The Guitar
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Diana
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Todd
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Todd: OK, Diana we are going to talk about your hobby.
Dianna: OK.
Todd: What is your hobby?
Dianna: I have lots of different hobbies but right now I'm learning to play the guitar.
Todd: Great. How long have you been playing or practicing?
Dianna: I got my guitar two years ago but I've probably spent a total of two weeks practicing.
Todd: Did you bring your guitar to Japan?
Dianna: I didn't. Actually, my brother wants to learn to play also so he's taking good care of my guitar while I'm here, but when I get back I'll jump right back into practicing.
Todd: OK, great. Well, who's a better player?
Dianna: I am for sure, but I told him that if he gets better than me while I'm away that he has to teach me everything he knows.
Todd: Oh, that's only fair. OK. Can you play any songs?
Dianna: Yes, I can play "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" and just the last part of the "Star Spangled Banner". Not the beginning, the beginning's way too hard.
hobby
I have lots of different hobbies.
A 'hobby' is something that we enjoy doing, but is not necessary for survival. Some examples of hobbies are skiing, playing video games, reading, playing music etc. Notice the following:
- I don't have much time for my hobbies right now.
- Fishing is one of my favorite hobbies.
play the guitar
I'm learning to play the guitar.
When you can use a guitar to make music we say you can 'play the guitar.' We can use 'play' as the verb for any instrument. Notice the following:
- I didn't know that you played the piano.
- He is learning to play the guitar, but isn't very good yet.
spent (two weeks)
I've probably spent a total of two weeks practicing.
If we 'spend' time doing something it means that we focus on that activity for a certain amount of time. We use 'spend' and the number of hours, days, weeks, etc., that we focused on something. Notice the following:
- I spent almost two hours making dinner tonight.
- He spent almost 5 years traveling after college.
jump right back
When I get back, I'll jump right back into practicing.
We use the phrase 'jump right back into' to show that we are beginning an activity again with the same intensity we used before. Notice the following:
- I can't wait to jump right back into skiing when winter comes.
- We can jump right back into our lessons when I get back from my trip.
way too hard
The beginning part is way too hard.
If something is 'way too hard' to do, the level is very difficult and we can't do it. It is above our ability. Notice the following:
- This book is way too hard for me to read in Spanish.
- This song is way too hard for me to play right now.
Vocabulary Quiz
right back • too hard
