まきのひとりごとへようこそ！
ここでは、私が興味があることや、日常で思ったこと考えたことを、N3レベルの日本語でブツブツ話していきたいと思います。
通勤通学の暇つぶしに、ドライブのお供に、あるいはお酒のつまみや睡眠導入剤として聞いてくれたら嬉しいです！

まきのひとりごと Japanese Podcast 

We explore whether the Netherlands is at risk of drowning due to rising sea levels. Despite the alarming scenarios, the video delves into the country’s history of water management, the lessons learned from past disasters like the 1953 flood, and the modern defences in place. How likely is it that the Netherlands will stay above water? Listen to find out.

Netjes Nederlands

Why The Dutch (Probably) Won't Drown

In this story, a grape named Sweety supports his grapevine as they face an attack from children. This is Part 4 of 5. 

The farmhouse was home to a small family who owned and operated the winery. Their three children, two twin girls and a boy, loved playing hide and seek in the maze-like structure of the grapevines. 

The eldest sister was chasing her brother, who was the youngest of the three, through the alleyways of the vineyard. In order to keep their balance as they sped around the corners, they would grab hold of a grapevine and swing themselves around, almost launching themselves like a slingshot. They laughed with carefree delight, enjoying the acrobatics of their game. Little did they know just how traumatizing this was for the inhabitants of the vines. 

Sweety held on with every bit of strength he had. His vine was shaking tremendously as the children swung themselves around. Fear gripped every grape on that vine. They all remembered the horrific moments of their brothers and sisters falling to their deaths. 

Sweety thought that this shaking was more than anything a storm could do. Maybe it would even be enough to tear down the entire vine. Being a natural-born leader and the spiritual guardian of his vine, Sweety knew he had to do something. 

“Hey!” screamed Sweety. “Stop your foolish game! Can’t you see you’re killing us! Play somewhere else and leave our homeland alone!” 

The eldest sister hesitated for a moment. She swore she heard something, like a faint voice, but she quickly disregarded it and continued playing. Sweety’s voice was tiny, almost inaudible. The sound of a stick breaking was far louder than his attempt at communicating with the humans. 

Round and round the kids went. They chased each other, grabbing the weak grapevines and spinning. With each spin, a few grapes fell to their death. All around, Sweety saw innocent grapes suffering their lowest honor. 


Being a Cloud

Sweety the Grape

BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Meaning: an apparent misfortune that eventually has good results.

“It was a blessing in disguise that the boss got caught in traffic.
It meant we got to be fully prepared for the presentation.”

A STONE’S THROW

Meaning: a short distance

“My new office is just a stone’s throw from my house. It only
takes me 10 minutes to get to work now!”

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

Meaning: what someone 'does' is more important than what someone 'says'

“Dmitry, actions speak louder than words. Stop telling me you
will put your plan into action and just do it!”

ADD INSULT TO INJURY

Meaning: to act in a way that makes a bad or displeasing situation worse.

“Anna hadn’t prepared for her presentation at all. The fact
that she rocked up half an hour late added insult to injury.”

ALL EARS

Meaning: to be listening eagerly and attentively.

“I’m sorry I didn’t have time to listen to your proposal earlier,
Sergei. Now I’m all ears. Fire away!”

BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE

Meaning:  following the wrong course of action because a persons beliefs or ideas about something are incorrect.

“Susanna seems to think I told her boss she went home early
on Friday. She’s barking up the wrong tree. I think it was Julie.”

BEATING AROUND THE BUSH

Meaning: to discuss a matter without getting to the point.

“Stop beating around the bush and get to the point!”

Business English Idioms and Phrases

001 Business Idioms and Phrases

The Key to Remembering NEW Words and Idioms is to Make as many Associations in your mind as you can. This way, you will never forget what you learnt. 

Tell me in the Comments Section if there are any stories you'd like to share.

All Things English

Vocabulary Acquisition - Sharing Stories

CHISTES MEXICANOS

SAMUEL AGONIZANTE.

A few more Swiss expressions coming your way :)

Swissitude 

Jargon 2

1.  Respond truthfully to the questions asked

While it can seem tempting to embellish your skills and accomplishments, interviewers find honesty refreshing and respectable. Focus on your key strengths and why your background makes you uniquely qualified for the position.

2.  Tie answers to your skills and accomplishments
With any interview question you answer, tie your background to the job by providing examples of solutions and results you’ve achieved in your career so far. Use every opportunity to address the requirements listed in the job description.

3. Keep your answers concise and focused
Remember: Your time with each interviewer is limited so be mindful of rambling answers. Practicing your answers beforehand can help keep you focused.

Let me know what kind of support do you need in you - becoming a fearless English communicator and schedule a 1-1 training with me now!