Day 79 of 160

Day 79: Decline It Politely, Please

At San Fernando City Hall in Pampanga, Grace (A), the mayor's chief of staff, interviews April (B) for the post of executive assistant and asks her to draft, aloud, a formal letter declining an invitation on the mayor's behalf.

How to study this lesson 3 steps
  1. Read the situation under the title. It says who is talking and how they know each other, which decides how politely they speak.
  2. Read the dialogue line by line with its translation, until every line makes sense.
  3. Spend at least 30 minutes listening to native Tagalog. It doesn't matter if you don't understand it yet.

Dialogue

Audio for this lesson is coming soon. For now, read the dialogue and its translation.

Keys: E hide English · ← → previous / next day

  1. A

    April, tatanggihan ni Mayor ang imbitasyong ito. Idikta mo ang sagot.

    April, the mayor is declining this invitation. Dictate the reply.

  2. B

    Heto po: "Hindi po makakapunta si Mayor sa event ninyo dahil busy siya."

    Here goes: "The mayor can't come to your event because she's busy."

  3. A

    Totoo, pero parang pinagsarhan mo sila ng pinto. Pormal na Filipino, at may puso.

    True, but it's like you shut the door on them. Formal Filipino, and with some heart.

  4. B

    Opo. "Ayon sa inyong liham, gaganapin ang pagdiriwang sa ika-20 ng Hulyo; gayunman, ikinalulungkot ng Punong Lungsod na hindi siya makadadalo."

    Okay. "According to your letter, the celebration will be held on July 20; however, the City Mayor regrets that she will be unable to attend."

  5. A

    Mas maayos. Pero ano ang iaalok natin para hindi sila magtampo?

    Much better. But what do we offer so they don't feel slighted?

  6. B

    Idadagdag ko po: "Magpapadala siya ng kinatawan na maghahatid ng kaniyang taos-pusong pagbati."

    I'll add: "She will send a representative to convey her heartfelt greetings."

  7. A

    Ganyan ang tono ng opisinang ito. Sa Lunes, ikaw na ang susulat.

    That's the tone of this office. Starting Monday, you'll be the one writing.

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