Growing Up
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EN: The word 'Part' is used to divide a text or lesson into smaller sections. When followed by a letter like 'A', it labels a specific section.
Part B is about food.
EN: In English textbooks, sections are often labeled with letters (Part A, B, C) or numbers (Part 1, 2, 3) to organize the flow of learning.
EN: The phrase 'growing up' uses the '-ing' form of the verb 'grow' to describe the continuous process of becoming an adult.
Growing up is not always easy.
EN: In English, 'growing up' refers to the physical, emotional, and social development from a child to an adult.
EN: The phrasal verb 'run into' means to meet someone by chance, rather than planning to see them.
I ran into my teacher at the supermarket.
EN: In English, 'cousin' is used for both male and female relatives, and for both maternal and paternal sides, unlike the specific terms used in Chinese (e.g., 堂哥, 表妹).
EN: The phrase 'can't believe' is used to express strong surprise or shock about a situation.
I can't believe it's already Monday.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, expressing genuine surprise when meeting an old friend is a common way to show warmth and friendliness.
EN: The verb 'look' is a linking verb used to describe someone's appearance. It is followed by an adjective. Adding '-er' to an adjective makes it a 'comparative' form, used to show a change or difference.
史丹 looks happier today.
EN: In Western culture, telling someone they look 'older' can be a compliment when they are transitioning from childhood to adulthood (meaning they look more mature), but should be used carefully with adults.
EN: The phrase 'You're right' uses the contraction 'You're' (You + are) followed by an adjective to agree with someone's statement.
You're late for school.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, saying 'You're right' is a very common and polite way to acknowledge someone's point of view during a conversation.
EN: Use the past tense verb 'grew' (the past form of 'grow') to talk about physical changes or height increases that happened in the past, such as 'last year'.
He grew five centimeters over the summer.
EN: In many English-speaking countries, the metric system (centimeters) is used in scientific or medical contexts, but some regions (like the US) might use feet and inches for height in daily conversation. However, centimeters are universally understood.
EN: The verb 'seem' is a linking verb used to describe a person's appearance or state. It is followed by an adjective.
史丹 seems happy today.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, commenting on someone looking 'different' in a positive context (like growing up or losing weight) is a common way to acknowledge their progress or maturity.
EN: 'Yeah' is an informal way to say 'yes'. It is very common in spoken English to show agreement or to confirm a statement.
Yeah, I think so too.
EN: In casual American English, 'Yeah' is used much more frequently than 'Yes'. However, in formal situations (like a job interview), 'Yes' is preferred.
EN: Use 'not... anymore' to say that a situation has changed and is no longer true.
I don't live in Taipei anymore.
EN: 'Baby fat' refers to the natural plumpness of a child's face or body, which often disappears as they grow into teenagers or adults. In English, calling someone 'chubby' is slightly more polite than 'fat', but should still be used carefully.
EN: Use 'sound like' followed by a sentence to describe an impression based on what someone says.
You sound like you had a great time.
EN: In English, using 'You sound like...' is a common way to show empathy and active listening, reflecting the speaker's observation of the listener's emotions.
EN: A rhetorical question is used to emphasize a point where the answer is obvious. 'Who wouldn't be?' means 'Everyone would be (happy/pleased)'.
It's a beautiful day. Who wouldn't be happy?
EN: In English, rhetorical questions like this are very common to show agreement or to express that a feeling is natural and universal.
EN: Use 'not only A but also B' to connect two similar ideas or qualities. It emphasizes that both things are true.
She is not only smart but also kind.
EN: In English, 'feel good' can refer to both physical health and emotional happiness. In this context, Stan is expressing self-confidence after his physical changes.
EN: The word 'That' refers to a situation or something someone just said. 'Great' is an adjective used to describe that situation.
That is good.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, responding with 'That's great' is a very common and polite way to show support and enthusiasm when someone shares good news.
EN: Use the pattern 'be happy for someone' to express that you are glad about someone else's success or good news.
We are all happy for you.
EN: In Western culture, it is very common and polite to explicitly state that you are happy for someone's achievements or positive changes, like Stan's physical growth and confidence.
EN: Interjections are words used to express strong feelings or sudden emotions. 'Wow' is used to show surprise, wonder, or pleasure.
Wow, you look great today!
EN: In English-speaking cultures, 'Wow' is a very common and versatile reaction. It is often used to show genuine interest or admiration when someone shares news or shows a new look, as 法蘭 does here for 史丹.
EN: The pattern 'be used to' means being familiar with something through experience. It is followed by a noun or a verb ending in -ing.
I am used to the cold weather.
EN: In English, 'I'm not used to this' is often used when someone receives unexpected kindness or a compliment, reflecting a modest or surprised reaction.
EN: Use 'such a/an + noun' to emphasize the quality of someone or something, often expressing surprise or strong feeling.
He is such a good friend.
EN: In English, calling someone a 'gentleman' often implies they are being polite, helpful, or well-mannered, especially toward others. It is a common compliment for a young man who has matured.
EN: The phrase 'a part of' is used to show that something belongs to or is included in a larger process or group.
Making mistakes is a part of learning.
EN: The phrase 'growing up' refers to the process of becoming an adult, both physically and emotionally. In this context, it explains why Stan's behavior and appearance have changed.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
to meet someone by chance
to gradually become an adult
the fat on a child's body that disappears as they grow up
used to say that two related things are true
to be accustomed to something