Meaning
意义
“While I'm gone, could you”可以翻译为“在我离开的这段时间,你能否……”。这句话的核心是在请求对方在自己不在场的情况下完成某项任务或照顾某些事情。它表达了一种礼貌的请求,通常用于希望对方在自己不在时进行某种协助。
使用示例
- “While I'm gone, could you water the plants?” 意思是“在我不在的时候,你能帮我浇花吗?”
- “While I'm gone, could you take care of my cat?” 意思是“在我不在的时候,你能帮我照顾我的猫吗?”
在这些例子中,使用者离开了一段时间,并希望对方能在此期间完成特定的任务。这样的表达不仅传达了请求,还显示了对对方的信任和感激。
Today's Sentences
- While I’m gone, could you make dinner?
- While I’m gone, could you rake the leaves?
- While I’m gone, could you clean the house?
- While I’m gone, could you take out the trash?
- While I’m gone, could you replace the lightbulb?
- Writer's Note
01
While I’m gone, could you make dinner?
Situation 1
Can we sit down and sort out what goes on at home?
Sure.
What’s on the list?
清单上有什么?
While I’m gone, could you make dinner?
Of course.
Situation 2
While I’m gone, could you make dinner?
Sure.
It won’t be very good but I’ll try.
可能不会很好,但我会尽量。
I’ll cut up the ingredients for each day that I’m gone.
It'll be easier to cook the meals.
这样做饭会更方便。
Great idea!
That would be so helpful!
那会非常有帮助!
02
While I’m gone, could you rake the leaves?
Situation 1
I’m going on a business trip this week.
For how many days?
3 days.
While I’m gone, could you rake the leaves?
我不在的时候,你可以帮忙把树叶耙一下吗?
Sure, I can do that.
Situation 2
While I’m gone, could you rake the leaves?
Actually, I hurt my back and I don’t know if I can help you with that.
You should get it checked out.
I'll deal with the leaves when I get back.
我回来后会处理这些树叶。
I’ll try to make an appointment at the clinic.
03
While I’m gone, could you clean the house?
Situation 1
I’m scheduled for surgery this weekend.
Oh no, so sorry to hear that.
What can I do to help out?
我能做些什么来帮忙吗?
While I’m gone, could you clean the house please?
Of course.
I’m here for you if you need.
如果你需要,我会在这里为你提供帮助。
Situation 2
While I’m gone, could you clean the house?
Can you clean it instead?
Well, we all use this house so you can contribute by vacuuming and cleaning every now and then.
Fine.
04
While I’m gone, could you take out the trash?
Situation 1
Will you be home this weekend?
No, I won’t be home until next Tuesday.
Didn’t you need me to do something around the house?
While I’m gone, could you take out the trash?
Situation 2
While I’m gone, could you take out the trash?
Sure.
Anything else?
还有其他需要的吗?
The trash and maybe sort the recycling bins?
Of course.
05
While I’m gone, could you replace the lightbulb?
Situation 1
While I’m gone, could you replace the lightbulb?
Sure.
Do you know which lightbulbs need replacing?
你知道哪些灯泡需要更换吗?
I know the master bedroom, kitchen and linen closet need replacing.
Okay, I’ll check the other rooms as well.
Situation 2
How is everything at home?
Everything is great.
Although, I don’t know if it’s just me but the house seems really dim.
不过,我不知道是不是只有我这样觉得,这个房子似乎真的很暗。
While I’m gone, could you replace the lightbulbs?
Maybe that’s why the rooms don’t seem very bright.
I’ll change them.
我会去换掉它们。
Writer's Note
"Could you" is a polite way of asking someone to do something for you. After all, if you're going to ask you might as well ask nicely, right?
Usually "could" is used in the following situations:
- General Ability
Example 1: I could play soccer really well in my teen years.
Example 2: We could play video games for hours after school. - Ask for Permission
Example 1: Could I share your umbrella? Thank you so much!
Example 2: Could I use your bathroom, please? - To Request Something
Example 1: Could you bring me a blanket, please?
Example 2: Could you get me a glass of water? - Possibility in the Past
Example 1: What a close call! You could have gotten into an accident!
Example 2: Did you buy your tickets already? You could gotten them for free if you waited another day! - Suggestion
Example 1: We could go watch the fireworks on the weekend?
Example 2: Do you think we could meet another day, instead? - Conditional of "Can"
Example 1: If we had some extra money, I'm sure we could afford to buy that car.
Example 2: If you came into the store yesterday, you could have been part of a surprise sale!
例子 1: 我在青少年时期踢足球很厉害。
例子 2: 放学后我们可以玩好几个小时的电子游戏。
例子 1: Could I share your umbrella? 非常感谢!
例子 2: Could I use your bathroom, please?
例子 1: Could you bring me a blanket, please?
例子 2: Could you get me a glass of water?
例子 1: 好险!你差点就出事故了!
例子 2: 你已经买票了吗?如果你多等一天,就能免费得到票了!
例子 1: 我们可以周末去看 "fireworks" 吗?
例子 2: 你觉得我们可以改天见面吗?
例子 1: 如果我们有一些多余的钱,我相信我们可以买得起那辆车。
例子 2: 如果你昨天进店,你可能已经参与了一场惊喜促销活动!