The moment

Li Na and George are neighbors in a Shanghai apartment building. Three short exchanges: in the elevator after a vacation, at the mailboxes, and on the stairs when George admits something. Every question uses "did" and a base verb; every answer uses the past simple. Listen, then take one side and answer about your own yesterday.

The conversation

Li NaGeorge
  1. Li Na
  2. George
  3. Li Na
  4. George
  5. George
  6. Li Na
  7. George
  8. Li Na
  9. George
  10. Li Na
  11. George
  12. Li Na

Words to know

a friendly question about a finished event

it continued until a late time

you slept very little

introduces a topic you need to explain or apologize for

sends good wishes through someone else

Check yourself

1Why does George say "About that party"?
2What does "Too good" mean in George's answer?
3How does Li Na feel at the end?

Practice · 3 min

Round one: repeat every line. Round two: mute Li Na and answer George's questions about your real yesterday. Round three: mute George and ask the "did" questions yourself. Check each question: "did" carries the past, so the next verb stays plain: did you swim, did you hear.

  1. Li NaMorning, George. Did you have a nice vacation?
  2. GeorgeVery nice. We went to the beach for three days.
  3. Li NaLucky you. Did you swim?
  4. GeorgeEvery day. The water was warm.
  5. GeorgeDid you hear the noise last night?
  6. Li NaYes. Somebody had a party upstairs.
  7. GeorgeIt went on until two.
  8. Li NaI didn't sleep much, honestly.
  9. GeorgeAbout that party. It was my son's birthday.
  10. Li NaOh. Well, did he have a good birthday?
  11. GeorgeToo good. I'm sorry about the noise.
  12. Li NaIt's fine. Tell him happy birthday from me.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.