Set-phrase settings: self-introduction, shopping, directions, travel, phone

English · Junior High School · 4 min read · Updated: Sep 7, 2026

Welcome to Real-World English!

In this chapter, we are going to learn the "magic words" of English—set phrases. These are groups of words that English speakers use all the time in specific situations. Whether you are meeting someone for the first time, buying a cool souvenir, or helpfully telling someone how to get to the station, these phrases will help you communicate with confidence!

Learning these phrases is like having a "cheat sheet" for real life. You don't always need to worry about complex grammar rules if you know the right expression for the right moment. Let's dive in!

1. Self-Introduction (Giving Your First Impression)

First impressions are important! When you meet someone new, the goal is to be friendly and clear.

Key Phrases to Use:

1. The Greeting: "Hello!" or "Hi! I'm (Name)."
2. The "Happy to meet you" part: "Nice to meet you." (Respond with: "Nice to meet you, too.")
3. Talking about yourself: "I'm from (Place)." / "I like (Hobbies)." / "I'm a junior high school student."
4. Closing: "Thank you!"

Quick Tip for Success:

When you talk about things you like, you can use I like + -ing. For example: "I like playing basketball" or "I like watching movies."

Common Mistake: Don't forget the "too" when responding! If someone says "Nice to meet you," saying "You too" is a short and natural way to reply.

2. Shopping (Finding What You Need)

Shopping is one of the most common times you will use English while traveling. It’s all about asking questions and making choices.

Key Phrases for the Customer:

Asking for help: "Excuse me. I'm looking for (Item)."
Asking about price: "How much is this?" (The answer will be something like: "It is $ \$10 $.")
Trying things on: "Can I try this on?"
Making a decision: "I'll take it." (This means you want to buy it!)

Key Phrases for the Shop Clerk:

"May I help you?" or "Can I help you?" (You can answer: "Yes, please" or "No thank you, I'm just looking.")

Quick Review: Remember to use "this" for one item and "these" for multiple items. "How much are these shoes?"

3. Directions (Helping and Finding Your Way)

Giving or asking for directions can feel scary, but it’s actually like following a simple map with words.

Asking for Help:

"Excuse me, how can I get to the (Station/Park)?"
"Where is the nearest convenience store?"

Giving Directions (The "Step-by-Step" Method):

1. Go straight: "Go straight for two blocks."
2. Turn: "Turn left at the corner." / "Turn right at the traffic light."
3. Location: "It's on your right." / "It's next to the library." / "It's across from the bank."

Memory Aid: Think of your body as a compass! Your left hand is "Turn left," and your right hand is "Turn right." Simple, right?

4. Travel (Trains, Planes, and Buses)

When traveling, you often need to buy tickets or understand announcements at stations.

Key Phrases:

Buying a ticket: "I'd like a ticket to (Destination), please."
Asking for the platform: "Which platform does the train leave from?"
Asking about time: "What time does the bus leave?"

Did you know?

In English, we often use "I'd like..." (short for "I would like") instead of "I want." It sounds much more polite when you are talking to staff at a station or airport!

5. Phone (Talking without Seeing the Person)

Talking on the phone can be tricky because you can't see the other person's face. Using set phrases makes it much easier.

Common Phone Phrases:

Answering the phone: "Hello? This is (Name) speaking."
Asking for someone: "May I speak to (Name), please?"
When the person isn't there: "I'll call back later."
Taking a message: "Can I take a message?"

Common Mistake: In Japanese, you might say "I am (Name)." But on the phone in English, we usually say "This is (Name)."

Summary & Key Takeaways

- Self-intro: Keep it simple and friendly. "Nice to meet you" is your best friend.
- Shopping: Use "Excuse me" to start and "I'll take it" to finish.
- Directions: Use "Go straight" and "Turn left/right" as your basic building blocks.
- Travel: Use "I'd like..." to be polite when asking for tickets.
- Phone: Identify yourself with "This is..." instead of "I am..."

Don't worry if you don't remember everything at once! The more you practice these "set phrases," the more natural they will feel. You're doing a great job!

Note: For more information on daily customs or school events, check the chapters on "Home, school and local events" and "Daily life and customs."

Quick check

Can you answer these now?

Open each question to check the key ideas from this chapter.

What is the standard response to "Nice to meet you" in a self-introduction?

The standard response is "Nice to meet you, too."

How should you describe your hobbies using the "like + -ing" pattern?

Use the structure "I like" followed by a verb ending in "-ing," such as "I like playing basketball."

What is a polite way to ask for help when looking for a specific item in a shop?

You can say, "Excuse me. I'm looking for (item)."

What phrase should you use when you have decided to purchase an item?

You should say, "I'll take it."

What is the difference between using "this" and "these" when asking about prices?

Use "this" for a single item (e.g., "How much is this?") and "these" for multiple items (e.g., "How much are these?").

How do you ask for directions to a specific destination?

You can ask, "Excuse me, how can I get to the (Destination)?" or "Where is the nearest (Place)?"

What are the three basic steps for giving directions?

The steps are: 1. Go straight, 2. Turn (left or right), and 3. Describe the location (e.g., "It's on your right").

Why is the phrase "I'd like..." preferred over "I want..." when traveling?

It is much more polite when speaking to staff at stations, airports, or restaurants.

How should you identify yourself when answering the phone in English?

You should say, "Hello? This is (Name) speaking."

What should you say if you want to leave a message for someone who isn't available?

You can ask, "Can I leave a message?" or the receiver might ask, "Can I take a message?"

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