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It's okay not to be perfect. Simple English phrases using "I’m not sure, but…" for the station 🐻

2025年12月30日 18:33

Have you ever been asked something in English at the station,
felt like you had to say something,
but the words just wouldn't come out?

Even when you kind of understand
what the other person is saying,
not knowing how to respond
can make your mind go blank for a second.

But it's okay.
Even if your English isn't perfect,
there are phrases that let you "respond" properly.

I’m not sure, but… is a "gentle response"

I’m not sure, but… is
English that lets you honestly say "I don't know"
without stopping the conversation.

You don't have to force yourself to give perfect directions.
Just by using this one phrase,
you can be kind to both the other person and yourself.

I’m not sure, / but maybe this way.
I'm not entirely sure, but it's probably this way.

💡
It's fine to say it along with pointing or a light gesture.
Even if it's not perfect, it will get across.

I’m not sure, / but let me check.
I don't know, so let me check for a moment.

💡
This is a very kind way to respond
that gives you time to look at a map or
ask someone nearby.

I’m not sure, / but you can ask / the staff.
I don't know, so please try asking the station staff.

💡
You don't have to force yourself to guide them.
Connecting them to help is also a great response.

I’m not sure, / but it’s not far.
I'm not entirely sure, but it's not far.

💡
Even if you can't give a detailed explanation,
you can still convey a sense of reassurance.

Example
A: Which platform should I go to?
(Which platform should I go to?)

B: I’m not sure, / but let me check.
(I'm not sure, so let me check.)

In English,
you don't always have to provide the correct answer.

I’m not sure, but… is
a gentle way of speaking English
that keeps you from feeling pressured.🐻

When you are asked something in English at the station,
I would be happy if you could remember this phrase.

* / indicates a "pause when reading."
Even if you don't say it out loud, please use it as a guide to follow the meaning.🐻