Showing posts with label English for Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label English for Work. Show all posts
Checking In Passengers
Check-in Assistant
- Can I see your ticket, please?
- Do you have your passport with you?
- I'm afraid your passport has expired.
- Do you have a second piece of identification?
- I'll need to see your child's birth certificate.
- How many bags are you checking?
- Will you be bringing a carry-on bag?
- I'm afraid that bag exceeds the size restrictions.
- Did you pack your bags yourself?
- Would you like an aisle or a window seat?
- Would you like a wheelchair?
- You'll board at Gate 7.
- Please be at the gate thirty minutes before your scheduled flight.
- Did you need any tags for your luggage?
- Your flight is expected to take off on time.
- Your flight has been delayed by one hour.
- Flight 87B to Toronto has been canceled.
- I'm afraid you're too late to check-in.
- Your flight is overbooked. Would you be interested in giving up your seat?
- Enjoy your flight.
Passenger
- I'm not sure which of these papers is my ticket.
- Is it possible to get an aisle seat?
- I requested a vegetarian meal. Can you check to confirm?
- Can I take my child through security?
- Is the flight on time?
- Will they be serving a meal today?
- Will they be showing an inflight movie?
- Where can I get a luggage cart?
- Can I use my laptop on board?
Sample Conversation
| Check-in Assistant: | Hello. Are you flying to St. Martin today? |
|---|---|
| Passenger: | Yes, I have my ticket here. |
| Check-in Assistant: | Great. I'll need to see your passport as well. |
| Passenger: | I have an e-ticket. Uh...is this the part you need? |
| Check-in Assistant: | Actually I just need your name and I can find you on the computer. |
| Passenger: | Oh OK. It's Bates. Frank Bates. |
| Check-in Assistant: | Great. Here we are. Oh, you're traveling with an infant today. |
| Passenger: | Yes, my daughter Mia. She's 14 months. |
| Check-in Assistant: | Okay. I'll need to see your daughter's birth certificate to prove that she is under two years of age. |
| Passenger: | Here you are. Say, would we be able to get an aisle seat? I may have to walk her around if she gets fussy. |
| Check-in Assistant: | Sure. I'll put you near the washroom too. |
| Passenger: | Thanks. Can I take my stroller to the gate? |
| Check-in Assistant: | Yes, we'll check it in the over-sized luggage after you board. Are you just checking these two bags today? |
| Passenger: | Yes, I'll take my knapsack as my carry-on. |
| Check-in Assistant: | Did you pack these bags yourself? |
| Passenger: | Yes. |
| Check-in Assistant: | Okay. Here is your boarding pass. Be at the gate one hour prior to boarding time. You will be able to preboard because you are traveling with an infant. Our flight crew will have some special instructions for take-off and landing. |
Airline Vocabulary
| Word part of speech |
Meaning | Example sentence | |
| airfare noun |
cost of a plane ticket | The cost of your meal is covered in your airfare. | |
| aisle noun |
the long empty space that you walk down | Please keep your bags out of the aisle so that nobody trips. | |
| aisle seat noun |
the seat that is next to the aisle | I'll give you an aisle seat in case you need to walk around with the baby. | |
| assist verb |
help | Please wait until everyone is off the plane so that we can assist you. | |
| baggage noun |
the bags and suitcases that travellers put their belongings in | I'm afraid your baggage got on the wrong airplane. | |
| baggage, luggage claim noun |
place where you pick up your baggage after arrival | The announcement will direct you to the correct baggage claim. | |
| blanket noun |
warm covering | If you feel cold I can get you a blanket. | |
| boarding pass noun |
part of the ticket that you give to the crew as you step onto the plane | Your must present your boarding pass at the gate. | |
| bumpy, rough adj |
up and down movement of the aircraft | It might be a bumpy ride because we are flying through a storm. | |
| cabin noun |
interior of the aircraft | There is no smoking allowed inside the cabin. | |
| call light noun |
a button passengers can press to get a crew member's attention | If you need anything, just press the call light. | |
| captain noun |
the person who is in charge of the plane | Would the kids like to go and meet the captain? | |
| charter noun |
discount airline | If you take a charter it will cost you half as much. | |
| cockpit noun |
the part of the plane where the captain and his co-pilots sit | We aren't doing any more tours of the cockpit because it's almost time to land. | |
| comfortable adjective |
feel good physically, able to relax | Because you have long legs you might be more comfortable in an aisle seat. | |
| complimentary adjective |
free of charge | We offer complimentary coffee or tea, but you have to pay for alcohol. | |
| co-pilot noun |
person who helps the captain fly the plane | If the captain gets sick the co-pilot can take over. | |
| domestic adjective |
within the same country | You should be at the airport two hours ahead of time for domestic flights. | |
| emergency exit noun |
section of the plane that opens in the case of an accident | Are you comfortable sitting next to the emergency exit? | |
| e-ticket noun |
airfare purchased on the internet | You will need to present your identification along with your e-ticket. | |
| excess baggage noun |
heavier/more bags than you are allowed | You can either pay for your excess baggage or leave one of your bags behind. | |
| first-class noun/adj |
more expensive seating, with better services | When you sit in first-class you get a better meal to eat. | |
| gate noun |
place where passengers go to wait to board a plane | Gate 3B is down this hall and to your right. | |
| headset, earphones noun |
device that allows passengers to listen to music or a movie | We will be coming around to sell headsets for five dollars. | |
| international adj |
worldwide | For international departures, go up one level. | |
| jet lag noun |
tiredness due to travelling through different time zones | I'm used to travelling now. My body doesn't suffer from jet lag anymore. | |
| land verb |
returning to the ground after being in the air | We will be landing in Tokyo in approximately ten minutes. | |
| life vest, life jacket noun |
a blow-up device that you put on in an emergency over water | Please take a moment to locate the life vest under your seat. | |
| motion sickness noun |
a bad feeling in the stomach that passengers get during a rough ride | There is a paper bag in front of you in case you experience motion sickness. | |
| overbooked adj |
more passengers than available seats | The flight is overbooked. Four of our passengers will have to wait for the next flight. | |
| overhead bin/compartment noun |
place above the seats for storing luggage | You'll have to put your bag under your seat because all of the overhead bins are full. | |
| over-sized baggage adj |
items that do not fit in suitcases | Infant car seats and sporting equipment can be picked up at the over-sized baggage counter. | |
| oxygen mask noun |
a device that goes over a person's face, provides air in case of cabin air pressure loss | Put your oxygen mask on first before putting one on your child. | |
| passport noun |
document that proves a person's identification and nationality | Please have your passport out when you go through security. | |
| pilot noun |
the person who drives the plane | The pilot is circling over the airport until it is safe to land. | |
| refreshments noun |
drinks and snacks | It's a short flight, so we will be serving refreshments but not a meal. | |
| row noun |
a number of seats beside each other | You are in seat B of row nine. | |
| runway noun |
the strip of land that an airplane takes-off and lands on | The plane almost missed the runway because it was such a bad storm. | |
| seatbelt noun |
device that holds passengers in their seats | Please remain in your seats while the seatbelt light is on. | |
| steward (male), stewardess (female), flight attendant, air host noun |
man or woman who provides service for passengers during a flight | Ask one of the stewardesses for a pillow if you're tired. | |
| stopover noun |
touching down at more than one airport during a flight | It's not a direct flight. We're making one stopover in Toronto. | |
| take off noun/verb |
when the plane leaves the ground | We are next in line to take off on this runway. | |
| taxi in, out verb |
driving an airplane to the correct place for taking off or deboarding | Please remain in your seats until we taxi in to the gate. | |
| touch down verb, noun |
when the aircraft wheels land on the ground | That was a very smooth touch down. | |
| turbulence noun |
rough flight | This turbulence should only last a few minutes. | |
| wheelchair noun |
a seat for pushing elderly, disabled, or injured people | A steward will take you to the gate with a wheelchair. | |
| window seat noun |
seat next to the window where passengers can look out | If your child wants a window seat I can move you back a row. | |
Complaining
- I'd like to make a complaint.
- I'd like to speak to the manager, please.
- I've been waiting here for twenty minutes and no one's attended to me.
- I'd like to put in a formal complaint.
- I'd like to see the complaints book, please.
- Actually, I didn't want this one, I wanted ...
- You must have understand me when I said ...
- I'm sorry to trouble you, but ...
- Excuse me but there seems to be a problem with ...
- I think there's been a misunderstanding ...
- I don't think I explained myself very well. What I meant to say was ...
- I'm afraid you didn't understand what I was trying to say.
- What I was trying to say was ...
- I wonder if you could help me ...
- Do you think you could help me with this, please?
- I'm sorry I have to say this, but ...
- I'm sorry about that.
- I can't tell you how sorry we are.
- I'll deal with it immediately.
- Leave it with me.
- I'll see what I can do.
- I suggest you leave it with us and we'll see what we can do.
- I'm afraid the manager isn't in at the moment. Could you call later?
- I'm afraid we can't help you at the moment.
- Could you leave your contact phone number and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- Well, I'm afraid there's nothing we can do about it.
- I'm sorry but that's really not our responsibility.
- I'm sorry but that's not really part of my responsibility.
- If you'd read the contract carefully, you'd have seen that ...
- Well, I'm afraid there isn't much we can do about that.
Taking a Reservation
Front Desk Receptionist
- Enterprise Hotels, Lise speaking. How can I help you?
- What date are you looking for?
- How long will you be staying?
- How many adults will be in the room?
- I'm afraid we are booked that weekend.
- There are only a few vacancies left.
- We advise that you book in advance during peak season.
- Will two double beds be enough?
- Do you want a smoking or non-smoking room?
- The dining room is open from 4 pm until 10 pm.
- We have an indoor swimming pool and sauna.
- We serve a continental breakfast.
- Cable television is included, but the movie channel is extra.
- Take Exit 8 off the highway and you'll see us a few kilometers up on the left hand side.
- The rate I can give you is 99.54 with tax.
- We require a credit card number for a deposit.
Guest
- I'd like to make a reservation for next week.
- Is it necessary to book ahead?
- Do you charge extra for two beds?
- How much is it for a cot?
- Do you offer free breakfast?
- Is there a restaurant in the hotel?
- Do the rooms have refrigerators?
- Do you do group bookings?
- Is there an outdoor pool?
- Do you have any cheaper rooms?
- When is it considered off- season?
Sample Conversation
| Receptionist: | Thanks for calling Quality Inn. Morine speaking. |
|---|---|
| Caller: | Hello. I'm interested in booking a room for the September long weekend. |
| Receptionist: | I'm afraid we're totally booked for that weekend. There's a convention in town and we're the closest hotel to the convention centre. |
| Caller: | Oh, I didn't realize. Well what about the weekend after that? |
| Receptionist: | So... Friday the seventeenth? |
| Caller: | Yes. Friday and Saturday. |
| Receptionist: | It looks like we have a few vacancies left. We recommend that you make a reservation, though. It's still considered peak season then. |
| Caller: | Okay. Do you have any rooms with two double beds? We're a family of four. |
| Receptionist: | Yes, all of our rooms have two double beds. The rate for that weekend is $129 dollars a night. |
| Caller: | That's reasonable. And do you have cots? One of my daughters might be bringing a friend. |
| Receptionist: | We do, but we also charge an extra ten dollars per person for any family with over four people. The cot is free. |
| Caller: | Okay, but I'm not positive if she is coming. Can we pay when we arrive? |
| Receptionist: | Yes, but we do require a fifty dollar credit card deposit to hold the room. You can cancel up to five days in advance and we will refund your deposit. |
| Caller: | Great, I'll call you right back. I have to find my husband's credit card. |
| Receptionist: | Okay. Oh, and just to let you know...our outdoor pool will be closed, but our indoor pool is open. |
Hotel Vocabulary
| Word part of speech |
Meaning | Example sentence | |
| adjoining rooms noun |
two hotel rooms with a door in the centre | If you want we can book your parents in an adjoining room. | |
| amenities noun |
local facilities such as stores and restaurants | We are located downtown, so we are close to all of the amenities. | |
| attractions noun |
things for tourists to see and do | The zoo is our city's most popular attraction for kids. | |
| baggage noun |
bags and suitcases packed with personal belongings | If you need help with your baggage we have a cart you can use. | |
| Bed and Breakfast noun |
a home that offers a place to stay and a place to eat | I can book you into a beautiful Bed and Breakfast on the lake. | |
| bellboy noun |
a staff member who helps guests with their luggage | The bellboy will take your bags to your room for you. | |
| book verb |
arrange to stay in a hotel | I can book your family in for the weekend of the seventh. | |
| booked adj |
full, no vacancies | I'm afraid the hotel is booked tonight. | |
| brochures noun |
small booklets that provide information on the local sites and attractions | Feel free to take some brochures to your room to look at. | |
| check-in verb |
go to the front desk to receive keys | You can check-in anytime after four o'clock. | |
| check-out noun |
return the keys and pay for the bill | Please return your parking pass when you check-out. | |
| complimentary breakfast noun |
free of charge | All of our rooms have complimentary soap, shampoo, and coffee. | |
| cot, rollaway bed noun |
a single bed on wheels that folds up | If you need an extra bed, we have cots available. | |
| damage charge noun |
money a guest owes for repairs to hotel property (when caused by violent or careless acts) | We will have to add a damage charge for the hole you put in the wall. | |
| deposit noun |
amount paid ahead of time to secure a reservation | You will not receive your deposit back if you cancel. | |
| double bed noun |
a bed large enough for two people | They are a family of four, so give them a room with two double beds. | |
| floor noun |
a level of the building | The swimming pool is on the main floor. | |
| front desk, reception noun |
the place where guests go to check in and out and to get information | Towels are available at the front desk. | |
| guest noun |
a person that is staying at the hotel | Our washrooms are for guests only. | |
| hostel noun |
a very inexpensive place for backbackers and travelers on a budget | In the hostel you probably won't get your own room. | |
| hotel manager noun |
person in charge at the hotel | I'll let you make your complaint to the hotel manager. | |
| housekeeping, maid noun | staff members that clean the rooms and linen | Put a sign on the door if you want housekeeping to come in and change the sheets on the bed. | |
| ice machine noun |
a machine that automatically makes ice that guests can use to keep drinks cold | There is an ice machine by the elevator on all of the even numbered floors. | |
| indoor pool noun |
place for guests to swim inside the hotel | The heated indoor pool is open until 10 pm. | |
| inn noun |
another word for "hotel" | There's an inn on the other side of town that has a vacancy. | |
| Jacuzzi, hot tub, whirl pool noun |
a small hot pool for relaxation | Our honeymoon room has a personal hot tub. | |
| king-size bed noun |
extra large bed | A room with a king size bed costs an extra ten dollars a night. | |
| kitchenette noun |
a small fridge and cooking area | Your room has a kitchenette so you can prepare your own breakfasts and lunches. | |
| late charge noun |
a fee for staying past the check-out time | You will be charged a ten dollar late charge for checking out after 11 am. | |
| linen noun |
sheets, blankets, pillow cases | We will come in and change the linens while you are out of your room. | |
| lobby noun |
large open area at the front of the hotel | You can stand in the lobby and wait for your bus. | |
| luggage cart noun |
a device on wheels that guests can push their luggage on | Please return the luggage cart to the lobby when you are finshed with it. | |
| maximum capacity noun |
the most amount of people allowed | The maximum capacity in the hot tub is ten people. | |
| motels noun |
accommodations that are slightly cheaper than hotels | Our motel is very clean and is close to the beach. | |
| noisy adj |
loud | The guests next to you have complained that you are being too noisy. | |
| parking pass noun |
a piece of paper that guests display in the car window while in the hotel parking lot | Display this parking pass in your window to show that you are a hotel guest. | |
| pay-per-view movie noun |
extra charge for movies and special television features | If you order a pay-per-view movie, the charge will appear on your bill. | |
| pillow case noun |
the covering that goes over a pillow | Room 201 doesn't need their sheets changed, but they requested one new pillow case. | |
| queen size bed noun |
bed with plenty of space for two people (bigger than a double) | They have a queen size bed so the small child can eaily fit in the middle. | |
| rate noun |
cost of renting a room for a certain time period | Our rates change depending on the season. | |
| reservation noun |
a request to save a specific room for a future date | They say they made a reservation but it doesn't show on the computer. | |
| room service noun |
delivery of food or other services requested by guests | If you would like a bottle of wine, just call room service. | |
| sauna noun |
a hot room for relaxation, filled with steam | We don't recommend bringing young children into the sauna. | |
| single bed noun |
a bed for one person | The economy priced room includes one single bed. | |
| sofa bed, pull-out couch noun |
a bed built into a sofa or couch | The room contains a sofa bed so the room actually sleeps five. | |
| towels noun |
used to cover and dry the body after swimming or bathing | You can get your swimming pool towels at the front desk. | |
| vacancy noun vacant adj |
available rooms | We only have one vacancy left, and it is for a single room. | |
| valet noun |
staff that parks the guests' vehicles | If you leave your car keys with us, the valet will park your car underground. | |
| vending machine noun |
a machine that distributes snacks and beverages when you insert coins | The vending machine on the fifth floor has chocolate bars and chips. | |
| view noun |
a window that offers a nice image for guests | The room is more expensive because it has a spectacular view of the beach. | |
| wake up call noun |
a morning phone call from the front desk, acts as an alarm clock | What time would you like your wake up call? | |
| weight room, workout room, gym noun |
a room that guests can use for exercise and fitness | Our weight room has a stair climber and a stationary bicycle. | |
Finding a Housekeeping Job
Finding a job in a foreign country can be very difficult. First, you need to read and understand the English job listings. Next, you need to contact a potential employer. Finally, you need to have an interview and prove that you are the best person for the job. Your work experience and skills are very important, but so is your English. You can prepare yourself for the real job search by studying the vocabulary and exercises on this page.
Key words found in ads:
The following terms are commonly used in ads for housekeepers. Become familiar with them, and use them on your own resumes and cover letters. They are also useful terms to use in interviews.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | |
| competitive wages | pay or salary is the same or better than most in the area | |
| detail oriented, meticulous | notices everything that needs cleaning or doing, even if it's small | |
| diligent worker | a person who works very hard | |
| domestic help | help around the home (often the subject of housekeeping ads) | |
| duties include | things the worker will have to do | |
| flexible | not strict or set, usually related to work schedule or duties | |
| hard-working | not lazy, works quickly and doesn't take a lot of rest time | |
| honest, trustworthy | tells the truth, will not steal or damage property on purpose | |
| ideal candidate | the best person for the job | |
| is seeking | is looking for, requires | |
| live-in | lives in the home he or she works at | |
| live-out | lives in a different home from the home he or she works at | |
| mature | acts like an adult, not childish | |
| must be legal | has permission from the government to work in this country | |
| pay in exchange for room and board | food and a home are given to the person who looks after the house, no pay | |
| perfectionist | describes a person who wants everything to look perfect (for example one fingerprint would bother this person) | |
| positive attitude | is usually in a happy mood | |
| professional | has a lot of experience and treats clients with respect | |
| reliable | always comes to work on time and always does a good job | |
| responsible for | work will include the following tasks | |
| verifiable references | past employers someone can contact to prove that the applicant is a good worker | |
Here are some expressions to use in an interview or cover letter:
- I will clean your home "from top to bottom".
- Feel free to contact my references.
- I have been cleaning houses/offices for _______ years now.
- I promise to leave your house looking neat and tidy.
- I work quickly and efficiently.
- You won't be disappointed.
- Your satisfaction is important to me.
- My hourly rate is _______.
- I am very good with children.
- My English is improving every day.
Matching Exercise
- Read all of the classified ads (advertisements) below.
- Read the descriptions of 5 housekeepers looking for work.
- Match the person to the ad that he or she should apply for.
- Check your answers.
| Housekeepers Looking for WorkMatch the job seeker to the appropriate ad: A - Cindy is visiting England for the summer. She has a working visa and needs a place to live. She has experience with children.B - Fred is a perfectionist. He is retired but loves to clean. Fred wants to make a little bit of extra money to pay for tennis lessons and swimming classes. C - Sabrina has been cleaning houses for 20 years. She is hardworking and detail oriented. She has her own apartment, and requires a part-time position to pay her rent. D - Nelson has five years housekeeping experience in the hotel industry. He is going to school part time in the day and requires a full-time position in the evenings. E - Yoon is studying English online and needs a place to live. She is seeking a position as a nanny or housekeeper to help pay for her private English lessons. Her visa allows her to work part-time. |
| Classified Ads |
Domestic/Homecare Wanted1. A London family of 5 is seeking a live-in housekeeper in exchange for room and board. 20 hours per week. Some childcare duties required. Must be detail oriented, mature, and legal to work in England. Send resume with references to bensonfamily@home.com.2. Business couple is seeking a part-time live-out housekeeper. Must be reliable and meticulous. We offer competitive wages. Duties include laundry, general cleaning, and some shopping. Hours are flexible. Approximately 10 hours per week. Call 339-9990. Leave message with contact information. 3. Mandymaids has a full-time position available. We are looking for an experienced housekeeper to join our team. Hours are Mon-Fri, 5:00 pm-12 am. Responsible for cleaning, vacuuming, dusting, and tidying a large office. Must be in good physical condition and have valid driver's license. Verifiable references required. Contact Janie at 445-9788. |
Answers: A-1, B2, C2, D3, E1
English for Housekeepers
Are you working as a housekeeper in a foreign country? Is English your second language? If you answered yes to these questions, then these pages are for you! Good communication is very important in the service industry. Misunderstandings take a lot of time to fix. These pages will help you learn important vocabulary related to houses, furniture, appliances, and cleaning. They will also help you to follow instructions, and use simple English in polite and friendly ways. Whether your job is to clean private houses, cruise ship cabins, hotel rooms or offices, these pages will help you communicate more effectively with clients
nd guests. Read and listen to the lessons..
Rooms in a House
| Word | Meaning |
| attic | storage room at the very top of the house |
| basement | the lowest level of the house |
| bathroom, washroom | the room for bathing and using the toilet |
| bedroom | the room where people sleep |
| dining room | room with a table and chairs for eating; in some houses this room is only used on special occasions |
| hallway | long narrow area that joins one room to another |
| kitchen | place for preparing food; sometimes has a table and chairs for eating informal meals |
| living room; family room | place where family spends leisure time; often has a TV, also used for entertaining |
| lobby | area in the front entrance for hanging coats and placing shoes |
| master bedroom | the largest bedroom in the house; used by parents |
| nursery | room for baby or young child |
| pantry | room off the kitchen for keeping dry foods and storage items |
| patio | outdoor area in front or backyard; usually sits slightly off the ground; often made of wood |
| playroom | room filled with toys; books and games; indoor area for kids to play |
| rec room | often in basement; extra room for watching TV and playing games such as billiards or ping pong |
| sunroom | enclosed room with large windows; often used for relaxation, visiting, or reading |
Furniture and Decor
| Word | Meaning |
| bed | long frame with a mattress on top for sleeping; has blankets and pillows for comfort |
| bookshelf, bookcase | tall wooden piece used for holding books |
| chair | various types of furniture used for sitting on |
| change table | surface found in the nursery, used for changing a baby's diaper |
| couch/sofa | long comfortable piece for sitting on; found in common rooms |
| counter | surface in the kitchen; used for preparing food and holding small appliances |
| cupboards | storage area with doors; used for holding food, dishes, cleaning supplies, etc. |
| desk | piece used for doing work and holding papers, books, writing tools; usually found in an office |
| dresser, bureau | piece of furniture for holding folded clothing |
| entertainment centre | piece of furniture for holding television, stereo, and other electronic devices |
| fireplace | square opening on a wall to hold a fire and warm up the home; may be electric, gas, or wood |
| mirrors | special glass placed on a wall or counter, used for viewing one's self |
| pictures, paintings | decorations hung on walls or placed on surfaces; often framed |
| shelves | long surfaces for organizing and storing household items |
| tub, bathtub | found in bathrooms, a large area where you lie down and wash your body |
| window sills, ledges | long shelf-like surface beneath a window |
Appliances
| Word | Meaning |
| dishwasher | electric appliance that washes dishes; can be "built-in" (under a sink) or "portable" (moved and attached to the sink when in use) |
| dryer | electric appliance used to dry laundry |
| fridge | electric appliance used for keeping food cold |
| freezer | electric appliance used for keeping food frozen (very cold) |
| garbage disposal | located inside a drain; chops up bits of food into small pieces to fit down the pipes |
| microwave | electric appliance for cooking food quickly |
| oven | electric appliance for baking and heating food |
| stove, range | elements on top of an oven for heating, frying, and boiling food |
| washing machine | electric appliance for cleaning laundry |
Cleaning Supplies
| Word | Meaning |
| baking soda | white powder used for cleaning and removing odours |
| bleach | liquid added in small amounts to water; has strong chemicals that remove stains on white clothing; also used to clean bathrooms |
| broom | brush with a long handle on it for sweeping floors |
| carpet cleaner | foam or liquid soap used on rugs and carpets |
| deodorizer | product that removes bad smells from a room; often scented |
| dishwashing detergent | liquid or powder soap that goes into a dishwasher |
| dust pan | flat container used for collecting dirt and dust swept up with a broom |
| duster | a cleaning tool with a handle and feathers (or a soft cloth) used for wiping dust off surfaces |
| garbage or trash bag | large, heavy bag for collecting the household garbage |
| garbage or trash bin | container with a lid that holds large garbage bags |
| gloves | coverings for the hands, with separate holes for the fingers |
| hose | a long tube that fills with water; often kept outside and used for outdoor cleaning |
| laundry detergent | powder or liquid soap used for cleaning clothes and linen |
| mop | long stick with a sponge at the bottom that is soaked in water and soap; used for cleaning floors |
| recycling bin | a container that holds paper, tins, glass, and other garbage that can be reused |
| scouring pads | tough cleaning pads used for scrubbing pots, pans, and ovens |
| scrub brush | a brush with a handle on it; often used for cleaning toilets |
| sponge | a soft cleaning product that absorbs water and is used for washing surfaces |
| stain remover | laundry product used specifically on spots that regular laundry detergent cannot clean (stains include red wine or blood) |
| vacuum cleaner | a machine that sucks up dust and dirt on the floor as you push it around |
| vinegar | a clear sour tasting liquid mixed with water and used for cleaning; environmentally friendly alternative to store bought cleaners |
Linen and Laundry terms
| Word | Meaning |
| bath towel | large towel used for drying the body after a shower or bath |
| face cloth or wash cloth | small, square shaped towel or cloth used for washing the face and hands |
| fitted sheet | sheet with elastic that goes on top of the mattress and stays in place |
| fold verb | make articles of clothing small and neat for storage |
| hand towel | a towel hung in the bathroom; used for drying hands |
| hanger noun | a wire or plastic hook used for hanging clothes in a closet |
| iron noun and verb | an electric appliance used for making clothes flat; to remove wrinkles |
| king size | the largest size bed or bed covering |
| laundry noun do the laundry | the washing of clothing |
| pillow case | a covering similar to a sheet that protects the head cushion |
| queen size | large size bed and bed covering (smaller than king, larger than double) |
| sheet noun | a light cover on the bed |
| single | smallest bed or bed covering size; made for one person |
| stain noun | a spot that is difficult to clean |
| top sheet | the sheet that goes on top of the fitted sheet and under a heavier blanket |
| twin size | bed or bed covering size that is larger than a single and smaller than a double; used for one person |
Describing words for Housekeepers
| Word | Meaning | Example sentence |
| allergic | when a person must stay away from a certain food or cleaning product because it can cause them to get very sick | Our daughter is allergic to that laundry detergent. |
| clean | remove dirt and stains | When the kitchen is clean I will start on the laundry. |
| clogged, plugged | when something is blocking the hole of a tube or pipe | The kitchen drain is clogged with potato skins. |
| damp | a little bit wet | I hung up your suit, but it is still a little damp. |
| dirty | opposite of clean | The floors are dirty because the kids walked through with their boots on. |
| dusty | when furniture and surfaces are covered with a small layer of matter | The office furniture upstairs is verydusty. |
| filthy | very dirty | The bathroom is filthy because we went away for the weekend and left the kids at home. |
| messy | out of order, opposite of neat and tidy | The children's rooms are messy,but it's their job to clean them. |
| neat, tidy (often expressed as "neat and tidy") | in good order, opposite of messy | Thank you for leaving the house so neat and tidy. |
| slippery | surface that is wet or polished and is easy to fall on | I just mopped, so the floors are a bit slippery. |
| soapy | covered with lots of soap bubbles | Can you rinse the dishes again? They are still soapy. |
| wet | filled or covered with water, opposite of dry | I put the dryer on twice but the clothes are still wet. |
| environmentally friendly | good for the world, doesn't contain strong chemicals | We only use cleaning products that are environmentallyfriendly. |
Action words for Housekeepers
| Word | Meaning | Example sentence |
| clean; clean up | remove dirt, dust, and other messes | After you clean up the kitchen you can take your break. |
| dry | take the water out of something | Please dry the dishes fully before you put them away in the cupboards. |
| dust | remove the dust from surfaces such as furniture | I'm sorry I forgot to dust the entertainment stand last week. |
| finish; complete | have no more work to do | I'm finished everything on the list, so I guess I'll be going home now. |
| freshen up | make a room smell and look more inviting | The master bedroom is relatively clean, but you couldfreshen it up a little. |
| hang; hang up | organize and store items (often clothes) by putting them on hooks and hangers | After you have folded the laundry, please hang the guest towels in the washroom. |
| mop; mop up | clean the floors with soap and water | The dishwasher flooded, so Imopped up the water. |
| organize | sort or put away in a neat and tidy manner | I organized the indoor and outdoor shoes. |
| polish | wipe with a special cleaner that makes something (such as floors) shine; remove smudges or prints | Make sure to polish the silverware before you put it away. |
| rinse | pour water over something for a long time to remove soap | You'll have to rinse the dishes a little better. My coffee tasted soapy today. |
| sanitize; sterilize | remove any bacteria or other harmful substances that could cause illness, often by using boiling water or a special cleaner | You have to sterilize the baby bottles in boiling water. |
| scrub | use a lot of physical energy and a heavy cleaning tool to remove dirt or stains | You'll have to scrub the upstairs tub because it's pretty dirty. |
| tidy; tidy up | make a room or area look neat by organizing and putting things away | You don't need to vacuum the family room, but you could tidy up the books and toys. |
| vacuum | use a special hose that sucks up dust and dirt from the floors and furniture | Please pick up large items like coins before you vacuum the basement. |
| wash | make clean with water and soap | Please wash the windows with water and vinegar. |
| water | pour water onto plants or grass | You forgot to water the indoor and outdoor plants. |
| wipe; wipe up | clean up a mess or spill | Don't use bleach to wipe the counters. |
Cashier Transactions
Dealing with money can be stressful. It is easier to make mistakes
when transactions are not in your native language. Take your time.
Making mistakes can be costly. Many customers will not tell you if you
make a mistake. Some companies will make you pay for shortages.
Customers will be more patient if you are honest. Tell them you are
training. They will also appreciate your effort to learn their language.
Say, "Please bear with me. I'm still learning." As you become
comfortable with the currency and the payment system your service in English will speed up.
Cashier Transactions: Language
Here are some expressions to use on the job. Practise them with a friend or family member. Refer to the vocabulary list if you don't know a word.
- Do you have a discount card today?
- Are you using any coupons today?
- I will need to see some ID to sell you a lottery ticket. (for age restricted items)
- I'm sorry but your card has been declined. Would you like to use another form of payment? (when a credit or debit card has insufficient funds.)
- Will there be anything else for you today?
- Is this everything today?
- And how was everything today? (service industry)
- Will that be cash or charge?
- How will you be paying today?
- Your total comes to $16.50.
- From twenty...and here's $3.50 change.
- Please swipe your card.
- I just need to see some photo ID to verify your check.
- Would you like your receipt in the bag?
Sample Transactions: Speaking Practice
Find an English friend to practise with. Take turns being cashier and customer.
Sample Cash transaction
| Cashier: | Hello. Is this everything for you today? |
|---|---|
| Customer: | Yes. Just a few items today. |
| Cashier: | Did you find everything you were looking for? |
| Customer: | Yes, thank you. |
| Cashier: | Okay. Your total comes to $8.70. (say "eight seventy" or "eight dollars and seventy cents") |
| Customer: | Can you break a fifty? I'm afraid I don't have anything smaller. |
| Cashier: | No problem. From fifty..$41.30 is your change. (say "forty-one thirty" or "forty-one dollars and thirty cents") |
| Customer: | Thank you. |
| Cashier: | Thank you. See you again. |
Sample Credit Card transaction
| Cashier: | Here is your order, sir. Two pepperoni pizzas. Will there be anything else? |
|---|---|
| Customer: | No, that's great thanks. |
| Cashier: | Okay. Will that be cash or charge today? |
| Customer: | Charge. |
| Cashier: | Okay. Please swipe your card in the machine...Sorry, can you try again please. |
| Customer: | Is there a problem with my card? |
| Cashier: | No, it's going through fine this time. I'll just need you to sign here, please. |
| Customer: | There you go. |
| Cashier: | Thank you Mr. Bates. Enjoy your pizza! |
English for Work
English for Cashiers
Are you looking for a job in a foreign country? Many foreign workers
start out as cashiers. You can learn a lot of English in this job.
Cashiers work in grocery stores, department stores, restaurants, and
other businesses. Cashiers play an important role in many businesses.
The word "cashier" means someone who handles "cash"
and other types of money in a shop, store, restaurant, bank or other
business. But see the EnglishClub Tip below for more on this.
Most
cashiers receive training on the job. Your training may be difficult if
your supervisor doesn't speak your native language. These pages will
help you learn and practise vocabulary and expressions related to
working as a cashier. Read and listen to the lessons. Then take the
quizzes to test your comprehensionCashier Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
| action code | a number cashiers type on the register to tell the computer to do something (#2A=void item) |
| adjustment | a change (usually related to price change) |
| age restricted items | products such as alcohol, tobacco, and restricted movies and videos which cannot be purchased by minors |
| aisles | long narrow areas that a room is divided into |
| associate | another employee who works with you |
| bag verb | to place purchased items in a bag for the customer |
| bank card | a card that allows customers to purchase an item using money from their bank account (also called debit card) |
| bar code | a series of lines that a computer reads to determine the product and price |
| bill | the total amount owed by the customer (also called receipt) |
| break | a short time for an employee to take a rest from work |
| bulk | items that are purchased in large amounts (also refers to items where customer collects the amount desired from a large bin) |
| cash | paper or coin money that the customer gives for payment |
| cash advance | money given to an employee or customer that he will have to pay back later |
| cash register | system used to key in purchases; also makes mathematical calculations and records payments |
| change | the money you give back to a customer |
| charge verb | to request a certain payment (They charge fifty dollars an hour.) |
| charge verb and noun | to pay (payment) with a credit card |
| checkout | the place where customers go to pay for purchases |
| clerk | person who serves customers; usually stands behind a desk |
| coins | small amounts of money; circular shape (also called change) |
| company procedures | the rules and practices outlined by the employer for the employees |
| competition | other businesses that offer similar products or services |
| counterfeit | money that looks real but is actually fake |
| coupon | a piece of paper that offers a set discount on a product or service |
| consumer | the person who buys and uses the products and services |
| coupon | a piece of paper that offers a set discount on a product or service |
| currency | type of money used in each country (eg. dollar, yen) |
| customer | the person who buys the product or service |
| customer service | fulfilling the needs of the people who buy products or services |
| damaged; defective | does not work or does not look new |
| deactivate | remove security device |
| debit | to take money out (also refers to paying with a bank card) |
| denomination | related to type of currency (eg. ones, tens, fifties ) |
| department store | a store that sells a wide variety of personal and household needs, such as groceries, furniture and clothing |
| discount | a price reduction |
| estimate | guess the right amount |
| float | the amount of money in a cash register or till before and after a person's shift |
| feed | to insert the end of a roll of paper into a slot |
| gift certificate; gift card | a pre-paid card that a customer uses to pay for purchases |
| gift receipt | a receipt that documents a purchase but does not include the price of the product |
| identification | photograph and official document that proves who a person is |
| initials | first letter of a person's first and last name |
| inquiry | a question |
| key in | to type a code into a cash register |
| (put on) layaway | to put a product away for a customer who will come back to purchase it at a later time |
| log | a record of sales information |
| manual | instruction booklet |
| merchandise | things that customers buy |
| multiple item | a product that a customer is buying more than one of (eg. five balls) |
| multitask | do many things at once |
| NOF | an error code that means a product price is not on file |
| on sale | costs less than usual |
| orientation | a time for learning about the company and job |
| peak time | the busy time of the day |
| perk | a little bonus that employees enjoy on top of their wage or salary (eg. restaurant employees get free lunch) |
| personal check | a written document that allows a business to retrieve funds from a customer's bank account |
| price override | change the automated price of a product or service |
| POS system | Point of Sale system (cash register) |
| price tag | the sticker or ticket that tells customers what a product costs |
| produce | fresh fruit and vegetables |
| promotion | a special discount or offer |
| prompt service | to help customers quickly |
| punch in/out | record the start and end time of your shift using a time clock system |
| rain check | a ticket given to a customer that allows them to receive an out-of-stock item or attend a cancelled event at a later date |
| receipt | a piece of paper that records the place, time, and price of items or services purchased |
| reduce(d) | price is less than usual |
| refund | get money back |
| register area | the place where a cashier stands and serves the customer |
| register tape | the paper that goes into the cash register and provides a printed record of all transactions |
| retailer | a store or business that sells products for the manufacturer |
| ring in | type the product code or service item into the POS |
| safe | a secure cabinet where a large amount of money is locked up; requires a code or key to open |
| sale | a price reduction |
| scan | pass a product over a laser (scanner reads the bar code and transfers the data (price, product name) to the POS system) |
| schedule | a table that identifies the weekly or monthly shifts for each employee |
| security device | a device attached to products that will set off an alarm if it is not removed by the cashier |
| serial number | a number system used to identify products and services |
| shelves | long rows of flat wood or metal used to hold products that are for sale in a store |
| shift report | a record of notes that must be handed in by a cashier at the end of a work shift |
| sign in/sign off | indicate that one is starting or finishing |
| supplies | things that are needed to do a job (eg. calculator, pens, paper) |
| supplier | the company or business that provides a retailer or wholesaler with products to sell |
| swipe | slide quickly across (eg. Swipe your credit card through the card reader, please.) |
| tally | add up |
| tax exempt | a special case in which the customer does not have to pay taxes |
| tender | money |
| terminal | a single computer or POS system |
| till | the drawer that holds money in a cash register |
| transaction | the sale and purchase of a product or service |
| UPC | Universal Product Code: a number the identifies the product and the retailer |
| void | cancel a transaction |
| wholesale | the sale of a large quantity of goods to a retail outlet |
| workstation | the area where a cashier works |
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