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

Speaking: Functional Language A1

Saying Thank You & Apologizing

Listen to the dialogue examples here.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to perform the functions of thanking someone gratefully and apologizing for small mistakes using common English phrases.

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!

Friend: You're welcome.

Situation 2: A Small Accident

(You accidentally bump into someone.)
You: Oh! Excuse me. I'm so sorry.

Other Person: That's okay. No problem.

Your Politeness Toolkit 🛠️

Here are the most important phrases for being polite. Click 🔊 to hear them.

🙏 Expressing Gratitude (Thanking)

• Thank you so much. (Strong)
• Thank you. (Standard)
• Thanks. (Informal)

😊 Responding to Thanks

• You're welcome.
• No problem.

😥 Apologizing

• I'm so sorry. (Strong)
• I'm sorry. (Standard)
• Excuse me. (For small bumps/interruptions)

🤝 Responding to an Apology

• That's okay.
• No problem.
• Don't worry about it.

Tips for Sounding Sincere

🗣️ Use Sincere Intonation

For these important social words, your intonation (the music of your voice) must sound genuine.

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

💡 Choosing the Right Phrase

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

Thanks is informal, good for small things with friends. Thank you is standard and safe for any situation. Thank you so much is stronger, use it when someone really helps you a lot.

When to Apologize

In English-speaking cultures, people often apologize for very small things to be polite, like being a few minutes late ("Sorry I'm late!"), accidentally bumping into someone ("Oh, excuse me!"), or asking someone to repeat themselves ("Sorry, can you say that again?").

Practice the Function 🎯

Activity 1: What Do You Say? (Self-Check)

Read the situation. What is the best phrase to use? Click "Show Answer" to check.

1. Your friend helps you carry heavy bags up the stairs.
   Show Answer

   You say: "Thank you so much!"

2. You are 5 minutes late to meet a friend.
   Show Answer

   You say: "I'm sorry I'm late."

3. A shopkeeper gives you your change after you buy something.
   Show Answer

   You say: "Thank you."

4. Your friend says "Thank you for the coffee!".
   Show Answer

   You reply: "You're welcome." or "No problem."

5. You accidentally step on someone's foot.
   Show Answer

   You say: "Oh, I'm so sorry!" or "Excuse me! Sorry!"

6. Your friend says "I'm sorry, I forgot your book."
   Show Answer

   You reply: "That's okay." or "No problem." or "Don't worry about it."

Activity 2: Role-Play

Work with a partner or practice both roles yourself. Read the situations aloud.

1. Situation A: Person 1 gives Person 2 a small gift (like a pen). Person 2 thanks Person 1. Person 1 responds.
2. Situation B: Person 1 accidentally takes Person 2's phone thinking it's theirs. Person 1 apologizes. Person 2 responds.

Use the phrases from the "Toolkit" section.

Vocabulary

• Thank you | អរគុណ
  A polite expression used when acknowledging a gift, service, or compliment.
• Apologize (Verb) | សុំទោស
  To express regret for something that one has done wrong.
• Sorry (Adjective) | សុំទោស / សោកស្តាយ
  Feeling regret or penitence. Used to apologize.
• Excuse me | សូមអភ័យទោស
  A polite expression used to ask for someone's attention, to ask someone to move, or to apologize for a minor offense.
• You're welcome | មិនអីទេ / សូមស្វាគមន៍
  A polite response used when someone thanks you.
• No problem | គ្មាន​បញ្ហា
  Used to say that something is not inconvenient or difficult; also used as a reply to thanks or an apology.
• Intonation | សំនៀង
  The rise and fall of the voice when speaking (the 'music').

Your Functional Mission ⭐

This week, 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 (make your voice sound sincere!).
2. If you make a very small mistake (like bumping someone gently), remember to say "I'm sorry" or "Excuse me".

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