Asking About Detergent
A customer realizes they don't have detergent and asks where to buy or obtain it within the laundromat.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
detergent
A liquid or powder used to clean clothes in a washing machine. In this dialogue, it's what you need to wash your laundry.
load
The amount of clothes you put into a washing machine for one cycle. It's a common term in laundromats to mean one batch of washing.
dispenser
A machine or device that automatically gives out small amounts of something, like soap or tickets. Here, it's on the wall for detergent.
quarters
American coins worth 25 cents each, often used in machines like vending or laundry dispensers. In the US, many public machines require them.
single-use
Meant for only one time or one wash; not reusable. It's practical for travelers or when you don't want to buy a big bottle.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm just about to start a load, but I completely forgot to bring detergent.
This is a polite way to start a conversation when asking for help. 'Just about to' means almost ready to do something, and 'completely forgot' emphasizes the mistake. Use it when you need assistance in a service place like a laundromat.
No problem! We have detergent available for purchase right here.
A friendly response to a customer's issue. 'No problem' is casual for 'don't worry,' and 'available for purchase' means you can buy it. It's useful for service workers to reassure customers and offer solutions.
How does it work? Do I need exact change?
These are questions to understand instructions. 'How does it work?' is general for asking about operation, and 'exact change' means the precise amount of money needed, like coins. Ask this when using unfamiliar machines to avoid mistakes.
It takes quarters or you can use your card.
'It takes' means the machine accepts something, like payment methods. 'Or' connects options. This sentence shows how to explain payment in simple terms, helpful for giving directions in everyday services.
Great! So it's single-use packets or a larger amount?
This clarifies details after getting info. 'So' introduces a follow-up question, and it's a yes/no question with options using 'or.' Use it to confirm understanding and get more specifics in conversations.
You're welcome! Let me know if you need anything else.
A standard polite closing. 'You're welcome' responds to thanks, and 'let me know' invites more questions. It's essential for customer service to end positively and offer further help.