When we were in Italy recently, we often struggled with knowing the polite way to phrase a request or ask for something. We could get the point across, but we lacked nuance with the language. Today we discuss phrases you can use to be polite in American English, like, “would you be able to tell me if you have ___”, or “we’re ready for the check, when you get the chance.”
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Show Notes:
- How to ask for things and how to say ‘thank you’ for things.
- Trying to order a Suppli and getting intimidated, and leaving before ordering!
- What to say in a situation where you’re with a group of people waiting to buy something (like at a deli counter), and there is no line forming. How to get your order in, or get the focus on you.
- David buying bread (the best bread) in Genoa
- The phrase “I think she was next.”
- Situation: asking for something special at a restaurant or store. I need ___. Do you have one? Do you happen to have? Could you tell me if you have ___? Would you be able to tell me if you have ____?
- Having a warm tone. Raising the pitch of the voice to seem extra friendly and positive.
- I was wondering if ___.
- Can you bring the check, when you get the chance.
- Could you tell me where ___ is?
- We don’t use ‘toilet’ in the US, we use ‘bathroom’ or ‘restroom’.
- Do you have / carry / sell ____?
- I’d like / could I please have / I’ll take
- Thanks, thanks so much, that means/meant the world to me, that’s so helpful, thanks a million
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