TravelBeginner
Going through security in English (beginner)
Beginner English for going through security. Key line: “Hi, can I keep my belt on?”
Full script
Lin
Hi, can I keep my belt on?
Them
Please take it off and empty your pockets.
Lin
Okay. Can I keep this coin?
Them
If it's in your pocket, remove it.
Lin
It's my lucky coin.
Them
No problem. Put it in the tray.
Lin
Thanks. I hope it stays lucky.
Them
Then the tray is lucky today.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
belt
✓ Can I keep my belt on?Ask to leave it on
Usually say my belt, not 'the belt'
pockets
✓ Empty your pockets.Take everything out
Not: turn your pockets inside out
tray
✓ Put it in the tray.Put it into the bin
At security, tray = the bin for your items
this
✓ Can I keep this?Ask if you can keep the item
Replace 'this' with the item
Quick answers
belt: what to say in English
Say “Can I keep my belt on?” — ask to leave it on. Usually say my belt, not 'the belt'.
pockets: what to say in English
Say “Empty your pockets.” — take everything out. Not: turn your pockets inside out.
tray: what to say in English
Say “Put it in the tray.” — put it into the bin. At security, tray = the bin for your items.
this: what to say in English
Say “Can I keep this?” — ask if you can keep the item. Replace 'this' with the item.