Speaking: Functional Language A1 - Lesson 3: Saying Thank You & Apologizing Simply.

Speaking: Functional Language A1 - Lesson 3

Function: Saying Thank You & Apologizing Simply

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to perform the functions of thanking someone gratefully and apologizing for small mistakes.

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Situational Dialogues

Using polite words at the right time is a very important function in any language. It shows respect and kindness.

Situation 1: Receiving Help

You: My moto won't start. Can you help me, please?

Friend: Sure. Let me see... Ah, try it now.

You: It works! Thank you so much!¹

Friend: You're welcome.²

Situation 2: A Small Accident

(You accidentally bump into someone in the market.)

You: Oh! Excuse me.³ I'm so sorry.⁴

Other Person: That's okay.⁵ No problem.⁶

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Your Functional Toolkit

Function: Expressing Gratitude (Thanking)

1. Thank you so much. (Phrase) | អរគុណច្រើន | A strong, warm way to thank someone. ↩
2. Thanks. / Thank you. (Phrase) | អរគុណ | The standard ways to show gratitude.

Function: Responding to Thanks

2. You're welcome. (Phrase) | មិនអីទេ | The most common and polite reply to "Thank you". ↩

Function: Apologizing

3. Excuse me. (Phrase) | សូមអភ័យទោស | Use this for very small issues, like trying to get past someone. ↩
4. I'm sorry. / I'm so sorry. (Phrase) | ខ្ញុំសុំទោស | The standard way to apologize for a mistake. "So sorry" is stronger. ↩

Function: Responding to an Apology

5. That's okay. (Phrase) | មិនអីទេ | A kind phrase to show you accept an apology. ↩
6. No problem. (Phrase) | គ្មាន​បញ្ហា | A common, friendly way to accept an apology. ↩
7. Don't worry about it. (Phrase) | កុំបារម្ភអី | A reassuring phrase that means the mistake was not big. ↩

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record_voice_over Sincere Intonation

For these important social words, your intonation must sound sincere and genuine.

• When you say "Thank you so much ↘" or "I'm so sorry ↘", your voice should start a little higher and then fall down at the end.
• A flat, quick "sorry" can sound like you don't mean it. Take a moment and say it with feeling.

lightbulb Choosing the Right Phrase

"Thanks" vs. "Thank you" vs. "Thank you so much"

Thanks is informal and good for small things (a friend passes you a pen). Thank you is standard and good for any situation. Thank you so much is stronger, for when someone really helps you or gives you a thoughtful gift.

When to Apologize

In English-speaking cultures, people often apologize for very small things. It's a way of being polite. You can say "I'm sorry" if you are a few minutes late, if you don't understand someone, or if you accidentally bump into them.

sports_esports Practice the Function

Activity 1: What Do You Say?

For each situation, what is the best phrase to use?

1. Your friend helps you carry some heavy bags. You say: _______ (e.g., Thank you so much!)
2. You are 5 minutes late to meet your friend. You say: _______ (e.g., I'm sorry I'm late.)
3. A shopkeeper gives you your food. You say: _______ (e.g., Thank you.)
4. Your friend says "Thank you for the help!". You reply: _______ (e.g., You're welcome. / No problem.)
5. Your friend says "I'm sorry I forgot your book." You reply: _______ (e.g., That's okay. Don't worry about it.⁷)

Activity 2: Role-Play

Work with a partner. Role-play two situations: 1. One person gives the other a small (imaginary) gift. 2. One person accidentally takes the other person's pen. Practice using the correct phrases for thanking, apologizing, and responding.

task Your Functional Mission

This week in Siem Reap, your mission is to perform the functions of thanking and apologizing perfectly.

1. Find one opportunity to say "Thank you so much" and mean it.
2. If you make a very small mistake, remember to say "I'm sorry".

Using these phrases well shows that you are a polite and kind communicator.