Spill on a Shared Table
You spill coffee on a table in a cafe, near other patrons. You need to quickly assess the situation, apologize to those nearby, and ask for cleaning supplies.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
spilled
Past tense of 'spill', meaning to accidentally pour liquid out of a container, like coffee. Use it when describing an accident: 'I spilled my drink.'
sorry
An expression of apology. Say 'I'm sorry' when you make a mistake or cause inconvenience to others.
mess
A dirty or disordered situation. In accidents, it describes something like spilled coffee making things untidy: 'What a mess!'
paper towels
Absorbent paper sheets used for cleaning up spills. Common in cafes or homes: 'Can I have some paper towels?'
cloth
A piece of fabric used for wiping or cleaning. Alternative to paper towels: 'Do you have a clean cloth?'
slippery
Something wet and smooth that can cause you to slip and fall. Warn others: 'The floor is slippery after the spill.'
staff member
An employee working at a place like a cafe. Polite way to refer to workers: 'Ask a staff member for help.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Oh no! I am so sorry! I've spilled my coffee.
This shows immediate reaction to an accident. 'Oh no!' expresses surprise or regret. 'I've spilled' uses present perfect tense for a recent action. Use it to apologize quickly after spilling something.
Are you okay? Don't worry, it happens.
A kind response to someone's accident. 'Are you okay?' checks for injury. 'Don't worry, it happens' reassures them it's common. Use this to be helpful and calm others down.
I'm fine, thankfully it just went on the table.
Explains the situation without harm. 'Thankfully' means luckily. 'It just went on the table' uses 'just' for location only. Useful for updating others on minor accidents.
Does anyone know where I can get some paper towels or a cloth?
A polite request for help. 'Does anyone know' asks the group. 'Where I can get' is a question about location for items. Use in public places to seek cleaning supplies.
I'll go grab a staff member for you.
Offers practical help. 'I'll go grab' means 'I'll quickly get'. Informal and friendly. Use when volunteering to fetch assistance in a cafe or similar setting.
Oh, thank you, that would be a great help!
Expresses gratitude. 'That would be' is conditional for future help. 'Great help' emphasizes appreciation. Say this when someone offers aid after your mistake.
No problem at all. Just watch your step while I'm gone, it's a bit slippery there.
Reassures and gives advice. 'No problem at all' means you're welcome. 'Watch your step' warns of danger. Use to be considerate and point out risks like wet floors.