Dealing with Crowded Public Transport
A passenger is trying to get on or off a crowded bus or subway car, navigating through people, or dealing with limited personal space.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
excuse me
A polite way to get someone's attention or ask them to move in crowded places like public transport.
get off
To leave a bus, train, or subway at a stop. Use it when telling others you need to exit.
next stop
The upcoming station or place where the vehicle will stop next. Common in directions on public transport.
let me through
A request to allow passage through a crowd. Polite for navigating tight spaces.
packed
Very full or crowded with people. Describes busy public transport during peak times.
rush hour
The busiest time of day for commuting, usually morning and evening. Best to avoid if possible to escape crowds.
squeeze by
To move through a narrow or crowded space by pushing gently. Useful for getting past people.
tight fit
A space that is very narrow or crowded, making it hard to move. Often used in transport contexts.
watch your step
A warning to be careful where you put your feet, especially in crowded or uneven areas to avoid tripping.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I need to get off at the next stop. Could you please let me through?
This is a polite request to pass through a crowd to exit. It's useful for crowded transport; uses 'excuse me' for politeness and a question form to ask for help.
It's really packed in here, isn't it?
A casual way to comment on the crowd and agree with others. The tag question 'isn't it?' invites agreement, making conversation friendly in shared situations.
Tell me about it!
An idiomatic expression to show strong agreement, like 'I know exactly what you mean!' Useful in everyday chats about common problems like crowds.
I usually try to avoid rush hour, but not today.
Explains a habit with 'usually try to avoid' and a contrast with 'but not today.' Great for discussing routines and exceptions in transport planning.
Mind if I squeeze by, too?
A polite way to ask permission to pass. 'Mind if' is a common structure for requests; use it in tight spaces to show consideration for others.
Go for it.
Informal encouragement meaning 'go ahead' or 'do it.' Short and useful for giving permission quickly in social situations like sharing space.
It's a tight fit, but we'll manage.
Acknowledges difficulty with 'tight fit' but reassures with 'we'll manage' (future tense for coping). Helps in teaming up during crowded moments.
Just watch your step.
A simple imperative warning for safety. Use it to remind others to be careful, especially when moving in crowds or near doors.