Offering a Seat to Someone in Need
An elderly person, a pregnant woman, or someone with a visible disability has just boarded the crowded bus/train. You want to offer your seat politely.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
ma'am
A polite way to address an older woman or a female stranger, similar to 'madam' in formal situations.
seat
A place to sit, like on a bus or train; offering your seat shows politeness to those in need.
kind
Nice and helpful; used to thank someone for a thoughtful action, as in 'that's very kind of you.'
inconvenience
To cause trouble or bother someone; often used when politely declining help to avoid seeming rude.
getting off
Leaving a bus, train, or similar transport; useful for explaining why you can offer your seat.
stops
Places where a bus or train pauses to let people on or off; 'a couple of stops' means two or a few.
prefer
To like one thing better than another; used to reassure someone by saying you don't mind standing.
bumpy
Rough and jolting, like a road with holes; describes a bus ride to warn about unsteady movement.
thoughtful
Considerate and caring about others' feelings; a compliment for someone who offers help politely.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, ma'am. Would you like to have my seat?
A polite way to offer your seat; 'Excuse me' gets attention, and the question shows respect without assuming. Use this to start offering help on public transport.
Oh, that's very kind of you, dear.
Expresses thanks for kindness; 'dear' is a friendly term like 'sweetie' for elders. Useful for responding positively to offers of help.
Not at all! I'm getting off in a couple of stops anyway.
Reassures that it's no trouble; 'Not at all' means 'no problem at all.' The clause explains the reason, making the offer sincere. Use when insisting someone takes your seat.
Please, take it.
A direct but polite encouragement to accept; 'Please' adds courtesy. Simple and useful in situations where you want someone to sit without hesitation.
My legs aren't what they used to be.
Explains a physical difficulty politely; this idiom means 'not as strong as before.' Good for sharing why you need a seat without complaining.
You're most welcome.
A formal way to say 'you're welcome'; emphasizes politeness. Use after someone thanks you to show it's no bother at all.
Just be careful when you sit down, the bus might be a bit bumpy.
Gives friendly advice; 'might be' shows possibility, and 'a bit' softens the warning. Useful for showing care in everyday conversations on transport.