ラジオ英会話
2026.5.25(月) Lesson 36 会話原則－配慮 相手の状況に配慮する
🔐Sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Cole just called.
✅Sorry to bother you, but could you take a quick look at this report?
✅I know you’re busy, but there’s something I should tell you.
✅I hope I’m catching you👂at a bad time, but I wanted to follow up on my last email.
✅Excuse me, but could I ask you a quick question?
Let's just double-check these numbers.
⚫️お忙しいところすみませんが、これはご覧になったほうがいいと思います。競合他社がたった今、新製品を発売しました。私たちの製品と非常によく似ています。
Sorry to bother you, but you should probably see this. Our competitor just launched a new product. It’s very similar to ours.
◾️
A Mr. Cole コールという人
mascot マスコット、幸運をもたらす物
plush toy 縫いぐるみ◆主に毛脚の短い起毛布地(plush)で作られ、柔らかく手触りの良いおもちゃ。
*plush
プラッシュ、フラシ天◆毛脚が短く密なビロード状の布地。/豪華なもの、ぜいたくなもの
a call オンライン
ニュースで学ぶ「現代英語」
2026.5.25(4.19) 中国のロボット マラソンで新記録 CHINESE ROBOT SETS NEW RECORD FOR HALF MARATHON 中国のロボットがハーフマラソンで、新記録を樹立
A Chinese-made humanoid robot has beaten the world record for the half marathon by around seven minutes. Organizers say more than 100 teams took part in Sunday’s event in Beijing, a five-fold increase from last year's inaugural race. The competition was held alongside a half marathon for human runners. Some robots overtook their human rivals, while others fell down and were carried away. The winning robot completed the half marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds. It was developed by smartphone maker Honor, based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. “The key point in developing the robot was using superb human athletes as a reference. We are thinking about using robots like these to sell smartphones in stores in the future.” China has positioned the development of humanoid robots as a growth-driving new industry.
◇I heard the winning robot ran the half marathon at an incredible 25 km/hour. No wonder it sets a new record. It was a little startling to see another robot crash into the bushes and be carried off on a stretcher like an injured human athlete.
優勝したロボットは、なんと時速25キロという驚異的なスピードでハーフマラソンを走ったそうです。新記録を樹立したのも納得です。別のロボットが茂みに突っ込み、怪我をした人間の選手のように担架で運ばれていくのを見て、少し驚きました。
■stretcher 《医》担架、ストレッチャー
👂
🔷around about
five-fold -
🔷last)year’s inaugural(race year's inorglo
🔷fell(down failed
🔷down)and were(carried and*or
🔷by smartphone maker Honor a smartphone maker owner
Shenzhen Shenjin
🔷point)in(developing dean
athletes athlets
as)a(reference ミス
we are we’re
positioned)the(development ミス
◾️
-fold【接尾】
～倍の、～重の、～部分のある［を持つ・から成る］◆「数 + fold」で形容詞を作る◆【参考】twofold ; threefold ; fourfold
～倍に、～重に◆「数 + fold」で副詞を作る
🔶Today's Takeaways ★「どのようなハーフマラソンなのか」を、theやaが教えてくれる
・the half marathon (category) *ハーフマラソン(というカテゴリー・種目)―この場合のtheは、特定の概念である
・a half marathon (race) *ある１つの―たくさんある中で「a」その中の一つ、不特定単数
・the half marathon
the (previously mentioned) half marathon (race) *前に触れた、特定の
◇
Learning English is like running a marathon. You don’t need to rush like the robot in our news story. Keep a steady pace that feels comfortable for you, and you'll reach your goal eventually.
ラジオビジネス英語
2026.5.25(月) L29 原材料の調達について聞かれる She is asked about the procurement of raw materials
With the quality issues finally settled, Nana is enjoying some lighthearted small talk in the meeting room with Somchai, the factory manager. Just thenすると, Somchai brings up another matter he’d like her advice on.
Listening Point
What are the issues with potential候補となる suppliers?
🅰Delivery times納期 are unpredictable.見通しが立たない
Somchai: Nana, we’ve solved the quality issue, but we’ve got another problem.
Nana: What kind of problem?
S: Raw-material procurement. Our main supplier suddenly raised prices, citing a “global shortage.”
N:That happens. It may be obvious当たり前のこと, but sometimes mixing組み合わせると suppliers helps balance cost, quality, and timing.
S:Like a recipe, right? Relying on one ingredient is risky. Variety creates resilience.
N: Yes, but you already checked other sources, I suppose?
S: Yes, we’re talking with a couple of potential suppliers, but delivery times are unpredictable. Customers won’t tolerate delays.
N: I see. I suspect Tokyo is facing the same problem. I’m not directly in charge, but shall I check in with the Tokyo team?
S: Please. If you introduce me to the right person, I’ll follow up directly.
👂
🔷are unpredictable aren't predictable
◾ Words and Phrases
Procurement 原材料や部品の）調達
Citing 引き合いに出して
Resilience 抵抗力、強さ
◇
"Resilience" is the quality of being able to bounce back or keep going in spite of setbacks or hardships.
Unpredictable 予想できない、予測できない
Tolerate 我慢する、容認する
🔐 Business Phrase of the Day
ShallI check in with the Tokyo team? 東京のチームに聞いてみましょうか？
❖Check in with~は、〜に連絡を取る、～に確認すると言う意味のフレーズ。check inには、ちょっと進捗や状況を確認してみる、軽くコンタクトを取って聞いてみる、といったニュアンスがある。
・Let’s check in with HR to make sure all the paperwork is ready. 人事部に連絡して、書類が全て準備できているか確認してみましょう。
□ Exercise
予算について財務チームに確認してもらえますか？
❌ Please check in with the finance team about the budget.
⭕️ Could you check in with the finance team about the budget?
● Alternative expressions
Get in touch with~ 〜とコンタクトを取る
Would it help if I got in touch with the Tokyo team?
Consult with~ 〜に相談する
How about I consult with the Tokyo team?
Upgrade your communication skills
ユーモアを盛り込む Incorporate humor
スピーチ(1)
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. I’m really excited to join this team. I may ask a lot of questions in the beginning, but please take it as enthusiasm熱意の表れ. I’ve heard this team👂works hard, but also enjoys a good laugh. I’ll do my best to contribute to both. I’ll try to earn my seat at the table仲間として認められる quickly.
⚫️歓迎に感謝し、喜びを表す
⚫️やる気を示す
◇
You could say I look forward to working with you.
◇
S: Hannah, the phrase 'earn my seat at the table,' That really paints a clear picture.
H: Oh yes. It means become a useful part of the team.
S: ハンナ、「テーブルの席を勝ち取る」という言葉、本当にイメージが鮮明に浮かびます。
H: ええ、そうです。チームにとって役立つ存在になる、という意味です。