ニュースで学ぶ「現代英語」 結婚のきっかけ マッチングアプリが最多
9月13日(金)
MORE JAPANESE USE DATING APPS TO FIND MARRIAGE PARTNER
A government survey shows that dating apps are now the most common way for young people in Japan to find a spouse. This has officials considering how to tap social networks as a way to encourage more people to get married. The Children and Families Agency last month polled 20,000 people aged from 15 to 39 about marriage. It was the first such survey by the agency. One of the questions for married people was how they met their spouse. Roughly a quarter said they found their partner through dating apps, which are known as matching apps in Japan. Just over 20 percent said they met their spouse through work and almost 10 percent at school. The government sees the survey results as a sign that social media is playing a bigger role in bringing young couples together. Promoting safe matchmaking through social media is just one of the measures officials plan to discuss. They also aim to expand support for marriage counseling conducted by the private sector and local governments.
（2024年8月27日のニュース）
- survey=> 調査の具体的な「質問項目」はquestionnaire<>「回答」はanswer
- spouseは「配偶者、結婚相手」
[spaʊs] - tapここでは「利用する、活用する」tap human resources
- Children and Families Agencyは「こども家庭庁」
- roughlyは「約、およそ」=about /フォーマル approximately
- a quarterは「４分の１」
three-fourths = three quarters 「４分の３」
=> a quarter to fiveは「４時４５分」 - just over …は「～を少し超える、～余り」
- matchmakingは「出会いの仲介」「結婚の仲介」
- measureは「対策、措置」で、よく複数形で使われます。
- marriage counselingは基本的には結婚している人たちが受けるカウンセリングのことですが、この文脈では、日本語で言う「結婚相談、結婚カウンセリング」
- local governmentは「地方政府、地方自治体」
<>municipalityこちらは多くの場合「市町村」
matchmaking「出会い（結婚）の仲介」
unique initiative「ユニークな戦略」
take「意見、解釈」
demographic challenges「人口における課題」
skeptical「懐疑的な」
downplay「軽視する、過小評価する」
政府によるＳＮＳを通じた出会いの支援の強化について、竹下さんとトムさんの会話です。
Takeshita: Speaking of dating apps, I want to talk about a unique initiative by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Tokyo is launching its own dating app. Some people think it might help boost the birth rate. What is your take on this approach?
Tom: Well, a local government coming out with a dating app isn't something you hear about every day. I'd say Tokyo's move reflects the urgency of Japan's demographic challenges.
Takeshita: It's true. The birth rate in Japan has been declining for years, and the app could be a gentle push for people to find a partner. But there are mixed reactions — some are skeptical about the government's involvement, while others feel safer using a government-backed app.
Tom: And some people are probably wondering if it's the best use of taxpayer money.
Takeshita: While the app could encourage some people to find partners, it's important to remember that the government has more pressing issues to address. For instance, young people's low wages are a significant reason they hesitate to marry and start families. Even the most innovative apps might not be able to achieve the desired impact unless something is done to tackle economic factors like wages.
Tom: But then again, I don't think we should downplay the impact the app could have. Apps and social media are here to stay as a way of setting people up with each other — there's no stopping them. There's also obviously a big market to tap, too. The Tokyo government's app will be one of many to choose from, and I'm hopeful that the competition among the various services will generate better, more effective options for people looking for connections.
Takeshita: The government needs to balance innovative initiatives like this app with substantial economic reforms. We'll have to wait and see how both sides develop.
-My pleasure.
I've been wondering if students in Japan feel free to quit their shcool club activity. At least when I was a high school student, quitting meant being punished by the coaches other teachers or peers. I believe students should be given a second chance or third chance even. I'd like to tell current high schoolers given up and start over, that's fine.
「～と～をくっつける」という英語表現について、
People “playing Cupid.” If you want to talk about someone connecting two people, especially for a romantic purpose, you can say “set up person A with person B.” For example, “My sister tried to set me up with her coworker.”
ｰｰｰ
ニュースで学ぶ「現代英語」 ロヒンギャとミャンマー軍の衝突続く
9月12日(木)
NEARLY 1 MIL. ROHINGYA STILL IN BANGLADESH 7 YEARS ON
Seven years have passed since Rohingya minority Muslims fled clashes in Myanmar between militants and government forces. Many of them are still in camps in Bangladesh. On August 25, 2017, Rohingya militants attacked police and military facilities in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine. In the resulting chaos, over 700,000 Rohingya crossed into neighboring Bangladesh. Fighting continues now in Myanmar between the military and ethnic minority armed forces, leaving many residents dead or displaced. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimated at the end of April that there were 980,000 Rohingya in Bangladesh, including those who fled Myanmar before the mass exodus. It's not clear if they will be able to return to Myanmar, and supporting their stay in camps is a humanitarian challenge.
（2024年8月25日のニュース）
- fled>flee「～から逃れる」
- exodus「大勢の人が出て行くこと、集団脱出（移動）、大量出国」
persecution「迫害」
stateless population「国籍がない人たち」
refugee「難民」
*Refugees are people who have fled their countries to escape conflict, violence or persecution and have sought safety in another country.
They are both okay. Some people say refugee, some people say refugee. There's really no correct answer I think. I think you'll hear a lot of both.
refugee
[ˈrɛfjuʤi]
displaced 「住むところを追われた」
*The word displaced is an adjective that means having been forced to leave your home.
place ... That's a good way to think about it.
massについて、
One phrase from today's story was “mass exodus.” Now, “exodus” is an interesting word, but I'd like to talk a little bit about the word “mass.”
Originally, “mass” apparently meant a “big block or lump of something” — think of something like bread dough before it's baked.
From there, the meaning expanded. People started using “mass” to mean a “large quantity or amount” and eventually the idea of a quantity in physics. Finally, it became an adjective with that same kind of basic idea: involving a large number of people or things or covering a large scale.
In addition to “mass exodus,” we have phrases like “mass unemployment,” “mass media,” and “mass production.”
ニュースで学ぶ「現代英語」“高校生平和大使” 長崎で帰国報告
9月11日(水)
JAPANESE STUDENTS BACK FROM ANTINUCLEAR MISSION TO UN
A group of high school students is back home after delivering an antinuclear message from Japan to the UN Office at Geneva. The group handed over about 96,000 signatures collected from across the country. The students are part of a government program called Youth Communicator for a World without Nuclear Weapons. Its aim is to convey the realities of atomic bombings to future generations. The 22 students who went to Switzerland held a briefing in the city of Nagasaki on Saturday. One student shared her thoughts about the latest mission.
“I learned it is very important to talk to people who have different opinions and get to know their backgrounds. We will continue thinking about how to convey the feelings and thoughts of atomic bomb survivors to others and build a lasting peace without nuclear weapons or conflict.”
（2024年8月25日のニュース）
- be back homeは「家に戻っている、帰国している（状態である）」
go back homeなら「家に帰る、帰国する」 - antinuclearは「反核（兵器）の、核兵器廃絶を求める」
- put one's signature to (on) …「～に署名する」
collect signaturesなら「署名を集める」
=> 「署名活動」signature drive（petition drive）やsignature campaign - Youth Communicator for a World without Nuclear Weapons「ユース非核特使」
- good communicator「自己表現がうまい人」
poor communicator「自己表現がへたな人」 - atomic bombは「原子爆弾、原爆」
atomic bombing「原爆投下、原爆攻撃」 - held a briefing
briefingは「（簡潔な）状況説明（会）、ブリーフィング」
press briefingなら「報道機関への説明（会）」 - share one's thoughts (with …)「自分の考えや思いを（～と）共有する、（～に）伝える」
deliverとconveyについて、
I'd just like to explain the difference between “deliver” and another word that came up today — “convey.”
First, “deliver” can be used for pretty much anything, especially concrete things, and it focuses more on the end destination — the side that receives the delivery.
On the other hand, we almost always use “convey” for abstract things like messages, feelings, or thoughts. “Convey” also focuses more on the process of communicating those things, not so much the receiving end.
Right, right.. deliver is more about the thing you're givining to the other side and what they get, but convey is more about how you do it.
核兵器廃絶を訴える若者の活動について、
Takeshita: It's truly inspiring to see the energy and commitment that young people are bringing to this cause. Tom, what do you think motivates the younger generation to do that?
Tom: Well, I think young people these days are just so much more conscious of the future. From the environment to international relations, I get the feeling that they're really invested in a better tomorrow, and I'm happy the future is in their hands.
Takeshita: I agree with you, Tom. But let me play the devil's advocate for a moment.
play the devil's advocate
わざと反対の立場をとる
You heard that. When you play the devil's advocate, it means intentionally express a position you don't necessarily agree with. So you do it on purpose. The point is to encourage a deeper more interesting discussion.
So, go ahead and be the devil's advocate,
We can't just rely on young people to solve the nuclear issue. This global issue requires immediate action, especially from those in power.
It's not just about making promises at global summits, either; it's about implementing policies.
Tom: You're right. Young people can raise awareness and push for change, but we need adults — leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders —to listen up and take action.
Takeshita: It's important to remember that while the youth bring energy and fresh perspectives, the weight of the world's future must be shared by everyone — young and old alike, including our listeners.
deliver a speech「スピーチをする」
dialogue「対話」
devil's advocate「悪魔の代弁者（あえて反対の意見を出すなどして議論の熱を高める人）」
play the devil's advocate「悪魔の代弁者を演じる（あえて反対意見を述べる）」
be conscious「意識している、気にしている」
ニュースで学ぶ「現代英語」 大谷翔平 史上最速で“40-40”
9月10日(火)
This baseball superstar hasn't just stolen our hearts. He's also stealing bases and amazing everyone with his incredible numbers.
OHTANI JOINS MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL '40-40 CLUB'
Japanese Major League Baseball superstar Ohtani Shohei has hit his 40th home run and stolen his 40th base this season. He achieved the record with a dramatic walk-off grand slam. Ohtani's Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. He headed into the game with 39 home runs and stolen bases to his name this season. In the fourth inning, Ohtani stole second, making him only the second Japanese player to steal 40 bases in a single season after Suzuki Ichiro in 2011. The game was even in the bottom of the ninth. Ohtani came to bat with the bases loaded and two outs for the Dodgers. And that was his 40th homer this season. The Dodgers won 7-3. Ohtani is only the sixth player to join the so-called 40-40 club in Major League Baseball history. But he did it in just 126 games, faster than anybody else.
（2024年8月24日のニュース）
- steal a base「盗塁する」
- walk-off grand slam「サヨナラ満塁ホームラン」
- grand slam「満塁ホームラン」
テニスのgrand slamは、４大大会の全てで優勝
スポーツ一般におけるgrand slamは「全種目優勝」 - to one's name「（人の）所有物として」
with … to his name「～を彼のものとして」その記録を持って試合に臨んだ - bottom「（イニングの）裏」> in the bottom of the ninthは「９回裏に」
- Ohtani came to bat with the bases loaded and two outs for the Dodgers.
come to bat「打席に立つ、入る」
with the bases loadedは「塁がいっぱいになった状態で」=>（満塁）状態 - loaded「（食べ物を）山のように盛った」>The pizza was loaded with toppings.
- homer=home run
It's extraordinary how he is breaking more and more records. I think that he wants to be the greatest player to ever play baseball. He really is amazing.
The baseball superstar has hit his 40th home run and stolen his 40th base this season.
The baseball superstar
has hit his 40th home run
and stolen his 40th base this season.
Oh my, you must have been in a pinch at first.
★英語力のホームラン
「トップバッターは、フライを打ち上げてアウトになった。」
→The leadoff batter popped out. 「次のバッターは、ゴロを打った。」
→The next batter hit a grounder.
That's true for me, too. It's easier to visualize the whole phrase than is is to memorize each word.
walk-off grand slam
sayonara grand slam
walk-off homer
sayonara homer
That's right. I did. I went to Dodgers Stadium in August to see a Pirates versus Dodgers game. Seeing Otani bat in real life was incredible. He has a big presence on the field and is so powerful when batting. It was a great experience.
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ニュースで学ぶ「現代英語」 ハリス氏 指名受諾演説
9月9日(月)
Today's news features Kamala Harris's live speech.
Let's test your listening ability and see how much you understand.
The contents of the speech may prove useful for studying English.
HARRIS ACCEPTANCE SPEECH ROUSES SUPPORTERS
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has delivered her acceptance speech as the Democratic Party's candidate in the November presidential election.
(Kamala Harris / Democratic presidential nominee) “I promise to be a president for all Americans. You can always trust me to put country above party and self, to hold sacred America's fundamental principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections to the peaceful transfer of power.”
Harris said the election will be a precious opportunity to chart “a new way forward.” She said she will fight for America's future and vowed to protect freedom. She added that a defining goal of her presidency will be to build a strong middle class. Her speech showcased her aim to unite the party and appeal to a wide range of voters, especially swing voters.
（2024年8月23日のニュース）
trust -> believe?
When used in the way Harris has, they can be a bit similar. To trust someone is to have confidence in them to do or say what is right. Well, to believe someone is to think that person is telling the truth.
- rouse 目覚めさせる, 奮起させる
- acceptance speechは「受諾演説、受賞スピーチ」
アメリカ大統領選挙（presidential election）に向けた全国党大会で、党の大統領候補への指名を受諾する演説 - Democratic Partyは「（アメリカの）民主党」「共和党」はRepublican Party
- trust A to …と言えば「Ａなら～してくれると信じて任せる」
- put A above B「ＡをＢより優先させる、重視する」
- hold A sacredは「Ａを神聖なものとして捉える」
hold sacred A - rule of law「法の支配」
- chartは「図を描く」や「海図に（水路などを）記す」＝＞「計画を立てる、（進路を）決める」
- a way forwardは「前に進む道筋」
- definingは「決定的な、特徴づける」
- 動詞showcase＝display「（ショーケースに）陳列する、展示する」－＞
「目立つように見せる、披露する、明確に示す、（自信を持って）紹介する」 - swing voterは「浮動票投票者、無党派の投票者」
swing state ＝ 「激戦州」
You can always trust me to put country above party and self, to hold sacred America's fundamental principles.
to put country above party and self,
to hold sacred America's fundamental principles.
[ˈseɪkrɪd]
[ˈseɪkrəd]
ｰｰｰ
★英語の名詞は本来は抽象的
You can always trust me to put country above party and self, to hold sacred America's fundamental principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections to the peaceful transfer of power.
名詞の多くを冠詞などを付けずにそれだけで使うことによって、抽象的なトーンを強く打ち出しています。
<>You can always trust me to put our country above our party and myself.
I will always put America first.
英語では、冠詞のa（不特定単数）やthe（特定）、ourなどの表現や、複数形のsなどを名詞に付けたり付けなかったり、あるいは組み合わせたりすることで、名詞の意味合いをどんどん変化させていく
Hey everyone, I'd like to know more about how you are using this program. Please tell us more about how you use it to study English. We're eagerly awaiting your messages.
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OHTANI JOINS MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL '40-40 CLUB'
Japanese Major League Baseball superstar Ohtani Shohei has hit his 40th home run and stolen his 40th base this season. He achieved the record with a dramatic walk-off grand slam. Ohtani's Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. He headed into the game with 39 home runs and stolen bases to his name this season. In the fourth inning, Ohtani stole second, making him only the second Japanese player to steal 40 bases in a single season after Suzuki Ichiro in 2011. The game was even in the bottom of the ninth. Ohtani came to bat with the bases loaded and two outs for the Dodgers. And that was his 40th homer this season. The Dodgers won 7-3. Ohtani is only the sixth player to join the so-called 40-40 club in Major League Baseball history. But he did it in just 126 games, faster than anybody else.
（2024年8月24日のニュース）
JAPANESE STUDENTS BACK FROM ANTINUCLEAR MISSION TO UN
A group of high school students is back home after delivering an antinuclear message from Japan to the UN Office at Geneva. The group handed over about 96,000 signatures collected from across the country. The students are part of a government program called Youth Communicator for a World without Nuclear Weapons. Its aim is to convey the realities of atomic bombings to future generations. The 22 students who went to Switzerland held a briefing in the city of Nagasaki on Saturday. One student shared her thoughts about the latest mission.
“I learned it is very important to talk to people who have different opinions and get to know their backgrounds. We will continue thinking about how to convey the feelings and thoughts of atomic bomb survivors to others and build a lasting peace without nuclear weapons or conflict.”
（2024年8月25日のニュース）
NEARLY 1 MIL. ROHINGYA STILL IN BANGLADESH 7 YEARS ON
Seven years have passed since Rohingya minority Muslims fled clashes in Myanmar between militants and government forces. Many of them are still in camps in Bangladesh. On August 25, 2017, Rohingya militants attacked police and military facilities in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine. In the resulting chaos, over 700,000 Rohingya crossed into neighboring Bangladesh. Fighting continues now in Myanmar between the military and ethnic minority armed forces, leaving many residents dead or displaced. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimated at the end of April that there were 980,000 Rohingya in Bangladesh, including those who fled Myanmar before the mass exodus. It's not clear if they will be able to return to Myanmar, and supporting their stay in camps is a humanitarian challenge.
（2024年8月25日のニュース）
MORE JAPANESE USE DATING APPS TO FIND MARRIAGE PARTNER
A government survey shows that dating apps are now the most common way for young people in Japan to find a spouse. This has officials considering how to tap social networks as a way to encourage more people to get married. The Children and Families Agency last month polled 20,000 people aged from 15 to 39 about marriage. It was the first such survey by the agency. One of the questions for married people was how they met their spouse. Roughly a quarter said they found their partner through dating apps, which are known as matching apps in Japan. Just over 20 percent said they met their spouse through work and almost 10 percent at school. The government sees the survey results as a sign that social media is playing a bigger role in bringing young couples together. Promoting safe matchmaking through social media is just one of the measures officials plan to discuss. They also aim to expand support for marriage counseling conducted by the private sector and local governments.
（2024年8月27日のニュース）
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