Meaning
「I could use」は英語で「〜が必要だ」や「〜が欲しい」という意味を持つ表現です。このフレーズは、何かがあれば便利だ、役立つだろうという状況で使われます。
例えば、長い一日の終わりに「I could use a break」と言うと、「休憩が欲しい」または「休憩が必要だ」というニュアンスになります。この表現は、具体的に何かを求めるというよりは、必要性や欲求を控えめに伝えるための方法としてよく使われます。
また、「I could use some help」と言えば、「助けが必要だ」という意味になります。このように、状況に応じて柔軟に使える便利な表現です。
ポイント:「I could use」は直接的な要求を避け、相手に配慮しながら自分の必要を伝えるための表現です。
Today's Sentences
- I could use a hug.
- I could use a drink.
- I could use a friend.
- I could use a shower.
- I could use some fresh air.
- Writer's Note
01
I could use a hug.
Situation 1
Is everything ok?
I’m feeling a little down today.
Can I do anything to make you feel better?
I could use a hug.
Situation 2
How have you been since your dog passed?
I’ve been okay.
The house seems awfully quiet though.
ただ、家がとても静かに感じます。
What can I do to brighten your day?
I could use a hug.
02
I could use a drink.
Situation 1
Hey, do you have time tonight?
I can meet tonight.
I could use a drink.
Sure, you sound stressed.
Let’s meet at that lounge on 5th.
5番街のラウンジで会いましょう。
Situation 2
What a day!
I could use a drink.
Me too.
Wanna go for a nice cold beer?
冷たいビールを飲みに行きませんか?
Absolutely.
03
I could use a friend.
Situation 1
I’ve been so depressed lately.
Sounds like you’re still grieving.
I could use a friend.
You’re talking to one right now.
I’m here for you.
私はあなたのためにここにいます。
Situation 2
I’ve been a mess since the break up.
You look really sad today.
I could use a friend.
Let’s do something to get your mind off of things.
04
I could use a shower.
Situation 1
You’re so sweaty!
I’ve been at the construction site all day.
You need to wash up, we’re having guests over for dinner.
I could use a shower.
I’ll get ready real quick.
すぐに準備します。
Situation 2
I went for a long run this morning.
I thought you took longer than usual to get home.
I could use a shower.
I’ll have breakfast ready for you.
05
I could use some fresh air.
Situation 1
Some days I feel like I need therapy.
Does being a psychologist drain you?
I feel like I get so emotional with my Tuesday patients.
I could use some fresh air.
新鮮な空気が欲しいです。
Let’s go for a walk and get some coffee.
Self-care is important too!
自分を大切にすることも重要です!
Situation 2
I could use some fresh air.
Is something bothering you?
I’m upset because I couldn’t save someone from the fire last night.
You can’t save everyone.
Go out and get your mind off of things.
外に出て気分転換をしましょう。
Writer's Note
Another word to describe "I could use" is "want, need", or "wish I had". Try and substitute "I could use" with the suggested alternatives. Do they fit? Do you have other phrases or situations in your life where you use "want, need", or "wish I had"?
Here are some of my examples:
- I could use a friend. 👉 I need a friend.
- I could use a drink. 👉 I want a drink.
- I could use a new laptop. 👉 I need a new laptop.
- I could use some extra cash. 👉 I wish I had some extra cash.
- I could use some new paintbrushes. 👉 I want some new paintbrushes.
- I could use a bike to get around. 👉 I wish I had a bike to get around.