Join Casey and Ingrid as they take a humorous dive into the origins of your favorite idioms, and we all learn something new. They chew the fat, spill the tea and the beans, and shoot the breeze until they get to the root of the matter. Follow the soothing voices of this duo as they venture down winding rabbit holes of lighthearted banter, having fun while uncovering some language truths.
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Idiom Examples Podcasts
This podcast series offers a talk-show-style approach to exploring Chinese language and culture. As a long-time student of Chinese, I’m joined by Vicky Zhang, my friend and a seasoned Chinese teacher. Alongside us, we’ll sometimes feature a guest or two—some teaching Chinese, others stepping into the shoes of learners, just like me. Language learning is a collaborative journey, and we invite anyone with something to contribute to join us along the way. While we’re not an immersion-style podc ...
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Welcome to 5-Minute English Talk - your daily dose of real-world English made simple. In just 5 minutes (or even less!), you'll learn something useful every day, from everyday phrases and clear pronunciation, to casual small talk, grammar basics, and real-life speaking tips. No pressure, no textbooks, just easy, practical English you can use right away. Whether you're just starting out or want to sound more natural, this podcast is here to help, like a friend by your side. Short. Simple. Rea ...
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Talking About Pets in English | 5-Minute English Talk
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3:31Welcome back to 5-Minute English Talk! 🐶🐱 In today’s episode, Bruce and Stacy teach you how to talk about pets in everyday English. From asking simple questions like “Do you have a pet?” to describing your dog, cat, or parrot with fun details, you’ll learn natural phrases that make conversations easy. ✨ In just 5 minutes a day, you’ll pick up short…
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Travel & Journey Idioms in English | Speak Naturally with 5-Minute English Talk
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3:44In this episode, Bruce and Stacy explore 4 powerful idioms about travel and journeys that will make your English sound more fluent, natural, and confident: Hit the road – to leave or start a journey A bumpy ride – a difficult or challenging time At a crossroads – facing an important decision Smooth sailing – when everything goes easily without prob…
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Money Idioms in English | Everyday Business Expressions | 5 Minute English Talk
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4:01In this episode, you’ll learn popular expressions like cost an arm and a leg, break the bank, in the red / in the black, and cash cow. These idioms are common in movies, business conversations, and everyday English — and mastering them will help you sound natural and confident. Enjoy easy explanations, real-life examples, a fun conversation between…
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Work Idioms in English | Career Expressions You Must Know | 5 Minute English Talk
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3:05In this episode of 5 Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce continue our special idioms series — and today’s focus is work and career idioms. 💼✨ You’ll learn how to use popular expressions like back to the drawing board, climb the corporate ladder, by the book, and think outside the box. These idioms are widely used in schools, offices, and profession…
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Food Idioms in English | Everyday Expressions Made Easy | 5 Minute English Talk
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3:04In this episode of 5 Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce continue our special idioms series — and today’s theme is food idioms! 🍎🥖 You’ll learn how to use common expressions like a piece of cake, spill the beans, in a pickle, and bring home the bacon. These idioms are fun, practical, and will instantly make your English sound more natural. Listen t…
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Weather Idioms in English | Learn Everyday Expressions with Jane & Bruce | 5 Minute English Talk
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4:04In this episode of 5 Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce explore some of the most popular weather idioms that English speakers use in everyday life. You’ll learn phrases like under the weather, every cloud has a silver lining, come rain or shine, and storm in a teacup. We’ll break down each idiom with simple examples, give you a fun fact about Engl…
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Chinese "Back-to-School" Slang: The Phrase "神兽归笼" (Upper Intermediate)
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18:07It’s that time of year again — back to school season! In this episode, we dive into the popular Chinese expression 神兽归笼 (“the mythical beasts return to their cages”), a humorous way parents describe sending kids back to school after summer break. You’ll learn how this phrase is used in daily conversation and pick up practical Mandarin expressions t…
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How to Talk About Your Weekend Plans in English
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3:13In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce teach you how to describe your weekend plans naturally in English. Learn simple ways to talk about relaxing, studying, working, or doing something fun, and practice useful phrases you can use with friends, colleagues, or classmates. You’ll hear casual examples, repeat-after-me practice, and n…
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How to Talk About Your Job or Studies in English - Easy Examples
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3:54In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce teach you how to talk about your job or studies naturally in English. Learn short and simple ways to introduce what you do, add small details to make conversations more interesting, and practice useful follow-up questions. You’ll hear real-life examples, repeat-after-me practice, and a mini d…
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Different Ways to Say Yes and No in English - Sound More Natural
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2:37In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce explore the many different ways native speakers say yes and no. From casual responses like “yeah” and “nope” to polite answers and strong agreements or refusals, you’ll learn how to choose the right expression for every situation. Practice with repeat-after-me examples, listen to natural mini…
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Using Please, Could, and Would - Speak Polite English Naturally
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3:35In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce show you how three simple words — please, could, and would — can make your English sound more polite, respectful, and natural. Learn how to use them in everyday situations, from making requests to offering help. You’ll hear practical examples, practice with repeat-after-me sentences, and list…
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How to Introduce Yourself in English — School, Work, and New Friends
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3:07In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce guide you through one of the most important skills in English — introducing yourself. Learn how to introduce yourself in different situations: casually at school, professionally at work, or warmly when meeting a new friend. You’ll hear natural examples, practice repeat-after-me sentences, and…
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Giving Directions – Helping Someone Find a Place in English
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3:08In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’re helping you master one of the most practical English skills — giving directions! Whether you’re guiding a tourist, helping a coworker, or just being friendly to a stranger, this episode teaches natural phrases, real-life dialogues, and pronunciation practice to help you give clear, polite, and confide…
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How to Say Sorry Naturally in English - Everyday Situations
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4:05In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce explore one of the most powerful words in English — sorry. Learn how to use it in everyday situations: from small mistakes to big apologies, from being polite to showing empathy. Discover cultural differences between British and American English, practice real-life phrases, and hear a natural…
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Home vs. House — What’s the Difference in English?
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3:20In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce explain the difference between home and house — two simple words that learners often confuse. Learn when to use home to express belonging and comfort, and when to use house for the physical building. Hear real-life examples, practice useful phrases, and get a motivational boost to speak more …
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Talking About Your Favorite Movie, Actor, or Singer In English
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3:54In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce explore one of the most fun and natural ways to connect in English — by talking about your favorite movie, actor, or singer! Learn easy phrases, hear a real-life example conversation, and discover how sharing what you love can improve your fluency. Plus, Jane reveals her love for Titanic, and…
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Starting conversations with new people can feel awkward — but it doesn’t have to be! In today’s episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’ll help you break the ice naturally with classmates, colleagues, or new friends. You’ll learn friendly ways to say hello, ask casual questions, and respond with confidence. We’ve even added a mini dialogue and your da…
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: The Fall Favorite Explained in Chinese | Mandarin Learning Podcast (Pre Intermediate)
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10:05Fall means Pumpkin Spice Latte season! ☕🍂 In this episode, we dive into the phenomenon of the PSL while teaching you how to order it in Mandarin Chinese. Learn essential café vocabulary, practice real-life dialogues, and discover how seasonal drinks are talked about in Chinese. Perfect for language learners who love coffee and culture. 顾客:你好,我要一杯南瓜…
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Planning a Short Weekend Trip – Invite Friends, Share Plans, Speak Naturally!
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3:52Heading out on a short weekend trip? 🚗 Whether it’s with friends, colleagues, or classmates, this episode of 5-Minute English Talk helps you talk naturally about your weekend plans in English. Learn how to invite someone to join, ask about their plans, and react confidently in everyday conversations. We’ll walk through real-life phrases, a mini dia…
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In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we dive into one of the most useful everyday English skills — calling technical support. Whether it’s slow Wi-Fi, a phone that won’t connect, or a confusing error message, talking to support agents can feel stressful — especially when English isn’t your first language. We’ll teach you simple, natural phrase…
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How to Congratulate Someone Naturally in English
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4:18Celebrating someone’s success is a great way to build stronger relationships — whether it’s your friend, colleague, or neighbor! 🎉 In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’ll explore natural and friendly ways to congratulate someone on their achievement. From a simple “Well done!” to thoughtful phrases for work promotions, exam results, or pers…
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At the Library – Asking for Books, Using Services, and Getting Help
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2:39In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we step inside the library — a quiet but useful place where knowing the right phrases makes everything easier. You’ll learn how to ask for books, use library services like computers or printers, and describe your needs clearly. We’ll also practice a real-life dialogue, give you a speaking tip for polite req…
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Special Recap & Quiz – 5-Minute English Talk
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4:02It’s a milestone! In this special 50th episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we take a fun look back at what we’ve learned so far — from ordering food to making small talk, handling travel, and more. You’ll get a quick recap, plus a short quiz to test your skills in real-life English situations. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’re …
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Weekend Match or Movie – Speak Natural English
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3:38It’s Friday — the perfect time to make weekend plans! In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’ll show you how to naturally invite a friend, colleague, or neighbor to join you for a football match, a cricket game, or even a movie night. You’ll learn simple and friendly phrases for starting the conversation, suggesting options, and responding to…
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Ordering Desserts in English – Sweet Conversations Made Simple
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3:41n this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’re diving into one of the sweetest parts of dining out — ordering desserts. 🍰 Whether you’re asking for the menu, deciding between options, or reacting when your dessert arrives, today’s phrases will help you sound natural, polite, and confident. You’ll learn how to: Ask about dessert options in a restaur…
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In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’ll help you handle one of the most practical — and fun — situations: ordering drinks or food when you notice something interesting on someone else’s table. Learn how to ask questions like “That coffee looks amazing — what is it?” or “Can I order the same thing you’re having?” in a smooth, natural way. We…
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Asking About the Latest News – Everyday English Conversations
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3:46In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we explore how to ask and respond about the latest news in a natural and friendly way. Whether it’s world events, local updates, or just trending stories, knowing how to bring up the news helps you sound engaged and confident in everyday conversations. You’ll learn useful questions, polite responses, and pr…
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Online Meeting English + Special 50th Episode Announcement
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3:51In this milestone 50th episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we start by saying a big thank you to all of you for listening, supporting, and practicing with us. Your encouragement has brought us this far — and we’re just getting started! We’re also excited to share some big news: we’ve launched a brand-new show — 5-Minute Vocabulary. Each week, you’ll …
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Speak Like a Native: "Shoot Yourself in the Foot" in Mandarin Chinese
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11:18Want to sound more natural in Mandarin? Learn the Chinese idiom that can mean not only making the kind of mistakes that hurt yourself, but also when your plans to harm someone else backfire. 小李:听说老赵匿名举报同事偷懒。 Xiǎo Lǐ: Tīng shuō Lǎo Zhào nìmíng jǔbào tóngshì tōulǎn. Xiao Li: I heard Old Zhao anonymously reported a coworker for slacking off. 小王:结果呢? X…
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Who’s Your Team? – Talking About Favorite Teams in English
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3:05In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’re diving into one of the easiest and most fun small talk topics — asking about someone’s favorite team in an upcoming match, race, or event. You’ll learn natural ways to start the conversation, give your own answer, and keep it friendly even if you support different sides. Whether it’s football, cricket…
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Getting Gift Suggestions – Asking for Ideas Naturally in English
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3:27In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, learn how to naturally ask for gift ideas when shopping for a friend, colleague, or classmate. We’ll share friendly ways to start the conversation, give details to get better suggestions, and respond politely to any ideas you receive. Perfect for casual chats or when planning a surprise! Segment: English Le…
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Talking with a Co-Passenger on a Flight - Friendly Travel English
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3:25In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’re taking to the skies — literally! Learn how to start and keep a friendly conversation with a co-passenger on a flight. We’ll cover simple, natural phrases for greeting, asking about travel plans, sharing your own trip details, and keeping the chat light and comfortable. Whether you’re flying for busine…
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At the Gym in English – Membership, Classes, and Fitness Goals
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3:43In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we take you inside the gym — teaching you the exact English phrases you need for joining a membership, asking about classes, and describing your fitness goals. Whether you’re a beginner or a regular, you’ll learn how to ask questions, respond naturally, and speak with confidence in a real gym setting. Perfe…
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How Was Your Weekend? — Asking & Answering Naturally in English
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2:56In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, Jane and Bruce help you master one of the most common small talk questions in English — “How was your weekend?” Learn how to ask it naturally, give short but interesting answers, and keep the conversation flowing with coworkers, friends, classmates, or neighbors. You’ll hear real-life examples, practice tog…
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It’s Friday, and the question is everywhere — “What are your weekend plans?” In today’s episode, we’ll show you how to ask this common question naturally… and how to answer with confidence, whether you’ve got exciting plans or just a quiet weekend ahead. Learn casual, real-life English phrases to use with friends, coworkers, classmates, or neighbor…
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“Want to Grab a Coffee?” - How to Ask Naturally in English
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3:11In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’re talking about how to invite someone out for coffee, lunch, or dinner — in clear, friendly English. Whether you're asking a friend, colleague, classmate, or even someone you just met, it's all about getting the tone right. You'll learn useful phrases for asking casually, responding politely, and keepin…
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Where Are You From?" – Asking and Answering Naturally in English Conversations
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2:59In today’s episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’re exploring one of the most common — and friendliest — questions in English: “Where are you from?” You’ll learn how to ask this question politely, how to respond with confidence, and how to keep the conversation going whether you're speaking with a classmate, colleague, or someone new. We’ll guide yo…
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Receiving a Package – Confirming Details, Reporting Issues in English
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3:21In today’s episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we walk you through everyday English phrases and real-life conversations you can use when receiving a delivery — whether at home, work, or your apartment building. You’ll learn how to confirm your name, ask polite questions about the package, and explain calmly if something goes wrong — like missing item…
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Borrowing Something - How to Ask, Respond, and Return Politely in English
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3:50In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’re learning how to borrow something from a friend, colleague, or neighbor — the polite and natural way. Whether you need to ask for a pen, a book, or even a ladder, knowing the right phrases can make you sound kind, confident, and respectful. We’ll go through everyday examples, simple responses, and a re…
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不得已 - How to Say "I Had No Choice" in Mandarin (Intermediate)
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14:48不得已:"不得已" is typically used to express that an action or decision was made out of necessity rather than desire, usually because of circumstances that leave no alternative. It's often used in situations where one is reluctantly forced to make a choice. 小明: 你怎么突然辞职了?不是说好要坚持下去的吗? (Xiǎo Míng): Nǐ zěnme túrán cí zhí le? Bù shì shuō hǎo yào jiānchí xiàqù…
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At the Cinema – Buying Tickets, Asking Showtimes, Snacks In English
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3:17In today’s episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’re heading to the movies! Learn how to confidently buy tickets, ask about showtimes, and order snacks in clear, everyday English. Whether you're going to the cinema with friends or solo, this quick episode gives you practical phrases, real-life examples, and a fun mini-dialogue — all in under 5 minute…
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Attending a Job Interview – Talking About Experience and Skills
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3:31In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we dive into one of the most important real-life situations — a job interview. Learn how to introduce yourself, describe your experience, talk about your strengths, and answer common questions with confidence. Practice with mini-dialogues, repeat key phrases, and get a simple speaking tip to help you sound …
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At the Salon or Barber – Describing Haircuts and Styles
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3:10In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, hosts Jane and Bruce take you to the salon or barber shop! Learn how to confidently ask for a haircut, describe the style you want, and understand what your stylist might say. Whether you're getting a trim, trying something new, or just cleaning up your look — we’ll help you use clear, friendly English at y…
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At the Airport – asking about flights, directions, luggage
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3:41Traveling soon? In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we continue our practical airport English series! Learn how to confidently ask about flights, find your gate, and handle luggage situations — all in clear, simple English. Whether you’re checking in, finding your way around, or talking to staff, these phrases will help you speak with confide…
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At the Pharmacy – Asking for Medicine, Describing Symptoms in English
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2:59In today’s episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’re heading to the pharmacy! Learn how to confidently ask for medicine, describe your symptoms in simple English, and understand the common phrases you’ll hear from the pharmacist. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need something over the counter, this episode will help you speak clearly…
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In our most recent short video, Vicky takes us to explore some of the highlights of New York City. Come along with us as we take in the sights of The Big Apple, all in Chinese.
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Small Talk with Neighbors or Strangers in English
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3:33In today’s episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’re diving into something we all do — small talk. Whether you’re in the elevator, walking your dog, or waiting in line at the coffee shop — a little friendly conversation can go a long way. You’ll learn natural English phrases to start and continue a casual chat with neighbors or strangers, plus polite…
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Talking to Customer Service – Explaining a Problem and Asking for Support
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3:25In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we’ll help you speak clearly and politely when talking to customer service — whether it’s about a late delivery, a billing issue, or a broken product. You’ll learn practical phrases for explaining a problem, asking for help, and staying calm during support calls. Perfect for learners focused on everyday Eng…
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Booking an Appointment – Schedule, Reschedule, or Cancel in English
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2:53In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, learn how to confidently schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments — whether it's a doctor visit, salon session, or business meeting. You'll pick up simple and polite English phrases to use over the phone or in person. This episode includes: Useful vocabulary and sentence patterns Real-life mini-dialogue…
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Returning or Exchanging a Product In English
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3:59Learn how to handle polite complaints and make requests in English — confidently! Whether you bought the wrong size or received a faulty item, this episode will teach you how to speak clearly, stay calm, and return or exchange a product like a pro. We’ll walk you through real-life phrases, a mini-dialogue, speaking tips, and a daily challenge to bo…
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