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For Life
2008.04.17(Review of 2001.03.30 edition)

We present to you today the Thursday WordMaster! We hope you like it!

Today's LessonCATEGORY: 混同しやすい言葉CATEGORY: ジャパニーズイングリッシュ
FREE vs. SERVICE   無料の vs. サービス

Explanation

  • If something is free, it doesn't cost anything.

    The service at a restaurant, hotel, or other business is all the things the business does for customers, such as taking their order, bringing their food, carrying their bags, etc.

    Be Careful! We do NOT use the word “service” like the Japanese サービス to mean free or “on the house”.
  • free とは、料金がかからない、つまり、無料の、という意味です。

    service とは、レストランやホテル、他のビジネスで、顧客のためにする全ての役割のことです。例えば、注文を取る、食事を出す、荷物を運ぶなどの行為をさします。

    注意:日本語でよく使われる「無料の」あるいは「店からのサービス」という意味では、英語の service は使われません。

FREE vs. SERVICE

examples

  1. a: How much are these maps?
    b: They're free. Take as many as you like.
  2. (radio advertisement)
    Buy a pint of our homemade premium ice cream this weekend and get the second pint free. That's two pints for the price of one!
  3. They have free tours of the cathedral every Sunday morning at 10. During the rest of the week, you have to pay to see it.
  4. 4
  5. The hotel is famous for its outstanding service.
  6. a: How was the service at the restaurant last night?
    b: It was a little slow. We had to wait 30 minutes before they served us our meal.
  7. I only give a tip if the service is good.

英会話レッスンWe'll be back tomorrow with another edition of Berlitz WordMaster at the everyday low price of ... zero yen. Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch?