Paying at an Automated Machine
The user interacts with an automated parking machine to pay for their parking. This involves inserting a ticket, checking the amount due, and selecting a payment method (card or cash).
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
insert
To put something inside a machine or slot, like a ticket or card. In parking machines, you insert your ticket to start the payment process.
ticket
A small piece of paper or card that shows you have paid for something, like parking. You get it when you enter a parking lot and insert it to pay when leaving.
payment
The act of giving money for something. In this context, it's about paying for parking time using cash or card.
options
Choices available. Here, it refers to the different ways to pay, like card or cash, which you select at a machine.
card
A plastic payment card, like a credit or debit card. It's a common way to pay without using cash in modern machines.
cash
Physical money, like bills and coins. Some parking machines accept cash, but it's less common now due to errors.
receipt
A printed record of your payment, showing the amount and time. Keep it as proof if there's a problem later.
transaction
The process of paying or exchanging money. In machines, it means the payment is being checked and approved.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I need to pay for parking.
This is a simple statement expressing the need to make a payment. Use it when approaching a parking machine or attendant. It's useful for starting a conversation about fees; grammar is present tense for current needs.
The machine says 'Insert Ticket'.
This reports what a machine displays. 'Says' is used for machines or signs showing instructions. Useful for describing steps in automated processes; practice reading and following machine prompts.
It shows five dollars.
This describes what appears on a screen, like the amount due. 'Shows' is common for digital displays. Helpful for checking costs; note the structure: subject + shows + amount.
Payment options: card or cash.
This lists choices for paying. Use it to identify available methods. It's practical for any payment situation; the colon introduces the list, making it clear and direct.
I'll use my card.
This expresses a decision to choose one option. 'I'll' is short for 'I will,' showing future intention. Use it when selecting how to pay; it's polite and decisive in transactions.
Transaction Approved.
This confirms successful payment. Common on screens or receipts. Useful to recognize when your payment works; it's a passive voice phrase, often seen in formal confirmations.
Perfect. Done.
Short expressions of satisfaction and completion. 'Perfect' means everything went well, 'Done' means finished. Use them casually after tasks like paying; great for everyday positive feedback.