EverydayAdvanced
Getting a watch repaired in English (advanced)
Advanced English for getting a watch repaired. Key line: “Hi, could you check this watch for me? It keeps quitting at 8:12.”
Full script
Lin
Hi, could you check this watch for me? It keeps quitting at 8:12.
Them
Sure — did it get dropped, or did 8:12 just become its personality?
Lin
Honestly, I respect the commitment, but I'd rather it tell the time.
Them
Fair enough. If you leave it here, I can open it up today.
Lin
Great — do you have a rough estimate for the repair, before my wallet panics?
Them
If it's just the battery, you're looking at about thirty; more if gears gave up.
Lin
That sounds fair. And if you can revive it, I'll stop calling it dramatic.
Them
Deal — and if it freezes at 8:12 again, I'm charging for acting lessons.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
estimate
✓ a rough estimateask for a range
More natural than just price; asks for a range
take apart
✓ open it upcheck inside
Common for repairs; more than just open
quote
✓ you're looking at about thirtyabout thirty
Useful for giving a price casually
gave up
✓ gave upstopped working
For things that stop working; casual tone
Quick answers
estimate: what to say in English
Say “a rough estimate” — ask for a range. More natural than just price; asks for a range.
take apart: what to say in English
Say “open it up” — check inside. Common for repairs; more than just open.
quote: what to say in English
Say “you're looking at about thirty” — about thirty. Useful for giving a price casually.
gave up: what to say in English
Say “gave up” — stopped working. For things that stop working; casual tone.