Level 1 · Reading series
Lesson 47 · Shoes On or Off?
Audio track 47
Listen first
Listen once before opening the English passage.
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In many Japanese households, people take off their shoes at the entrance. They may wear slippers indoors. This custom helps keep a clean floor.
Other homes have different rules. Even in the same country, each family may do things differently. When you visit, watch your host or ask, “Should I take off my shoes?”
Follow their answer instead of guessing. A respectful visitor does not need to know every custom. A respectful visitor is ready to ask and learn.
Check your understanding
After reading, state the main idea in one sentence and find a line that supports it.
Chinese translation
许多日本家庭会在门口脱鞋，进屋后换上拖鞋。这种习惯有助于保持地板清洁。
别的家庭可能有不同规矩。即使在同一个国家，每家人的做法也可能不同。做客时，可以先观察主人，或问一句：“我需要脱鞋吗？”
按主人的回答去做，而不是自己猜。懂得尊重的客人不必熟悉所有习俗，只要愿意询问和学习。
Key words and expressions
Key terms have Chinese explanations. Hover over dotted words in the English passage for word help and pronunciation when available.
- household
- 家庭；住户。
- take off
- 脱下；也可指‘起飞’。本文指脱鞋。
- shoes
- 鞋子；英语里常用复数。
- entrance
- 入口；玄关。
- slippers
- 拖鞋；英语里常用复数。
- indoors
- 在室内。
- custom
- 习俗；惯例。
- clean floor
- 干净的地板。
- host
- 主人；接待客人的人。
- follow
- 遵循；跟随。
Background notes (Chinese)
是否脱鞋，不仅因国家而异，也取决于地区、宗教场所、学校或家庭。与其自以为知道，不如看看入口处的情况，再简短确认。理解文化不只是背知识，还包括愿意提问。