Meaning
I was wondering if có thể được dịch là: “Tôi đang tự hỏi liệu…” hoặc “Tôi muốn biết liệu…”. Cụm từ này thường xuất hiện trong các tình huống giao tiếp lịch sự, chẳng hạn như khi bạn muốn hỏi ai đó một điều gì đó mà bạn không chắc chắn liệu họ có thể hoặc sẵn lòng thực hiện hay không.
Ví dụ, bạn có thể nói: “I was wondering if you could help me with this project” – “Tôi muốn biết liệu bạn có thể giúp tôi với dự án này không”. Trong câu này, người nói muốn xin sự giúp đỡ nhưng không muốn tạo áp lực cho người nghe.
Sử dụng «I was wondering if» là một cách tuyệt vời để duy trì sự lịch sự và tôn trọng trong giao tiếp hàng ngày, đặc biệt trong các tình huống đòi hỏi sự tế nhị.
Today's Sentences
- I was wondering if you could help me.
- I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me.
- I was wondering if you could give me directions.
- I was wondering if we could switch to an ocean view room.
- I was wondering if you could turn down the volume.
- Writer's Note
01
I was wondering if you could help me.
Situation 1
Hi, I was wondering if you could help me.
How can we help?
I think I have a flat tire.
Ok, let us have a look and you can pick your car up later.
Situation 2
Welcome to FirstOne Bank,
how may I help you?
bạn cần tôi giúp gì?
I was wondering if you could help me.
What can I do for you?
I want to switch my account to a more affordable one.
02
I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me.
Situation 1
I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me.
Sure, when were you thinking?
Do you have time this Saturday evening?
I do. Pick me up at 7?
Situation 2
Hey, how are you?
I’ve been busy with work these last few weeks.
I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me.
As friends or on a date?
03
I was wondering if you could give me directions.
Situation 1
Hey, I was wondering if you could give me directions.
Sure, where are you going?
I’m heading out west but can’t find my way.
Just drive down this road and take the exit onto Highway 1.
Situation 2
Excuse me?
I was wondering if you could give me directions.
Tôi đang tự hỏi liệu bạn có thể chỉ đường cho tôi không.
I sure can!
What are you looking for?
Bạn đang tìm kiếm điều gì?
What floor can I find the foodcourt?
You should find it on the third floor.
04
I was wondering if we could switch to an ocean view room.
Situation
Welcome to Brixton Hotel,
how can I help you?
tôi có thể giúp gì cho bạn?
I was wondering if we could switch to an ocean view room.
Let me double check and see if there’s a room available.
Thank you.
05
I was wondering if you could turn down the volume.
Situation
Hey, I was wondering if you could turn down the volume.
Was the music too loud?
Too loud?
I feel like I have to yell just to talk.
Tôi cảm thấy như phải hét lên chỉ để nói chuyện.
Sorry about that.
I’ll turn it down.
Tôi sẽ giảm âm lượng xuống.
Writer’s Note
The phrase "I was wondering if" is a polite and indirect way to make a request, ask a question, or introduce a suggestion. It softens the tone and makes you sound more respectful or careful.
Examples:
- I was wondering if you’d like to join me for a spontaneous coffee break.
- I was wondering if you had time to listen to this wild idea I woke up with.
- I was wondering if we could have a "no phones" dinner this weekend.
- I was wondering if dogs dream in color—and if my dog secretly judges me.
- I was wondering if I could turn my room into a mini library this weekend.
- I was wondering if time travel would ruin or improve my schedule.
- I was wondering if I could borrow your notes for the lecture I missed.
- I was wondering if you'd be interested in collaborating on a small project.
- I was wondering if I could take a few days off next month.
- I was wondering if you still remember the first time we met.
- I was wondering if everything’s okay—you’ve been quiet lately.
- I was wondering if you ever think about what we’d be like in 10 years.
Having a set of alternate phrases, similar in meaning but a different sentence, is a great way to expand your English fluency. A lot of English sentences are very repetitive because your daily routine will usually be similar day to day. Remember not to feel pressure to memorize every possible sentence. Just start with a few that you’re comfortable with and think of what kinds of situations commonly arise in your daily life and go from there.
🥳🎉Congratulations! 🥳🎉You just completed your first week of studying! Are you thinking, “It’s only been a week…”. But it’s been a whole week of minutes and hours of thinking and practicing. And that’s a great start and we applaud your effort. We, at Welling, believe that a spark of interest ignites a passion, which helps you discover a path.
