The moment

Hana moved to Seattle from Osaka a few months ago. Her neighbor Daniel is having people over to watch football on Sunday and invites her. She loves the sport she calls football, and she's excited, until she realizes they aren't talking about the same game. Listen for the misunderstanding, how Hana turns down the sport politely, and how Daniel keeps the invitation alive.

The conversation

DanielHana
  1. Daniel
  2. Hana
  3. Daniel
  4. Hana
  5. Daniel
  6. Hana
  7. Daniel
  8. Hana
  9. Daniel
  10. Hana
  11. Daniel
  12. Hana
  13. Daniel

Words to know

"yes, I'll join you"

stop understanding what's happening

"I understand and accept your reason"

have it around you as a child

polite "no," meaning it's not a problem

Check yourself

1Why is Hana confused at first?
2How does Hana say no to watching the game politely?
3What does Daniel mean by "I'll even call it football, just for that game"?

Practice · 4 min

Round one: repeat each line after you hear it. Round two: mute Hana and practice the polite no, "It's not really my thing," followed by a yes to the rest of the invitation. Round three: mute Daniel. Then invite a friend out loud to watch any sport you like, and answer for them with "I'm in."

  1. DanielA few of us are watching football at my place on Sunday. Want to come?
  2. HanaI'd love to. I've been watching football since I was a kid. Who's playing?
  3. DanielSeattle against a team from the East Coast. Have you seen them play?
  4. HanaWait, the one with helmets? I thought you meant soccer.
  5. DanielOh, right. Sorry, here football is the one with the oval ball.
  6. HanaHonestly, it's not really my thing. I've tried watching, and I got lost.
  7. DanielThat's fair. It's a strange game if you didn't grow up with it.
  8. HanaIs it rude if I come for the food and ignore the game?
  9. DanielNot at all. Half the people there are only coming for the snacks.
  10. HanaThen I'm in. Can I bring something? I make pretty good dumplings.
  11. DanielDumplings would be amazing. And I can explain what a down is, if you want.
  12. HanaMaybe at halftime. And next month, you're coming to watch real football with me.
  13. DanielDeal. I'll even call it football, just for that game.

Say it today

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