What to say when someone asks you in English how to buy a train ticket
At a station's ticket machines, a traveler suddenly speaks to you in English. They seem unable to buy a ticket. 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 4
They
Excuse me. Could you help me? I don't know how to buy a ticket.
The first line changes a little with each person
- Emma Sumimasen! I'm trying to buy a ticket by myself, but I can't. Could you help me?
- Grace Hi there! This machine and I are not friends today. Could you help me buy a ticket?
- Leo Hey, excuse me. I have no plan today, just a train to catch. Can you help me buy a ticket?
- James I'm sorry to bother you. I've been here for ten minutes. Could you help me buy a ticket?
Example replies and how they sound
The train is very fast.
Off track This does not answer the question. They need help buying a ticket.
Of course. Where do you want to go?
Natural This sounds natural. Asking where they are going first makes it easier to help.
OK. Where?
Gets across This works, but it sounds a little blunt. The full question "Where do you want to go?" is more polite.
Exchange 2 of 4
They
I'm going to Ueno. How do I know the price?
Example replies and how they sound
The price is on the map above the machine.
Natural This sounds natural. "Above" tells them to look up.
Map. Up there.
Gets across This works if you point, but it is only single words. A full sentence is more polite.
Ueno is a nice place.
Off track This does not answer the question. They asked how to find the price.
Exchange 3 of 4
They
I see it. Do I need to change trains?
Example replies and how they sound
I don't know. Ask the staff.
Gets across This works, but it is a command and sounds a little cold. "Let's ask ..." shows you will help.
No, I don't have change.
Off track This does not answer the question. "Change trains" means to switch to another train, not coins.
I'm not sure, so let's ask the station staff.
Natural This sounds natural. When you do not know, saying so and offering a next step is kind.
Exchange 4 of 4
They
Good idea. Thank you for helping me!
Example replies and how they sound
It's okay.
Gets across This works, but "It's okay." can also mean "I'm fine." "You're welcome." is clearer.
You're welcome. Have a safe trip!
Natural This sounds natural. "Have a safe trip!" is a nice thing to say to someone who is traveling.
I'm fine, thank you.
Off track This is not a reply to thanks. "I'm fine, thank you." answers "How are you?"
The closing line
They
Thanks again. Goodbye!
Useful phrases for this scene
- Where do you want to go?
- The price is on the map above the machine.
- I'm not sure, so let's ask the station staff.
- Could you speak more slowly, 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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