Asking for Waiting Time
You're unsure how long the person currently at the fountain will be. You politely make eye contact and ask, 'Are you going to be much longer?' or 'Having trouble with the spout?'
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 when you need to interrupt or ask a question in public places.
longer
Used to ask if something will take more time; here, it means 'will you need much more time?' in a waiting situation.
filling
The present continuous form of 'fill,' meaning putting liquid into a container like a water bottle.
bottle
A portable container for liquids, often used at gyms or parks to hold water.
No worries
A casual way to say 'it's okay' or 'don't apologize,' showing reassurance in everyday conversations.
Take your time
Encourages someone to not rush; useful when responding politely to someone who is finishing a task.
just a sec
Short for 'just a second,' meaning 'wait one moment' – a common informal phrase to ask for a brief delay.
All yours
Means 'it's your turn now' or 'you can use it'; polite way to hand over something like a shared resource.
Appreciate it
Short for 'I appreciate it,' meaning 'thank you' to show gratitude for someone's help or courtesy.
No problem
A friendly response to 'thank you,' meaning 'you're welcome' or 'it was no trouble at all.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, are you going to be much longer?
This is a polite question to ask if someone will finish soon when waiting in line; uses future tense 'going to be' for predictions, useful in public queues to avoid rudeness.
Oh, sorry! Just filling my bottle. Almost done.
An apologetic response explaining a quick task; 'just' softens the action, and 'almost done' reassures the waiter – great for brief interruptions in shared spaces.
No worries! Just wondering. Take your time.
Reassures the other person and explains your question casually; 'just wondering' means 'only curious,' and imperative 'take your time' shows politeness – ideal for keeping interactions friendly.
Okay, just a sec... There we go! All yours.
Signals a quick finish with informal 'just a sec'; 'there we go' expresses completion, and 'all yours' hands over the item – common in turn-taking scenarios like at a water fountain.
Thanks a lot! Appreciate it.
Expresses strong thanks; 'thanks a lot' is emphatic, and 'appreciate it' adds sincerity – use after someone yields to you to build positive social interactions.
No problem! Have a good one.
A casual 'you're welcome' followed by a friendly goodbye; 'have a good one' is an informal way to wish well, perfect for ending short public encounters.