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Paying for parking in English (advanced)

Advanced English for paying for parking. Key line: “Hey, could you tell me how to pay for parking here?”

Full script

LinHey, could you tell me how to pay for parking here?
ThemSure—use the meter nearby; it walks you through it on the screen.
LinGot it. Do I tap my card, or does it only take coins?
ThemIt takes cards too, thankfully; nobody carries that many coins unless they're a pirate.
LinPerfect. And if I'm a few minutes late, am I doomed, or just fined?
ThemUsually there's a short grace period, but I wouldn't push your luck.
LinFair enough—I'd rather not donate extra money because I lost track of time.
ThemSmart move. Feed the meter, not the city—your car's no pirate ship.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

Ask

✓ Could you tell me how to pay for parking here?

A polite way to ask

Polite and natural; softer than How do I

Pay

✓ Does it only take coins?

Ask if it takes only coins

take = accept this payment type

Warn

✓ I wouldn't push your luck.

Warn: don't risk it.

Use it to tell someone not to risk it

Time

✓ lose track of time

Lose sense of time

Set phrase; not lose time

Quick answers

Ask: what to say in English

Say “Could you tell me how to pay for parking here?” — a polite way to ask. Polite and natural; softer than How do I.

Pay: what to say in English

Say “Does it only take coins?” — ask if it takes only coins. take = accept this payment type.

Warn: what to say in English

Say “I wouldn't push your luck.” — warn: don't risk it. Use it to tell someone not to risk it.

Time: what to say in English

Say “lose track of time” — lose sense of time. Set phrase; not lose time.

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