Inquiring About Parking Rates
Before or during parking, the user asks about the hourly or daily rates, maximum charges, and any special offers or free parking durations.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
rates
The cost or price for something, like parking fees. Use it when asking about how much something costs, e.g., 'What are the rates?'
subsequent
Following or coming after something else. In parking, it means hours after the first one, e.g., 'every subsequent hour.'
daily maximum
The highest amount you have to pay in one day, even if you park longer. Useful for understanding parking limits.
flat rate
A fixed price that doesn't change, no matter the time. Common in services like parking after a certain hour.
payment methods
The different ways you can pay for something, like card or cash. Ask about this when unsure how to pay.
credit cards
Plastic cards for borrowing money to pay, from banks like Visa or Mastercard. Widely accepted for payments.
debit cards
Cards linked directly to your bank account, using your own money. Similar to credit cards but no borrowing.
cash
Physical money, like bills and coins. Some places don't accept it at machines for convenience.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm just about to park and I was wondering what the rates are here?
This is a polite way to start a conversation and ask for information. 'I was wondering' softens the question, making it less direct. Useful for inquiring about prices in services like parking.
It's $5 for the first hour, and then $3 for every subsequent hour.
This explains pricing structure using 'and then' to connect parts. 'For every' shows repetition. Practical for describing costs in stages, like time-based fees.
Is there a daily maximum charge?
A yes/no question using 'is there' to ask about limits. Simple structure for checking rules. Use it when you want to know if there's a cap on costs.
Yes, the daily maximum is $25. And if you're parking after 6 PM, there's a flat rate of $10 until midnight.
This answers with details and adds conditions using 'if' clause. 'Until' shows end time. Helpful for giving full info with exceptions in transactions.
What about payment methods? Is it card only or can I pay with cash?
Uses 'what about' to introduce a new topic and 'or' for alternatives. Questions payment options. Great for clarifying how to pay in everyday situations.
We accept major credit cards and debit cards.
States what is allowed using 'accept.' 'Major' means common ones. Useful response when explaining accepted payments; shows inclusivity.
Unfortunately, we don't take cash at the machines, but you can pay with cash at the attendant booth if someone's here.
Uses 'unfortunately' for polite regret, 'but' for contrast, and 'if' for condition. Explains alternatives. Practical for service apologies and options.