Passing a Shared Dish (Main Course)
A shared main course dish, such as a large platter of pasta or a roasted chicken, needs to be passed to someone further down the table.
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, especially when asking for something at the table. Use it to start a request without being rude.
pass
To hand something from one person to another, like passing a dish at dinner. It's common in shared meals to say 'pass the salt' or 'pass the chicken'.
delicious
Means something tastes very good. Use it to compliment food, like 'This cake is delicious!' to show appreciation.
certainly
A polite way to say 'yes' or 'of course' when agreeing to help. It's formal and shows willingness, like responding to a request.
appreciate
To feel grateful for something someone does for you. Say 'I appreciate it' after receiving help to express thanks sincerely.
no problem
A casual way to say 'you're welcome' or 'it's okay'. Use it after helping someone to show it was easy and no trouble.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, David, could you please pass the roasted chicken?
This is a polite request using 'could you please' for formality. It's useful for asking someone to pass food at a meal. The structure is: Excuse me + name + could you please + verb + object? Practice this to be courteous at dinner tables.
It looks delicious!
A simple compliment on food's appearance, implying it tastes good. Use it to show enthusiasm during meals. 'Looks' describes appearance, and 'delicious' adds positive feeling – great for starting conversations at the table.
Certainly, Emily. Here you go.
Responds positively to a request with 'certainly' for agreement, and 'here you go' means handing over the item. Useful when helping others; it's polite and efficient. Grammar note: 'Here you go' is an idiomatic expression for giving something.
Thanks so much, David! I appreciate it.
Expresses strong gratitude after receiving help. 'Thanks so much' is emphatic thanks, and 'I appreciate it' adds sincerity. Use this pattern after favors to build good manners. It's common in Western table etiquette.
No problem at all. Do you need anything else?
Dismisses thanks casually and offers more help. 'No problem at all' means it's easy, and the question shows thoughtfulness. Useful for continuing polite interactions at meals; practice offering assistance to others.