Meaning
Ví dụ, khi bạn nói «I could use a cup of coffee», bạn đang diễn tả rằng một ly cà phê sẽ rất hữu ích cho bạn lúc này, có thể vì bạn cảm thấy mệt mỏi hoặc cần thêm năng lượng.
Cách sử dụng: Cụm từ này thường đi kèm với danh từ để chỉ điều mà người nói cần hoặc muốn. Nó có thể được dùng khi bạn muốn bày tỏ nhu cầu một cách nhẹ nhàng mà không yêu cầu một cách trực tiếp.
Vì vậy, nếu bạn cảm thấy căng thẳng sau một ngày dài và nói «I could use a break», điều đó có nghĩa là bạn thực sự cần một khoảng thời gian nghỉ ngơi để thư giãn.
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.
Nhưng ngôi nhà có vẻ rất yên tĩnh.
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.
Hãy gặp nhau tại phòng chờ ở đường số 5 nhé.
Situation 2
What a day!
I could use a drink.
Me too.
Wanna go for a nice cold beer?
Bạn có muốn đi uống một cốc bia lạnh không?
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.
Tôi ở đây vì bạn.
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.
Tôi sẽ chuẩn bị nhanh thôi.
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.
Tôi cần một chút không khí trong lành.
Let’s go for a walk and get some coffee.
Self-care is important too!
Chăm sóc bản thân cũng rất quan trọng!
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.
Hãy ra ngoài và thư giãn đầu óc một chút.
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.