Asking to Take a Group Photo with Strangers
A tourist or group wants to capture a memory at a specific location and asks other strangers (e.g., another tourist group) if they can join them for a quick group photo or if they would mind posing together.
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 or interrupt them gently, often used before making a request.
mind
In phrases like 'I hope you don't mind,' it means to object or feel bothered by something; useful for polite requests.
wondering
Means thinking about or considering something curiously; often used in indirect questions to ask politely.
possibly
Used to suggest something might be done, adding politeness to requests like 'if we could possibly...'; softens the ask.
capture
To record or preserve a moment, especially in photos; common in tourism for 'capturing memories.'
spare
To give a small amount of time or resources; like 'spare a minute' means to use just a little time for something.
gather around
Means to come together in a group, often casually; useful for directing people for photos or activities.
lifesavers
Informal term for someone who helps greatly in a difficult situation; shows strong appreciation.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I hope you don't mind me asking.
This is a polite opener for requests; 'don't mind me asking' softens the question to avoid seeming rude. Use it before asking favors from strangers.
We were wondering if we could possibly get a quick group photo with you all?
An indirect way to ask permission using 'wondering if' and 'possibly' for politeness; the question structure with 'could' makes it tentative. Great for tourist situations.
We're trying to capture the moment here.
Explains the reason for the request; 'capture the moment' is an idiom for preserving a special time. Use to justify why you want a photo.
Oh, sure, no problem at all!
A casual, positive response to agree; 'no problem at all' emphasizes it's easy to help. Use this to accept requests enthusiastically.
We can definitely spare a minute for a photo.
'Definitely' adds certainty, and 'spare a minute' means to take a short time. This shows willingness; useful when agreeing to quick favors.
Just gather around us, no need for perfect positioning.
Directs people casually; 'gather around' means come close, and 'no need for' expresses it's not necessary. Use for informal group instructions.
Smile everyone! Okay, got it!
Commands for photos; 'got it' means successfully taken. Simple imperative sentences; common in photography to coordinate groups.
Thank YOU! You're lifesavers.
Emphasizes gratitude with 'YOU' for stress; 'lifesavers' is idiomatic thanks. Use after receiving big help to show appreciation strongly.