Friends & datingBeginner
Borrowing something from a friend in English (beginner)
Beginner English for borrowing something from a friend. Key line: “Can I borrow your phone charger?”
Full script
Lin
Can I borrow your phone charger?
Them
Sure. Is your battery dead again?
Lin
Yes, just for five minutes.
Them
You say that every time.
Lin
I promise I'll bring it back.
Them
Okay, but your phone likes my charger.
Lin
Thanks. Mine is hiding again.
Them
Then keep this one. It chose you.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
ask to use
✓ Can I borrow your charger?Polite way to ask
borrow + the thing
only a bit
✓ Just for five minutes.Say: only a short time
shows it is short
return it
✓ I'll bring it back.Say you will return it
common in speech
out of power
✓ My battery is dead.Say your phone has no power
dead = no power
Quick answers
ask to use: what to say in English
Say “Can I borrow your charger?” — polite way to ask. borrow + the thing.
only a bit: what to say in English
Say “Just for five minutes.” — say: only a short time. shows it is short.
return it: what to say in English
Say “I'll bring it back.” — say you will return it. common in speech.
out of power: what to say in English
Say “My battery is dead.” — say your phone has no power. dead = no power.