How do you say 「元気そうですね」 in English? If your answer uses the word "fine", then you are making a common mistake.

When you started learning English, maybe you learned a basic conversation like this:

John: Hi. How are you?
Suzy: I'm fine. And you?

It might have been translated a little bit like this:

John:　おはようございます。お元気ですか？
Suzy:　元気です。ジョンさんはお元気ですか？

A lot of people think that 「元気」 is always "fine". This is only sometimes true. Remember that jumping to conclusions like that is a trap in learning languages.

Written English uses many abbreviations. Poligo has a list of formal abbreviations that are often used in business emails, notes and memos.

This list will help you understand casual English abbreviations. These are often used on the web or in SMS messages and emails between friends. The written examples are all casual English. This way of writing is very informal, and some people think it is very bad. Use these kinds of abbreviations very carefully. Don't use them in business emails or with people you don't know very well. You'll make a bad impression.

ポリゴパッズルを解決してみれば、英語ボキャブラリーのベースをもっと強くできます。ポリゴパズルは英語の一番役に立つ単語と熟語のみで作られているので、パズルを解くことで英語の重要な言葉と表現が覚えることができます。

I was watching a new episode of one of my favourite TV shows, Weeds. There was a funny scene that satirizes the American health system. So you can understand the scene, let me explain what is going on. The main character is in hospital (she got shot), and the family is waiting to see if she will be OK. A hospital administrator comes in to discuss their payment. Take a look at the scene. Read along with the script and see if you can catch everything she says: