Vocabulary

$1,250 (one thousand, two hundred and fifty dollars)

adds up, it (to add up)

bank (noun)

Americans have many words to talk about money. International banks and trading houses refer to "currency." In everyday life, people normally refer to "money." Some popular slang words include "greenbacks," "dough," "bread," and "bucks." You should watch where you use these words, however, and talk about "money," "dollars," and "cents" in formal situations. Don't confuse "bills," referring to paper currency, with "bill(s)" which refer(s) to money that is owed to someone (as in "I had to pay the bill for the washing machine.").

beg, I (to beg)

bills (noun, pl.)

When exchanging money into U.S. dollars, you will be receiving "coins" and "bills" (coins consist of "pennies," "nickels," "dimes," and "quarters"; the following denominations in bills are available: $1.00, $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, $50.00 and $100.00. More detailed information dealing with denominations can be found in the Grammar section of Chapter 8.

cash (noun)

"Cash" normally refers to "bills," "coins" and "currency" as opposed to "checks" or "credit cards."

certainly (adv.)

change (inf., to change)

checks (noun, pl.)

"Checks" may refer to both "personal checks" as well as "traveler's checks." When you are finished eating at a restaurant, you may ask your server for the "check" or the "bill."

currency (noun)

denomination (noun)

dollars (noun, pl.)

exit (noun)

When you are in "public places" such as airports, bus stations, or government buildings, you will see all "exits" to the outside clearly marked so that you can quickly leave in case of an emergency. The opposite of "exit" is "entrance." With respect to entering a building, many doors are marked "push" (the direction away from you) or "pull" (the direction toward you).

fifties (noun, pl.)

hotel (noun)

When you are traveling by car along an interstate highway, you will frequently come across "motor inns" or "motels" which will be less expensive than a hotel (and often less comfortable).

how? (interr.)

Note the questions and requests used in this lesson: "Do you have...?" "Can I see...?" "Let's see...," and "How would you like...?"

however (adv.)

hundred (noun as adj.)

I'd (contr., "I would")

A contraction of "I would," "would" is an auxiliary (aux.) that can be used with an infinitive to form the conditional tense.

leaving (pres. part., to leave)

let's (contr. of "let us")

"Let's" is used to form the imperative form for the first person plural ("let us"). (E.g.: "let's leave," "let's talk," "let's go," etc.)

like (inf., to like)

When you say you "like" someone or something, you can imply a feeling of even greater intensity by using the verb "to love." (E.g.: "I like my English class." vs. "I really love my English teacher.")

like, you (to like)

look for, you (to look for)

Note the difference in meaning between "to look for" and "to look": "What are you looking for? --I'm looking for a sport shirt." (in this case, you are looking for something specific); "I'm going to look some more." (i.e., to look around, you're not looking for anything special).

money (noun)

Words like "money" and "change" are considered singular when used with verbs (e.g., "Money is the root of all evil." / "Change is not available in this machine."). However, they are considered "mass" nouns (referring to more than one thing), so they should be preceded by "some" or "any" and not "a." See the Grammar of this lesson for further explanation.

near (prep.)

notice, you (to notice)

Other verbs similar to "to notice" include "to see," "to observe," and "to note." (E.g.: "You note that many people are standing in line.")

of course (id. exp.)

pardon (noun)

One polite way to get the person with whom you're speaking to repeat what has been said is to say "I beg your pardon," "pardon me," or simply "pardon." Another more common way is to say "I'm sorry." or simply "Sorry." Using "what?" or "huh?" implies either great familiarity or slight irritation.

public (adj.)

ready (adj.)

sign, you (to sign)

Whenever you sign something, you put your "signature" on it. Another verb that is used in reference to "signing a check" is "to endorse" it.

special (adj.)

teller's (poss.)

Many "automatic teller machines" (or "ATM's") have replaced real tellers in the United States. Another interesting feature common in the U.S. is the "drive-up teller" (or "drive-up ATM" which is also available at most banks).

they (subj. pron., 3rd. pers. pl.)

transportation (noun)

twenties (noun, pl.)

window (noun)

A "window" not only refers to a place where a teller or ticket taker might work, but may also refer to the "window" of a house or building, or a "window of opportunity" (meaning that there is a time limit within which to "take advantage" of an opportunity).

you're (contr., "you are")

Story

After leaving Customs and Baggage Claim, you're ready to go to your hotel. However, first you must change some money into U.S. dollars. You notice a bank near the airport exit and go to the teller's window.

Cultural notes

U.S. currency consists of coins and paper money (bills). The primary denominations for coins are as follows:

1 cent (a penny)

5 cents (a nickel)

10 cents (a dime)

25 cents (a quarter)

50 cents (a half dollar)

100 cents (one dollar, usually called a silver dollar)

Paper money is available mainly in these denominations:

1 dollar ($1)

2 dollars ($2)

5 dollars ($5)

10 dollars ($10)

20 dollars ($20)

50 dollars ($50)

100 dollars ($100)

500 dollars ($500)

1000 dollars ($1000)

As in most countries, many Americans prefer to use smaller bills such as tens and twenties. Hundred dollar bills are more difficult to cash in small stores, restaurants, and service stations.

It is a good idea to carry one or more credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Americans rely heavily on credit cards for their purchases. While checks are also used extensively, it is unlikely that you will be able to use personal checks drawn on a foreign bank while in the U.S.

Action

YOU: Hello. I'd like to change some money into U.S. currency, please.

BANK TELLER: Certainly. Do you have cash or traveler's checks?

YOU: Traveler's checks.

NARRATOR: You sign them.

YOU: Here they are.

BANK TELLER: May I see your passport please?

YOU: Of course.

BANK TELLER: Let's see. That adds up to $1,250.00. Would you like it in any special denomination?

YOU: I beg your pardon?

BANK TELLER: How would you like your money? In twenties, fifties, or hundred dollar bills?

YOU: A hundred dollars in twenties and the rest in hundred dollar bills, please.

NARRATOR: The teller gives you your cash and you look for public transportation to your hotel.

Lesson 3 «Public Transportation»