodities are generally high in Japan.
graphic
「刺激的な映像」
最近のロシアとウクライナの戦争関連のニュースを聴いているとよく使われている表現です。
A: Have you watched documentary movie named Winter on Fire on Netflix?
B: Yeah, It was very good movie to help me understand Ukrainian people.
A: It was a bit graphic, though.
B: You are right. Many people were brutally killed.
pros and cons
「賛否両論」「良い点と悪い点」
どんなことにも、良い点と悪い点があるので、会話や議論でよく使われている表現です。
A: What’s your thoughts on our new economic measure ?
B: Well, I think it may work for richer people but,
A: Yeah, it doesn’t go well for our poor citizen, right ? Lol
B: Pros and cons.
here is the thing
「つまり」
話しを纏める時に使う便利なフレーズです。会話でも頻出の表現です。
A: I have many thoughts on global economic issues.
B: You mean you worry about economic crisis or what ?
A: Here is the thing, economic sanctions will bring us tough situations worldwide soon.
B: That’s too bad. Hope it will not be so serious.
make sense
「理解する」「納得する」
understandの意味で、話しの内容が納得できた、わかったことを口語的に言う時に使われます。
A: Now we are required to come to office from next month.
B: Really? How come ?
A: Our boss wants to have meetings in persons.
B: It doesn’t make sense to me at all. We can have online meetings without any fails.
low key
「地味な」「控え目な」
人の性格や事象にも使え、派手ではなく、控えめの様子を表す時によく使われる表現です、
A: How was the drinking party last night with your x-coworkers.
B: Well, we are sill in the middle of pandemic, so it was low key.
A: Very enough. How many people were there ?
B: Only three of us. But, still it was fun, though.
couldn’t agree more
「全く賛成」
あなたの意見に完全に賛成しますという意味で使われます。文字通りに訳すと、これ以上あなたに賛成できません、つまり、完全に賛成しますという意味で口語的に使われています。
A: We should not use plastic cups at cafe.
B: Personally I always order with a mug cup.
A: Good on you. We need to improve the current global warming issue by doing whatever we can do.
B: I couldn’t agree more.
With that,
「ということで、」
話しを纏めたり、切り替えたりする時に口語的に使われます。With that being saidの省略形です。
A: Thank you very much for attending the meeting this morning. It was very productive time.
B: It was really fun to be able to interactive with many people from different departments.
A: With that, I would like to hold this meeting regularly from next month.
B: That’s good idea. Looking forward to meeting you all again next month.
chime in
「話に加わる」「割り込む」
ブレストやミーティングなどで自由に話しに参加してくださいという意味で、口語的に使われます。
A: Let’s talk about our next month’s sales plan.
B: Sounds good. Five of us are here this morning.
A: Turn your camera on and chime in anytime.
B: Cool. I want to share my plan with you guys first.
like I said
「今言ったように」
会話の中で自然に使われている表現で、繋ぎ言葉のように使われます。
A: Do you have any plans for this coming GW holidays?
B: Not yet. It depends on how Covid situation would be.
A: But we should do something fun.
B: Like I said, It’s hard to plan in advance now.
speaking of which
「そう言えば」
日常会話でよく使われますよね。ちょっと思い出して、「あ、そう言えば」って感じになります。
A: Spring has come. It’s been very warm recently.
B: Speaking of which, I feel pollen and make me sick.
A: So, you have pollen allergy ?
B: That’s right. To be honest, I don’t like this season much.
freak out
「びっくりする」
若者言葉のスラング的にも使われます。ちょっとしたことでも、すぐにびっくりすると反応する若者が好んで使っているようです。
A: I was followed by a very weird man last night.
B: Don’ t make me freak out ! Are you alright ?
A: Yep. I was really freaked out. I thought I was almost dying.
B: Glad you are still alive.
a big deal
「大変」
日本人がよく使っている、「大変」って意味で使われます。
A: I worked more than 100 hours overtime last month.
B: OMG. It’s a really big deal.
A: Yeah. I had to work long hours to complete my assigned project.
B: Hope you don’t have to do so this month.
when it comes to
「〜については」
会話でよく使われる表現で、aboutよりも口語的です。
A: Do you have any thoughts on Russia and Ukraine war ?
B: When it comes to their conflicts coming from their historical background, I have totally no ideas.
A: Yeah, it’s true. We need to understand Ukraine’s history to understand them.
B: First of all, I watched the documentary movie named Winter on fire on Netflix.
For
「賛成する」
相手の意見などに賛成する場合に、口語的には簡単にForを使って表現出来ます。
A: I’ve been following up news clips about Ukraine situations ever since the war started last month.
B: Me too. The current situations are not great at all.
A: Absolutely not good. Hope economic sanctions work against Russia.
B: I am for it. Hope the war ends soon.
AFK
「席を外す」
オンラインのチャット上では文字を短くすることが好まれます。Away from keyboardの略で、文字通りの訳はキーボードから離れるになりますが、口語的に「席を外す」という意味でよく使われています。
A: Does anybody need my help ?
B: I am OK. Looks like everybody here is fine too.
A: Awesome. AFK a few. If it’s urgent, ping me though.
B: Got it.
gig
「仕事」
スラングの紹介です。仕事 work を若者言葉でgigと言います。海外ドラマなどを観ていると使われていますよね。
A: I like your dress. It really suits you.
B: Thank you for your compliment.
A: No, no, I really mean it. Where did you buy it ?
B: Actually I sewed it. Sewing is my gig.
nail it
「ずば抜けている」
「とても素晴らしい」という意味で使われる口語的な言い方です。「素晴らしい」と相手を褒める表現は色々ありますが、ちょっと洒落た今どきっぽさがありますかね。
A: Did you watch the Winter Olympic Games ?
B: Yep. I watched the snowboard half pipe game.
A: Me too. I am a great fun of Hirano.
B: He nailed it ! He is GOD.
hit me up
「連絡をする」
reach outよりもよりくだけたインフォーマルな表現として使われます。
A: Hey,What’s up?
B: Hi, Renaud. You look fine.
A: Finally I could recover from the side effect by vaccination.
B: Great ! Hit me up whenever you are free.
reach out
「連絡をする」
ビジネス上でもプライベートでも電話やメールで連絡をくださいという時によく使われています。contact より口語的で自然な表現になります。
A: It’s been a while !
B: Since when ? How’s your life ?
A: Pretty well. Reach out to me when you have time. Let’s hung out !
B: Will do.
into it
「夢中になっている」「好き」
ネイティブ表現では、likeより、口語的で会話でよく使われます。
A: Are you Mac user ?
B: Definitely. I can’ miss the Apple Special Event today.
A: Are they releasing a new product ?
B: I bet they will. I am into it.
no wonder why
「だから〜なんだ」
話しの内容に納得して、「なるほど、そういうことか」と自然に受け入れる時によく使われる表現です。
A: You seem to be very familiar with geopolitics.
B: Yeah. I studied at the University.
A: No wonder why you know a lot what’s happening in Russia and Ukraine now.
I’m here for you
「同感」
あなたに賛成する。全くもって同感、という意味で使われます。I agree with you よりも口語的かもしれません。
A: I strongly disagree with destroying nature in the park.
B: I’m here for you. How come they’ve decided to cut off some trees ?
A: They say they will build a new building in the park.
B: What a shame. We should protect our nature.
in terms of
「〜の点で」
こちらの表現も日常会話で良く耳にするものです。自分の意見などを言ったりする時にも便利な表現ですね。
A: How do you find the war between Russian and Ukraine ?
B: I think it will eventually affect us in terms of economic damage.
A: What makes you think so ?
B: Economic sanctions towards Russia will escalate the price of oil and so on.
end up
「〜になっちゃう。」
会話で良く聞こえてくる頻出の表現です。日本語で言うと、「そうなっちゃう」って感じ表現です。becomeを使うのではなく、口語的には、end upを使います。
A: Have you got the vaccination ?
B: Yes, I just had a booster shot last week.
A: Cool. How was it ?
B: It was tough, I mean, I ended up being very sick with high fever for a few days.
It is what it is
「仕方がない」
日本人の好きな表現ですよね。思い通りにならないことは、「仕方がない」と受け入れて諦めることも大事です。笑
A: I failed my test last week.
B: I’m sorry to hear that. Are you okay now ?
A: Yeah, I was shocked and could not do anything for a while.
B: I know you studied so hard, but it is what it is. Maybe next time.
The bottom line
「つまりは」
議論などをしている際に、「結局のところ」「要点としては」「つまりは」などの意味で、話しを纏める際にとても便利な表現です。
A: Which do you prefer working at home or at the office ?
B: I would prefer woking at home.
A: Why is that ?
B: The bottom line is that I can take care of my children while woking at home, which is very convenient for me.
How’d it go ?
「どうだった？」
日本の学校では、文法的
には、How did it go ? と習ったかと思います。
そもそも、didって短縮して、’d にすることが出来るんだ？と疑問がありますよね。でも、英語ネイティティブの人達は、普通に、書く時も話す時も、当たり前の様に、How’d を使っています。結局、文法的な正しさに拘り過ぎてしまうより、「実際にネイティブが使っている言葉が正しいということになるかと思います。」
A: I had a TOEIC test this morning.
B: How’d it go ?
A: I think I did well this time.
B: Hope you get a great score !
How’s it going ?
「元気ですか？」
日本の学校で習う典型的な表現としては、How are you ?があります。それよりも、もっとカジュアルに、「最近どんな調子ですか？」という意味で、How’s your life going ?のlifeをitで表現し、生活やら人生やら色々なことがどうなっているかを聞く意味で広く使われています。
A: How’s it going ?
B: Great! How about you ?
A: It’s been great. Thanks.
B: Good, Have a good day!
What plans do you have for this weekends ?
「週末の予定はありますか？」
日常会話で週の後半に相手によく質問するフレーズですね。What are you going to do this weekends ?でも同じことですが、ちょっと直接過ぎるので、柔らかくPlanを使って予定があるか聞くのが良いでしょう。
A: What plans do you have for this weekends ?
B: I don’t have any plans yet.
A: Ok,then how about hanging out together ?
B: That sounds nice.
How was your weekends ?
「週末はどうだった？」
週明けの英語の会話の定番ですね。挨拶として週末に何をしたかを質問しましょう。何もしなくかった場合には、I just stayed at home〜ing. 「〜しながら家に居た。」とかの表現も使えます。
I just stayed at home watching Netflix. 「Netflixを観て家に居た。」とか。
A: How was your weekends ?
B: It was good. I went cycling. How was yours ?
A: My weekends were boring. I just stayed at home all day long.
Not really
「別に」
日本語で多用する「別に」を英語にするとNot Reallyになります。予定などを聞かれて特に何もない時に使える便利な表現ですね。
A: Do you have any plans in Spring holidays ?
B: Not really.
A: You don’t go out anywhere ?
B: Probably I just stay at home.
What if ?
「〜はどうかな？」
What ifの用法は３つくらいありますが、今回は、軽い提案の「〜どうかな？」という意味でご紹介します。How about 〜と同じような意味で、会話でもたくさん使われますので覚えておきましょう。
A: I have no plans today.
B: You want to go out ?
A: Yeah, I feel like doing so.
B: Ok, then what if we eat out tonight ?
Let’s say
「もし〜ならば」
If「もし〜ならば」とほぼ同じ意味ですが、もっと軽い会話の中では、Let’s say〜を使った方が自然なカジュアルが響きがあるようです。
A: Let’s say you have a lot of free time. What would you do ?
B: I would go abroad.
A: What would you do there ?
B: I would eat and shop there.
Couldn’t do a lot
「特には別に。。」
週末に家でただのんびりして特に何もしていなかった時なんかの便利な表現です。そして、家で「まったり」としていたことは、chill という形容詞を使って、I was chilling in my room とか覚えておくといかもしれませんね。
A: How was your weekends?
B: Actually, I couldn’t do a lot.
A: Did you just stay at home ?
B: Yeah, I was chilling.
0円英会話 