Meaning
"I could use"는 특정 상황에서 무언가가 필요하거나 도움이 된다는 의미로 사용됩니다. 이 표현은 단순히 물리적인 필요뿐만 아니라 정신적이거나 감정적인 필요를 나타낼 때도 활용할 수 있습니다.
예를 들어, "I could use a break"라고 하면 "나는 휴식이 필요해"라는 의미로, 현재 상황에서 잠시 쉬는 것이 도움이 될 것임을 나타냅니다.
이 표현은 주로 일상적인 대화에서 사용되며, 상대방에게 자신의 필요나 원하는 바를 부드럽게 전달하는 데 유용합니다. "I need"보다 덜 직접적이고, 더 완곡한 표현입니다.
다양한 상황에서 "I could use"를 활용하여 자신이 필요한 것을 전달해 보세요. 예를 들어, "I could use some help"는 "도움이 필요해"라는 뜻으로, 누구에게나 쉽게 도움을 요청할 수 있는 표현입니다.
이처럼 "I could use"는 일상 영어에서 자주 사용되는 표현으로, 자신의 필요를 부드럽게 전달하는 데 효과적입니다.
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.
하지만 집이 무척 조용한 것 같아요.
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.
5번가에 있는 그 라운지에서 만나요.
Situation 2
What a day!
I could use a drink.
Me too.
Wanna go for a nice cold beer?
시원한 맥주 한잔 하러 갈래?
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.
제가 당신을 위해 여기 있습니다.
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.
빨리 준비할게.
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.
신선한 공기가 필요해.
Let’s go for a walk and get some coffee.
Self-care is important too!
자기 관리는 또한 중요하답니다!
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.
나가서 다른 생각을 하며 기분 전환을 해보세요.
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.