Interactive transcript · 260 lines
Hello, everyone.
你好，大家。
Welcome back to TalkCast Speaking, your favorite spot for leveling up your English.
欢迎回到 TalkCast Speaking，这是你最喜欢的英语提升之地。
I'm your host, Sarah.
我是你的主持人，莎拉。
Today, we are diving into a topic that almost everyone deals with, especially if you love shopping.
今天，我们要深入探讨一个几乎每个人都会遇到的主题，特别是如果你喜欢购物的话。
Yes, we are talking about returning items and getting refunds.
是的，我们今天谈论的是退货和获取退款。
Whether you bought a shirt that is too tight or a toaster that doesn't toast, we've got you covered.
无论你是买了一件太紧的衬衫，还是买了一个不能烤面包的烤面包机，我们都能帮你解决。
Oh, thank goodness, Sarah.
哦，谢天谢地，莎拉。
Hi, everyone.
嗨，大家好。
I'm Brian, and I am so excited for today's episode.
我是布莱恩，我对今天的这集节目感到非常兴奋。
To be honest, this topic is my biggest nightmare.
老实说，这个话题是我最大的噩梦。
I have a pile of clothes and gadgets sitting in my closet right now that I need to return, but I'm
我现在衣柜里堆了一堆需要退掉的衣服和小工具，但我
just too scared to go to the store and explain why.
只是太害怕去商店解释原因了。
Don't worry, Brian.
别担心，布莱恩。
You are definitely not alone.
你绝对不是一个人。
Many language learners feel anxious about returning things because they think the store clerk will
许多语言学习者对退货感到焦虑，因为他们认为店员会
interrogate them.
审问他们。
But here is a little cultural secret.
但这里有一个小小的文化秘密。
In Western countries, especially the U .S.
在 西方国家，特别是美国
and U .K., the return policy is usually very friendly, and clerks rarely ask tough questions.
和英国，退货政策通常非常友好，店员很少会问棘手的问题。
It is a completely normal part of shopping. Really?
这完全是购物中很正常的一部分。真的吗？
That makes me feel a bit better.
那让我感觉好一些了。
But still, I struggle with finding the right words.
但即便如此，我仍在为寻找合适的措辞而挣扎。
Last week, I tried to return a jacket, and I told the clerk, I want to give back this.
上周，我试着退一件夹克，我对店员说，我想把这个 give back。
She looked so confused.
她看起来非常困惑。
What did I do wrong?
我做错了什么？
Ah, that is a classic mistake.
啊，那是一个经典的错误。
Let's look at that.
让我们来看看那个问题。
You said give back.
你说了 give back。
In English, give back usually means returning a favor or returning something you borrowed from a friend.
在英语中，give back 通常意味着报答恩情或归还从朋友那里借来的东西。
When you return a purchased item to a shop, the correct verb is simply return, or the phrasal verb
当你向商店退还购买的商品时，正确的动词就是 return，或者是短语动词
take back.
退回去。
So you should say, I'd like to return this, or I want to take this back.
所以你应该说，我想退这个，或者我想把这个拿回来。
Let's try saying that together, Brian.
布莱恩，让我们一起试着说一遍。
Ah, I see.
啊，我明白了。
I'd like to return this, or I want to take this back.
我想退这个，或者我想把这个拿回来。
That sounds much more natural.
那听起来自然多了。
Let me write that down.
让我把那个写下来。
Take back instead of give back. Exactly.
用 take back 代替 give back。完全正确。
You've got it.
你掌握了。
Now, let's build some foundation.
现在，让我们打好一些基础。
Before we even talk about the reasons for returning, there are a few key nouns you absolutely need
在我们探讨退货的原因之前，有一些关键名词是你绝对需要
to know at the customer service desk.
在顾客服务台了解的。
First is refund, which means getting your money back.
首先是退款，意思是拿回你的钱。
Second is exchange, which means trading the item for another one.
其次是换货，意思是把商品换成另一个。
And third, the most important paper in your pocket, receipt.
第三，你口袋里最重要的凭证，收据。
Oh, I know receipt.
哦，我知道收据。
But wait, is the P silent?
但是等等，字母 P 是不发音的吗？
I always hear people say receipt instead of receipt.
我总是听到人们把 receipt 念成不发 P 音的样子。
Spot on, Brian.
完全正确，布莱恩。
Yes, the P in receipt is completely silent.
是的，receipt 中的 P 是完全不发音的。
It is pronounced receipt.
它的发音是收据。
Excellent observation.
非常出色的观察。
If you want to ask for your money back, you can say, can I get a refund?
如果你想要回钱，你可以说，能给我退款吗？
Or if you want a different color or size, you can say, I'd like to exchange this for a different size.
或者如果你想换个颜色或尺码，你可以说，我想调换成不同的尺码。
Got it.
明白了。
Can I get a refund?
能给我退款吗？
And I'd like to exchange this.
另外我想调换这个。
What if I bought it as a gift for someone else?
如果我是买来送给别人的礼物呢？
I heard there's a special receipt for that.
我听说那种情况有特殊的小票。
Yes, that is called a gift receipt.
是的，那叫做礼品小票。
A gift receipt doesn't show the price, but it allows the person who received the gift to exchange it
礼品小票不显示价格，但它允许收到礼物的人去调换
or get store credit.
或者获取商店购物金。
It's super useful during the holidays.
这在节日期间超级有用。
Oh, store credit.
哦，商店购物金。
What does that mean exactly?
那到底是什么意思？
Store credit means instead of getting cash back to your card, the store gives you a voucher or
商店购物金意味着，商店不会把现金退回你的卡里，而是给你一张代金券或
credit that you can only spend in their store.
只能在他们店里花的额度。
It's like a digital gift card.
就像是一张电子礼品卡。
Ah, okay.
啊，好的。
So if I don't have the original receipt, they might only give me store credit instead of a full refund.
所以如果我没有原始收据，他们可能只会给我商店购物金，而不是全额退款。
That makes sense. Precisely.
有道理。确实如此。
You're learning fast, Brian.
你学得很快，布莱恩。
Now let's move on to the core of today's lesson, the reasons for returning an item.
现在让我们转到今天课程的核心，即退货的原因。
Let's start with clothing.
我们从服装开始吧。
Imagine you bought a sweater online, but when it arrived, it didn't look right on you.
设想你在网上买了一件毛衣，但到货时，穿在你身上看起来不太对劲。
What is the most common issue with clothes?
衣服最常见的问题是什么？
Well, usually it's the size, like it's too big or too small.
嗯，通常是尺码问题，比如太大或太小。
How do I say that politely?
我怎么才能礼貌地表达呢？
I once said, the shirt is very fat on me.
我曾经说过，这件衬衫穿在我身上很胖。
The clerk laughed.
店员笑了。
That's a funny mental image.
那真是个有趣的脑海中的画面。
Yes, we never describe clothes as fat or skinny.
是的，我们从不把衣服描述为 fat 或 skinny。
If a piece of clothing is too large, we say it's too big, it's too loose, or it's baggy.
如果一件衣服太大，我们会说它太大、太松，或是太松垮。
If it is too small, we say it's too tight, or it's too small.
如果太小，我们会说它太紧，或者太小。
But the absolute best and most common phrase to use is, it doesn't fit.
但绝对最好也最常用的表达是，it doesn't fit。
Simple, elegant, and directly to the point.
简单、得体，而且直切要害。
Ah, it doesn't fit.
啊，它不合身。
Wow, that is so much easier than trying to explain how fat the shirt is.
哇，这比试图解释这件衬衫有多胖要容易多了。
So if I go to the counter, I can say, I'd like to return this sweater because it doesn't fit. Perfect.
所以如果我走到柜台，我可以说，我想退掉这件毛衣，因为它不合身。完美。
That is 100 % correct.
那百分之百正确。
Now, let's pronunciation practice for a second.
现在，让我们做一下发音练习。
When we say, I'd like to, native speakers often blend it together.
当我们说 I'd like to 时，母语者经常会把它连读在一起。
It sounds like, I'd like to, and return this blends too.
它听起来像 I'd like to，而且 return this 也会连读。
So the N in return connects directly to this.
所以 return 中的 N 会直接连接到 this。
Try saying, I'd like to, return this.
尝试说，I'd like to, return this。
Let me try.
让我试试。
I'd like to return this.
我想退这个。
Wow, that flows much better.
哇，那样说流畅多了。
I'd like to return this sweater because it doesn't fit. Beautiful.
我想退掉这件毛衣，因为它不合身。太棒了。
You sound like a native speaker already.
你听起来已经像个母语者了。
Now, what if the size is correct, but there is actually something wrong with the product?
那么，如果尺寸是正确的，但产品实际上有故障怎么办？
For example, you bought a coffee machine.
例如，你买了一台咖啡机。
You took it home, plugged it in, and nothing happened.
你把它带回家，插上电源，结果什么反应也没有。
It's broken.
它坏了。
How would you explain that? Hmm.
你会怎么解释这种情况呢？嗯……
I think I would say, this machine is dead.
我想我会说，这台机器报废了。
It doesn't make coffee.
它做不了咖啡。
Well, dead is okay for a battery, like my phone is dead.
好吧，dead 用来形容电池没电是可以的，比如我的手机没电了。
But for a machine, we have better words.
但是对于机器，我们有更好的词。
We can say, it's defective, or it's faulty.
我们可以说，它是有缺陷的，或者是有故障的。
If it simply won't start, you can say, it doesn't work, or it won't turn on.
如果它根本无法启动，你可以说它无法工作，或者打不开。
Let's look at three useful words here.
我们来看看这里三个有用的词。
Defective, damaged, and scratched. Oh.
有缺陷的、受损的和有划痕的。哦。
Defective means it has a manufacturing problem, right?
Defective 的意思是它有制造上的问题，对吗？
Like it was made wrong? Exactly.
就像做错了一样？完全正确。
If a brand new electronic device doesn't turn on, it is defective.
如果一个全新的电子设备打不开，它就是有缺陷的。
Now, what about damaged?
那么，damaged（受损的）呢？
Maybe damaged is when something happened to it during shipping?
也许 damaged 是指在运输过程中出了问题？
Like if a plate has a crack in it.
比如盘子上有一道裂缝。
Yes, exactly.
是的，完全没错。
If you bought a mug and it has a chip or a crack, it is damaged.
如果你买了一个马克杯，上面有缺口或裂纹，那就是损坏了。
You can say, it arrived damaged.
你可以说，它送到时就已经损坏了。
Or, if you bought a table and there's a line on the surface, you can say, it's scratched, or it has
或者，如果你买了一张桌子，表面有 一条痕迹，你可以说它被划伤了，或者它有
a scratch on it.
一道划痕在上面。
These are very specific and helpful words. Okay.
这些是非常具体且有用的词。好的。
Let me try to use defective in a sentence.
让我试着在句子里用一下 defective。
I'm returning this blender because it's defective.
我要退掉这个搅拌机，因为它是坏的。
It won't turn on.
它无法启动。
Is that correct?
这样说是正确的吗？
That is absolutely perfect, Brian.
那简直绝对完美，布莱恩。
You nailed it. See?
你掌握得太到位了。看吧？
It's not as scary as you thought.
这没有你想象的那么可怕。
Now, let's talk about another common reason for returns.
现在，让我们聊聊另一个常见的退货原因。
Sometimes there is nothing wrong with the item, and the size is perfect.
有时候商品本身没有任何问题，尺寸也完美。
You just don't want it anymore.
你只是不再想要它了。
Maybe you bought it on impulse, or you realized you don't need it.
也许你是凭冲动购买的，或者你意识到自己不需要它。
Do you know how to say that?
你知道该怎么表达吗？
Oh, I know this one.
哦，这个我知道。
Can I say, I regret buying this?
我可以说“我后悔买这个了”吗？
Well, that is very honest.
嗯，那确实非常坦率。
It's a bit too dramatic for a retail store.
对于零售店来说，这有点太戏剧性了。
Regret sounds like a deep life choice.
“Regret”（后悔）听起来像是一个深刻的人生选择。
In a store, we have a very common standard idiom for this.
在商店里，我们对此有一个非常常用的标准习惯用语。
I changed my mind.
我改变主意了。
It's simple, polite, and completely acceptable.
它简单、礼貌，而且完全令人接受。
Ah, I changed my mind. Really?
啊，我改变主意了。真的吗？
Is that polite enough?
那样够礼貌吗？
Don't I have to give a more serious reason?
难道我不需要给出一个更正当的理由吗？
Not at all.
完全不需要。
In places like the United States, many stores have a no -questions -asked return policy within 30 days.
在像美国这样的地方，许多商店在30天内都有无条件退货政策。
Saying, I changed my mind, or I realized I don't need it, is completely fine.
说“我改变主意了”，或者“我意识到自己不需要它了”，都是完全可以的。
In fact, on online return forms, you will often see a checkbox that says, changed mind, or no longer needed.
事实上，在网 上退货单上，你经常会看到一个复选框，上面写着“改变主意”或“不再需要”。
Wow, that is amazing.
哇，那真是太棒了。
So I can literally just say, I'd like to return this jacket, I just changed my mind?
所以我真的可以直接说“我想退掉这件夹克，我只是改变主意了”？
Yes, exactly.
是的，一点也没错。
It is that simple.
就是这么简单。
Now, let's talk about some polite communication strategies.
现在，让我们谈谈一些礼貌沟通的策略。
When you go to the customer service counter, how do you start the conversation?
当你走到客服柜台时，你该如何开始对话？
It's always good to be polite, because customer service workers have a tough job. Right.
保持礼貌总是好的，因为客服人员的工作很辛苦。对的。
I should probably start with a friendly greeting like, hi, how are you?
我大概应该先进行友好的问候，比如“嗨，你好吗？”
And then state my purpose. Perfect.
然后再说明我的目的。完美。
A great opening line is, hi, how's it going?
一句很好的开场白是：“嗨，最近怎么样？”
I'd like to make a return, please.
我想办理退货，谢谢。
The phrase, make a return, is very professional and natural.
“make a return”这个短语非常专业且自然。
Let's try that, Brian. Okay.
让我们试试那个，布莱恩。好的。
Hi, how's it going?
嗨，近来怎么样？
I'd like to make a return, please. Brilliant.
我想办理退货，谢谢。太棒了。
Then the clerk will usually ask, sure, do you have your receipt?
然后店员通常会问：“当然可以，你有收据吗？”
If you do, you say, yes, here it is.
如果你有，你可以说：“是的，在这儿。”
If they ask, is there anything wrong with it?
如果他们问：“这有什么问题吗？”
You can then give your reason using the phrases we just learned.
然后你就可以用我们刚刚学过的短语来说明你的原因。
What if they ask, was it used?
如果他们问：“使用过了吗？”怎么办？
Good question.
好问题。
If it hasn't been used, you can say, no, it's brand new and unopened.
如果还没用过，你可以说：“没有，它是全新的而且未拆封。”
If you did open it, but just tried it on or tested it once, you can say, I only opened it to try it
如果你确实拆开了，但只是试穿或测试了一次，你可以说：“我拆开只是为了试”
on, but it's in original condition.
“一下，但它还保持着原样。”
Most stores require items to be in original condition with the tags still attached if you want a
如果你想要获得全额退款，大多数商店要求商品保持原样且标签仍然附着在上面
full refund.
全额退款。
Ah, tags still attached.
啊，标签仍然附在上面。
Yes, those little paper price tags.
是的，就是那些纸质小价格标签。
That's a good tip.
那真是个好建议。
I should always keep the tags on until I'm sure I want to keep the item. Absolutely.
在确定要留下商品之前，我应该一直保留标签。当然。
It makes the return process 10 times smoother.
这会让退货流程顺畅十倍。
Now let's do a quick role play to put everything we've learned into practice.
现在让我们做一个快速的角色扮演，把学到的所有东西付诸实践。
I will be the store clerk and you will be the customer returning, let's say, a pair of shoes that
我来扮演店员，你扮演要退货的顾客，比方说，退一双
are too tight and an electric kettle that is defective.
太紧的鞋子和一个有缺陷的电水壶。
Are you ready?
你准备好了吗？
Oh, a double return. Okay.
噢，两样东西一起退啊。好的。
I'm a bit nervous, but let's do it.
我有一点紧张，不过开始吧。
I'm ready.
我准备好了。
Hi there.
嗨，你好。
Welcome to Target.
欢迎光临塔吉特。
How can I help you today?
今天有什么可以帮您的？
Hi, how's it going?
嗨，最近怎么样？
I'd like to make a return, please.
我想办理退货，谢谢。
Actually, I have two items today.
其实，我今天有两件商品。
Sure thing.
当然没问题。
Let's start with the first one.
让我们从第一件开始。
What seems to be the issue with these shoes?
这双鞋子有什么问题吗？
Oh, these shoes.
噢，这双鞋子。
I tried them on at home, but they don't fit.
我在家里试穿了，但它们不合身。
They are too tight for me.
对我来说它们太紧了。
They are still in original condition with the tags attached. Excellent.
它们仍保持原样，标签还附着在上面。太好了。
Yes, I see the tags are still on.
是的，我看到标签还在。
Do you have the receipt for these?
你有这些商品的收据吗？
Yes, here's the receipt. Perfect.
有的，这是收据。太完美了。
I can put the refund back on your card.
我可以把退款退回到您的卡里。
Now, what about the second item?
现在，第二件物品怎么样？
This electric kettle?
这个电水壶？
Yes, this kettle is defective.
是的，这个水壶有缺陷。
I took it home, plugged it in, but it won't turn on at all.
我拿回家，插上电源，但它根本打不开。
Oh, I'm so sorry about that.
噢，对此我感到非常抱歉。
We can definitely do a refund for you.
我们绝对可以为您办理退款。
Or would you like to exchange it for a new one that works?
或者您想调换一个新的能正常使用的？
Actually, I think I'll just get a refund.
实际上，我觉得我只要退款就行了。
I changed my mind and decided to buy a different model later.
我改变了主意，决定以后买个不同的型号。
No problem at all.
一点问题都没有。
Let me just scan this and we will get that refund processed for you.
让我扫描一下这个，我们会为您处理退款。
You're all set.
您全都搞定了。
Have a great day. Wow.
祝您度过美好的一天。哇。
Thank you so much.
非常感谢你。
Have a good one.
祝你过得愉快。
And scene.
表演结束。
Oh my gosh, Brian, that was flawless.
我的天哪，布莱恩，那真是完美无瑕。
You did an amazing job.
你做得非常出色。
How did it feel?
感觉如何？
Honestly, it felt great.
老实说，感觉棒极了。
Using doesn't fit and defective made it so clear.
使用“不合身”和“有缺陷”表达得非常清晰。
And saying I changed my mind felt so natural.
而且说“我改变主意了”感觉非常自然。
I don't feel scared anymore.
我不再感到害怕了。
I think I'm going to empty my closet of those unreturned items this afternoon.
我想我今天下午要清理衣柜里那些未退货的物品。
That is what I love to hear.
那正是我喜欢听到的。
Remember, the key to confidence in English is having the right tools.
记住，英语自信的关键在于拥有正确的工具。
Once you know the exact words to use, the anxiety just melts away.
一旦你知道了准确的词汇，焦虑就会烟消云散。
It really does.
确实如此。
Thank you so much, Sarah.
非常感谢你，莎拉。
This was incredibly helpful.
这极其有帮助。
My pleasure, Brian.
我的荣幸，布莱恩。
Now, before we wrap up today's episode, let's quickly summarize the core points for our listeners.
现在，在结束今天的节目之前，让我们为听众快速总结一下核心要点。
Today we learned, first, use return or take back instead of give back when returning purchases.
今天我们学到了，首先，退还购买物时要用 return 或 take back，而不是 give back。
Second, remember the word receipt has a silent P.
第二，记住 receipt 这个单词中的字母 P 是不发音的。
Third, if clothes are the wrong size, say, they don't fit or they are too tight, loose.
第三，如果衣服尺寸不对，可以说它们不合身或者太紧、太松。
Fourth, if an item is broken, use words like defective, damaged, or it won't turn on.
第四，如果物品损坏了，可以使用像缺陷、损坏或打不开这样的词。
And finally, if you just don't want it, simply say, I changed my mind.
最后，如果你只是不想要了，只需说，我改变主意了。
Those are such great takeaways.
这些真是太棒的收获了。
To our listeners out there, my advice is to practice these phrases aloud, just like I did.
对我们各位听众，我的建议是大声地练习这些短语，就像我刚才做的那样。
It really helps with muscle memory.
这确实有助于肌肉记忆。
Yes, absolutely.
是的，绝对如此。
We encourage you to try writing a mock dialogue in the comments section below, or tell us about a
我们鼓励您尝试在下面的评论区写一段模拟对话，或者告诉我们关于
funny return experience you've had.
您曾经遇到过的有趣退货经历。
And if you enjoyed today's show, please consider joining our TalkCast membership, subscribing, and
如果您喜欢今天的节目，请考虑加入我们的 TalkCast 会员，订阅，以 及
sharing this episode with your friends.
与你的朋友分享这期节目。
Your support keeps us going.
您的支持是我们前行的动力。
Yes, please subscribe.
是的，请订阅。
And let us know in the comments what other topics you want us to cover next time.
并在评论区告诉我们您下次希望我们探讨的其他话题。
We read all your suggestions.
我们会阅读您的所有建议。
Thanks for listening, everyone.
感谢大家的收听。
Until next time, keep practicing, stay confident, and happy shopping.
下期再见，保持练习，保持自信，购物愉快。
Bye -bye.
再见。
Goodbye, everyone.
再见，大家。
