Checking Movie Availability
A customer finds a movie they want but needs to confirm if it's currently available for rental or if all copies are checked out.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
excuse me
A polite phrase used to get someone's attention, especially in public places like a store. It's like saying 'sorry to bother you' to start a conversation.
available
Means something is ready to be used or taken, like a movie that can be rented right now. In stores, it checks if an item is in stock.
rent
To pay money to borrow something for a short time, such as a movie DVD from a video store. It's temporary, not buying it permanently.
check
To look at or verify information, like checking a computer system to see if a movie is available. It's a common action word in service situations.
sci-fi
Short for 'science fiction,' a movie genre about future technology, space, or imaginary worlds. Useful for describing types of films.
copy
One version or duplicate of something, like a single DVD of a movie. In stores, it means how many are in stock.
shelf
A flat surface in a store where items like movies are displayed for customers to see and pick up.
counter
The front desk in a store where you pay or return items. It's where transactions happen, like renting a movie.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I found this movie, "The Space Traveler." Is it available to rent?
This is a polite way to ask for help and inquire about availability. Use it when you need to check if something in a store can be rented. The question form 'Is it available?' uses simple present tense for current status.
Let me check for you.
A helpful response from staff offering to verify information. 'Let me' is a polite way to suggest doing something for someone else. Useful in service roles or when assisting others.
It's a sci-fi film.
This describes the movie's genre briefly. Use it to give more details about what you want. 'It's a' is a common pattern for identifying types of things.
One moment. Let me pull it up on the system.
Means 'wait a second' while checking a computer. 'Pull it up' is an idiom for retrieving information quickly. Good for tech-related checks in stores.
Okay, it looks like we have one copy left on the shelf. The other two are currently out.
This explains stock status using 'it looks like' for informal updates. 'Out' means rented or unavailable. Useful for giving availability info; note plural 'are' for 'the other two.'
Great! So it's definitely available then?
A positive confirmation question. 'So...then?' seeks agreement. Use after good news to double-check. 'Definitely' adds certainty.
Yep, you should be good to go. Just bring it up to the counter when you're ready.
Casual approval meaning 'you're all set.' 'Should be good to go' is an idiom for readiness. Instructs next steps politely with 'just' for simplicity.
Perfect, thank you so much!
Expresses strong thanks after positive help. 'Perfect' shows satisfaction. Common ending for interactions; 'so much' emphasizes gratitude.