[ti:Ask a Teacher: Sorry and Excuse Me] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:00.00]Imagine that you are in a crowded place [00:04.15]in an English-speaking country. [00:07.02]You want to politely ask someone to move [00:11.25]but are not sure how. [00:14.26]Here is today's question from our reader Slava: [00:19.25]Hi! Would you like to explain the difference [00:23.37]between "sorry" and "excuse me"? Thank you. - Slava [00:28.05]Hello, Slava, and thanks for asking. [00:32.52]In many situations, both "Excuse me" and "Sorry" are suitable. [00:39.49]For example, you can use either "Excuse me" or "Sorry" [00:45.81]to politely get someone's attention. Let's listen: [00:50.59]Excuse me, do you know where the Metro is? [00:54.25]Sorry, do you happen to have the time? [00:58.09]But when speaking to strangers, [01:01.23]"Excuse me" is much more common. [01:04.73]We also use "Excuse me" and "Sorry" [01:08.46]to politely interrupt a person or people [01:12.22]to ask or tell them something. Listen: [01:16.14]Excuse me, everyone, the meeting is starting in five minutes. [01:20.71]Sorry, Shelly, can I get your opinion on a gift idea? [01:24.87]"Excuse me" and "Sorry" are also used [01:29.31]to politely ask someone to move so that we can walk past them [01:34.72]or to apologize for bumping into someone. Let's listen: [01:40.75]Excuse me, may I please get past? Thanks! [01:44.46]Sorry about that. It's really crowded in here! [01:48.38]You heard the second speaker say, "Sorry about that." [01:53.50]This is a common way of saying, "I'm sorry," [01:57.83]when we make a small mistake. [02:00.42]And, we use "Excuse me" and "Sorry" [02:04.96]when we need someone to repeat what they said. Have a listen: [02:10.79]Sorry, I didn't hear that. Can you say it again? [02:14.71]Excuse me, can you speak a little louder? [02:18.26]We can't hear you in the back of the room. [02:20.74]Other times, only one of the phrases is suitable. [02:26.25]We use "I'm sorry" to: [02:29.02]To tell someone that we regret something [02:31.74]we did that affected the person in a bad way. [02:36.23]I'm so sorry for damaging your camera. [02:39.94]To share unpleasant news. [02:42.92]I'm sorry but all the rooms this weekend are taken. [02:47.07]Or to refuse an offer or request. [02:50.89]Sorry but I won't make it to dinner. I have to work late! [02:55.49]And we use "Excuse me" to: [02:59.46]Politely tell someone that we are leaving a place. [03:03.11]Excuse me for a minute. I need to make a quick phone call. [03:07.97]And that's Ask a Teacher. [03:10.43]I'm Ashley Thompson. [03:11.34]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM