Using a Debit/Credit Card
The customer pays for an item using a debit or credit card, encountering potential issues like card decline or transaction failure.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
sparkling water
A type of water with bubbles or carbonation, like soda water. It's common in vending machines and stores.
swipe
To slide a card quickly through a slot on a machine to pay. Used for magnetic stripe cards.
insert
To put something into a slot or hole, like inserting a card into a reader. Opposite of remove.
tap feature
A contactless payment method where you tap your card or phone on a sensor without inserting or swiping. Quick and modern.
chip reader
A device that reads the small electronic chip on modern credit or debit cards for secure payments.
transaction approved
A message on a machine or screen confirming that your payment has been accepted and processed successfully.
persistence
The quality of continuing to try something despite difficulties. Here, it means not giving up after failures.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Okay, I think I'll get the sparkling water. It's A3.
This sentence expresses a decision to buy something specific, using 'I'll get' for future choice. Useful for ordering in shops or machines; 'It's A3' refers to a location like a button or slot.
Just swipe your card when you're ready.
A helpful instruction using 'just' to mean 'simply' and 'when you're ready' for timing. Great for guiding someone on payment steps in everyday situations.
It says 'Card Error'. What does that mean?
Reports a problem with direct quotes and asks for explanation using 'what does that mean?'. Useful for seeking help with error messages on machines or devices.
Sometimes you have to try it a couple of times.
Advises repeating an action with 'sometimes' for occasional issues and 'a couple of times' meaning twice or a few. Common for troubleshooting tech problems.
Try inserting it slower, or use the tap feature if it has one.
Gives suggestions with imperative 'try' and alternatives using 'or' and conditional 'if it has one'. Practical for offering payment tips when something fails.
Success! It says 'Transaction Approved'.
Expresses excitement about success with 'Success!' and reports the result. Use this to celebrate when a payment or task works after trying.
There you go! Persistence pays off.
An encouraging phrase where 'There you go!' means 'here it is' or 'success', and 'persistence pays off' is an idiom meaning effort leads to reward. Ideal for positive feedback.