Checking Machine Availability
A customer enters the laundromat and asks an attendant (or another customer) if there are any washing machines or dryers available.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
available
Means something is free to use or ready right now. In this dialogue, it's used to ask if machines are open for use, like 'Are there any washing machines available?'
washing machine
A machine used to clean clothes with water and soap. Common in laundromats; say 'washing machines' when asking about ones that wash clothes.
dryer
A machine that dries wet clothes using hot air. Often used after washing; in the dialogue, it's asked if any are 'open' meaning available.
detergent
A soap or powder used to clean clothes in a washing machine. In laundromats, you can buy it or bring your own; pronounced 'dih-TUR-jent'.
vending machine
An automatic machine that sells small items like snacks or detergent for coins or bills. Useful in places like laundromats when you need something quickly.
counter
A flat surface in a shop or service place where you pay or get items. Here, it refers to the front desk where detergent packets are sold.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, are there any washing machines available right now?
This is a polite way to start asking for information. Use 'Excuse me' to get attention, and 'right now' to specify the current time. It's useful for checking availability in public places like stores or services.
Let me check. Yes, it looks like there are two large machines free on the far wall.
This shows how to respond helpfully by first checking, then giving details. 'It looks like' is a casual way to describe what you see; 'free' means available here. Good for service situations.
Great, thanks! And what about dryers? Are any of those open?
A follow-up question after getting good news. 'What about' connects to the previous topic; 'open' is like 'available' for machines. Use this to ask about related items smoothly.
Hmm, actually, the dryers are pretty busy at the moment.
This explains a problem politely. 'Hmm' shows thinking; 'actually' corrects or adds info; 'pretty busy' means very occupied, and 'at the moment' means now. Useful for giving updates on wait times.
Do you also sell detergent here, or should I buy some from the vending machine?
This asks for options using 'or' to give choices. 'Also' means in addition; it's a yes/no question with alternatives. Perfect for inquiring about products in a store or service.
We have single-use detergent packets available at the counter, or you can use the vending machine.
This offers choices clearly. 'Single-use' means for one load; 'packets' are small packs. It mirrors the question's structure. Use this to help customers decide in service roles.
No problem! Let me know if you need anything else.
A friendly way to end a conversation. 'No problem' means you're welcome; 'let me know' invites more questions. Common in customer service to show ongoing help.