Quick Inquiry at Store Entrance
A customer walks up to a store that looks closed or dormant and quickly asks an employee or passerby if it's open.
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 before asking a question, like '不好意思' in Chinese. Use it when interrupting someone.
open
For a store or business, it means ready for customers to enter and shop. Opposite of 'closed'. Example: 'Is the store open?'
not yet
Means something hasn't happened but will soon. It's a common response to 'Is it open?' like '还没呢' in Chinese.
close
When a store stops business for the day. Use as a verb: 'We close at 8 PM.' Opposite of 'open'.
usually
Means most of the time or normally. Helps describe regular habits, like store hours: 'We usually close at 6 PM.'
got it
Informal way to say 'I understand' or 'Okay, I see.' Useful in casual conversations to show you've received information.
no problem
A friendly response to 'thank you,' meaning 'it's okay' or 'you're welcome.' Common in service situations.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, is this place open?
This is a polite way to ask if a store is currently open for business. 'This place' is casual for 'this store.' Use it when approaching a business that looks closed. Grammar: Question form with 'is' for present state.
Not yet. We open in about five minutes.
Responds to a question about opening time. 'Not yet' means it hasn't happened. 'In about five minutes' gives a short future time. Useful for customer service; 'about' makes it approximate and natural.
Oh, okay. It looked a bit dark inside.
Shows understanding and explains observation. 'Oh, okay' is a filler for transition. 'Looked' is past tense for recent observation. 'A bit' softens 'dark.' Practical for commenting on why something seems closed.
What time do you usually close?
Asks for normal closing hours. 'What time' is for specific times. 'Usually' indicates regular schedule. Useful question for planning visits; 'do you' is present simple for habits.
We close at 8 PM tonight.
Gives specific closing time. 'Tonight' specifies the day. Present simple 'close' for scheduled events. Helpful response in stores; teaches time-telling in context.
Got it. Thanks!
Casual way to acknowledge info and show gratitude. 'Got it' means understood. Short and polite ending to conversation. Use in everyday interactions to wrap up politely.
No problem! You're welcome to come in soon.
Friendly reply to thanks, inviting future action. 'No problem' equals 'you're welcome.' 'You're welcome to' means permission given. Useful for positive customer service; builds rapport.