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Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier.
Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak.
And we bring you special series to improve your English conversation.
Try Beating Speaking Anxiety to learn how to fight your fears of speaking English.
Find more at bbclearningenglish.com
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Have you ever been in a group of friends and everyone laughs, but you didn’t understand the joke?In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about understanding humour and making people laugh when speaking English.With Peruvian performer Pepa Duarte.WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/humour-videoTRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/humour-podcastNEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
11Sometimes we ignore advice. Sometimes things go wrong and this programme is about those times. Phil and Feifei teach you how to use the expression to learn something the hard way.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260216BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxietySUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
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Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute EnglishThey're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)
Have you ever spoken in English, and the other person didn’t understand?In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about accents and pronunciation.With Jennifer Jenkins, Emeritus Professor of Global Englishes, University of Southampton.WATCH – Find Georgie’s video with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/being_understood-videoTRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/being_understood-podcastNEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
Sometimes people ask for too much. Listen to examples of this phrase being use and learn how to use it for those moments.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/tews/260209_tews_a_big_ask_transcript.pdfBEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxietySUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusLIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute EnglishThey're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)
Do you get nervous speaking English in front of people, even a small group of friends?In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about public speaking and speaking in bigger groups.With Regina Kaplan Rakowski, Professor of Learning Technologies at the University of North Texas.WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-videoTRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/4_BSA_speaking_in_front_of_others_transcript__.pdfNEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
Something embarrassing or frustrating could lead to a facepalm moment. Learn how to use this expression here.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260202 BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
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Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
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✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)
Speaking is only one side of the conversation. You also have to listen to and understand the other person.In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about how you can improve your listening in real life conversations.With Erhan Aslan, Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Reading.WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-videoTRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-podcastNEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
This expression means leave quickly because you're in a hurry or there's somewhere you need to be. Learn how to use it here.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260126BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxietySUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusLIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute EnglishThey're all available by searching in your podcast app.(Photo: Getty)
Have you ever been speaking English, and suddenly you freeze and forget your words?In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about why our brain can’t always remember words we know in a new language.With Alissa Melinger, Professor of psycholinguistics at the University of Dundee.WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxietyTRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/forgetting_words-podcastNEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
This expression means something happens immediately after something else, often unexpectedly. Learn how to use it here.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260119 TRY BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
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Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
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✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)
Do you get anxious when speaking English? You’re not alone.In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about how to increase your confidence speaking English, even when you make mistakes.With professor of Chinese Han Luo and speaking coach Barnaby Griffiths.WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-videoTRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-podcastNEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
Learn this expression which means do something for attention or praise.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260112TRY THE LISTENING ROOM
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_roomSUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusLIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
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✔️ 6 Minute EnglishThey're all available by searching in your podcast app.(Photo: Getty)
This phrasal verb means to focus hard with no distractions. Learn how to use it here!FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260105TRY THE LISTENING ROOM
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_roomSUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusLIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
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✔️ 6 Minute EnglishThey're all available by searching in your podcast app.(Photo: Getty)
A new year is the perfect time for a fresh start.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251229TRY THE LISTENING ROOM
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_roomSUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusLIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute EnglishThey're all available by searching in your podcast app.(Photo: Getty)
Learn a phrase about small gifts with Feifei and Phil.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251222TRY THE LISTENING ROOM
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_roomSUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusLIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute EnglishThey're all available by searching in your podcast app.(Photo: Getty)
Use this expression to add drama and suspense to what you're saying. Learn how in this programme.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251215 TRY THE LISTENING ROOM
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_roomSUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
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✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
This expression is about causing someone else to stay alert and ready for anything. Learn how to use it here.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251208 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
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Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
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✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
This expression means to leave early and quickly. Learn how to use it here.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251201 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
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This expression is a way to say someone's idea, guess or opinion is far from the reality. Learn it here with Beth and Feifei.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251124SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newslettersFIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
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✔️ 6 Minute EnglishThey're all available by searching in your podcast app.
When you take someone under your wing, you help them with something or protect them. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251117SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
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Feifei Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases and expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Feifei. Phil And I'm Phil. Feifei Phil, you are dripping wet. What happened? Phil The weather seemed fine when I left home, but then I got five minutes down the road, and it started raining really heavily. I guess I learnt the hard way that you need to have an umbrella if you live in London! Feifei Well, I suppose the good thing is that if y
hot on the heels درست پشت سر کسی بودن، بهدنبال کسی بودن ، خیلی سریع بعد از چیزی آمدن cater تامین غذا و نوشیدنی کردن hot on the tail = hot on the trail درست پشت سر کسی بودن ،در تعقیب کسی بودن ،دنبال رد و سرنخ کسی رفتن There's another storm coming tonight. Hot on the heels of the flooding yesterday. امشب یک طوفان دیگر در راه است، درست پشت سر سیل دیروز Hot on the heels of their league win, the team then won the cup. درست پس از بردشان در لیگ، تیم جام را هم برد
dread هراس، بیم شدید perfection کمال bilingual دو زبانه assessment ارزیابی، سنجش barista قهوهچی (کسی که در کافه قهوه آماده میکند) self-conscious خودآگاه، خجالتی، حساس به نگاه دیگران insecure بیاعتماد به نفس irrational beliefs باورهای غیرعقلانی self-perceptions برداشتها یا تلقیهای فرد از خود evaluation ارزیابی admired تحسینشده implicit beliefs باورهای ضمنی، ناآگاهانه conscious beliefs باورهای آگاهانه in the same boat در یک وضعیت مشابه بودن vulnerable آسیبپذیر funnily بهطور عجیب و بامزه
aura farming اعتبارسازی مجازی، امتیازگیری اجتماعی aura جو، هاله، فضای خاص arty pictures تصاویر هنری praise ستایش، تحسین deed عمل، کار، اقدام manipulate دستکاری کردن، کنترل کردن compliments تعریفها، تحسینها intentionally عمداً، بهطور عمدی aura points امتیازهای هاله (در بازیها یا سیستمهای انرژی) genuine اصیل، واقعی، صادقانه
qeepl propose des consignes à bagages à Paris dès €4.39 par jour https://qeepl.com/fr/luggage-storage/paris . Les voyageurs peuvent laisser leurs valises dans des emplacements sécurisés et vérifiés tout en visitant la ville librement. Avec des lockers fiables, des options de stockage de courte durée et une réservation en ligne simple, qeepl est la solution pratique pour profiter de Paris sans être encombré par ses bagages.
lock in - تمرکز کامل داشتن - خودتو وقف کاری کردن - قفل شدن روی یک کار - با تمام وجود انجام دادن - درگیر شدن عمیق با یک کار distractions حواس پرتی boosting افزایش، تقویت I really need to stop failing my driving test. I'm going to have to just lock in and do loads of practice. واقعاً باید دیگه توی آزمون رانندگی رد نشم. باید حسابی تمرکز کنم و کلی تمرین کنم. Right, guys. I've done no work all day, so I've had a coffee, and this afternoon I really just need to lock in and get some stuff done. خب بچه
to enter a state of deep focus.
thanks
fresh start - شروع تازه - آغاز نو - از نو شروع کردن - نقطهٔ شروع دوباره - آغاز مجدد dough خمیر (نان یا شیرینی) مثال 1.My brother and I have been arguing for weeks, but we've decided to have a fresh start and just get on with each other. 2.So, I've got a new job and I'm sad to be leaving, but I am looking forward to making a fresh start. 3.Oh gosh, I've just chilli in the cookie dough. Let's just get some more dough and make a fresh start.
a little something یه هدیه کوچیک، یه هدیه ناقابل، یه چیز مختصر we just got you a little something ما فقط یه هدیه ناقابل برات گرفتیم awkward بد، ناجور، معذب کننده ex. 1.Hi, thanks for coming to my party! I've just got a little something over here in case you get a bit hungry. 2.My best friend said that he would give me a little something for my birthday, and I'm very excited about it.
It's the moment of truth. لحظه سرنوشت ساز فرا رسیده، الان وقتشه همه چیز معلوم بشه، الان دیگه وقت تصمیم نهاییه brainstorming طوفان فکری، بارش فکری، ایده پردازی dyed my hair موهامو رنگ کردم drama and suspense درام و تعلیق
stays alert گوش به زنگ ماندن، آماده( هوشیار) ماندن Keep someone on their toes کسی را به حالت گوش به زنگ (آماده) نگه داشتن slightly tense کمی مضطرب (تحت فشار) on the ball سرحال و قبراق بودن، حواس جمع بودن، تیز و بز بودن
این متنش کجاست؟
duck out جیم شدن، یواشکی رفتن to duck سریع خم شدن یا سر را پایین آوردن برای فرار از چیزی یا پنهان شدن wardrobe malfunction خراب شدن لباس (در یک مراسم )، لباسش باز شد یا خراب شد ripped پاره شدن
off base اشتباه، دور از واقعیت way off base کاملا (خیلی بیش از حد )اشتباه بودن turn out معلوم شد ceiling سقف vulnerable آسیب پذیر
take someone under your wing کسی را زیر بال و پر خود گرفتن، دست کسی را گرفتن put your arm around someone's shoulder کمک کردن کسی choir گروه کر
how can we see written version?
پادکست ها با فیلترشکن باز میشن
برای من پادکستا باز نمیشن😐🤦🏻♀️
cycled دوچرخه سواری کردن sailed past مثل باد رد شدن (از کنار ترافیک) no two ways about it شکی درش نیست there's no two ways about it کاملا واضحه، شکی درش نیست