Zoom英会話クラス(火)

Lesson Notes May 19, 2026 (TUESDAY ZOOM)

Words & Phrases

• Tomorrow, I have to go back and get the results of my ultrasound.

• The famous "Snow Wall Walk" event along the Kurobe Alpine Route is a major spring attraction.

• I went for an early morning walk around the hotel and saw a ptarmigan.

  • It is very difficult to spot a ptarmigan in the winter because its white feathers blend perfectly with the snow.

• Coach bus (noun) = A large, comfortable bus used for long-distance travel, sightseeing, or private group trips.

  • It’s easy and direct to take the airport coach rather than a train.

  • The school sports team traveled overnight to the championship on a sleeper coach.

• TKG, tamago kake gohan, is raw egg mixed into steaming hot white rice, often seasoned with soy sauce and other ingredients.

  • I had TKG topped with shrimp, it was pretty delicious.

• I went to the Black Ship Festival near Shimoda. It commemorates the 1854 landing of Commodore Matthew Perry’s U.S. "Black Ships”.

• Jindai Temple is a renowned, nature-rich power spot famous for granting blessings in love, marriage, and personal fortune, especially among young people.

  • We went to the botanical garden, but it was closed because it was Monday! We were so surprised.

• Have you heard of a private house that opens up its garden to the public during rose season?

  • There was an Open Garden that wasn't very popular, so they stopped opening it to the public.

  • Some gardens can’t stay open without a team of volunteers who help with everything.

• We use the phrase "To Whom It May Concern" as a formal greeting in written correspondence when you do not know the name of the person who will be reading your message.

Pronunciation

• Ptarmigan (noun) tɑːr.mɪ.ɡən / TAR-mi-guhn (Note: The "P" is silent, just like in “psychology")

Appropriate Language

• Gaze (verb / noun) = To look steadily and intently, often with admiration, romance, surprise, or thought. Feeling: soft, dreamlike, or deep (Usually positive or neutral)

  • They stood on the shore and gazed at the sunset for hours.

• Stare (verb / noun) = To look fixedly at someone or something with wide eyes. Feeling: Hard, intense, and often uncomfortable. (Can be rude or aggressive)

  • It’s rude to stare at people on the train.

• Glance (verb / noun) = To take a brief or hurried look. Feeling: fast and temporary

  • She glanced at her watch and realized she was ten minutes late.