What to say when someone asks you in English to take their picture
In a square at a sightseeing spot, a traveler suddenly speaks to you in English. They seem to want a photo taken. What will you do?
The labels "Natural", "Gets across" and "Off track" and the one-line reasons are also written by AI as a rough guide. They are not guaranteed to be correct.
The scenes, directions, shop layouts and dishes are made up for practice. They do not match real places.
Exchange 1 of 3
They
Excuse me. Could you take a picture of us?
The first line changes a little with each person
- Emma Sumimasen! I tried to take it by myself, but it didn't go well. Could you take a picture of us?
- Grace Hi there! What a view! Could you take a picture of us?
- Leo Hey, excuse me. We just found this place by chance. Can you take a picture of us?
- James Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you. We walked a long way to get here. Could you take a picture of us?
Example replies and how they sound
Sure, I'd be happy to.
Natural This sounds natural. "I'd be happy to." is a warm way to say yes to a request.
OK.
Gets across This works. "Sure." or "Of course." sounds friendlier.
No, thank you.
Off track This does not fit a request. "No, thank you." is for turning down something that is offered to you. To say no, you can say "Sorry, I can't."
Exchange 2 of 3
They
Thank you! Just press this button here.
Example replies and how they sound
No, I don't have a camera.
Off track This does not fit. They are showing you which button to press on their phone.
Got it. Are you ready?
Natural This sounds natural. "Got it." is a casual way to say "I understand."
OK. Three, two, one!
Natural This sounds natural. Counting down gives them time to get ready.
Exchange 3 of 3
They
Thank you! How does it look?
Example replies and how they sound
Good.
Gets across This works. It is only one word. The full sentence "It looks good." is more polite.
I look fine, thank you.
Off track This does not answer the question. In "How does it look?", "it" means the photo.
It looks great, but I can take one more if you like.
Natural This sounds natural. "If you like" lets you offer one more without pushing.
The closing line
They
That's perfect. Thank you so much!
Useful phrases for this scene
- Sure, I'd be happy to.
- Are you ready?
- I can take one more if you like.
- Sorry, one more time, please?
The lines were written by AI. They have not been checked by a native English speaker.
The scenes, directions, shop layouts and dishes are made up for practice. They do not match real places.
The notes, the name origins and the characters' personalities were also written by AI. The notes and name origins were compared with dictionaries by AI, but they have not been checked by a native English speaker or a specialist. Some names have more than one explanation of their origin. The people are fictional.
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