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Food is too salty in English (advanced)

Advanced English for food is too salty. Key line: “Hey, sorry to bother you, but this steak is way too salty.”

Full script

Lin
Hey, sorry to bother you, but this steak is way too salty.
Them
Oh no, I'm sorry about that. Was it just the seasoning, or the sauce too?
Lin
Mostly the seasoning; my tongue kind of waved a white flag after two bites.
Them
Got it. I can bring a fresh one, or have them tone it down.
Lin
A fresh one would be great, if it's not too much trouble.
Them
Not at all. Want me to bring some water while you wait?
Lin
Yes, please, and maybe no extra salt anywhere near it. My tongue's still sulking.
Them
Deal. We'll keep the salt on a short leash and win your tongue back.

Key phrases

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

Polite opener
✓ Sorry to bother you, but...

Polite way to start a complaint

Useful for polite complaints

Too salty
✓ way too salty

Way too salty

"way" sounds natural here

New one
✓ A fresh one would be great.

Ask them to remake it.

"fresh one" often means a remake

Milder
✓ tone it down

Make it milder

Also for spice, volume, etc.

Quick answers

Polite opener: what to say in English

Say “Sorry to bother you, but...” — polite way to start a complaint. Useful for polite complaints.

Too salty: what to say in English

Say “way too salty” — way too salty. "way" sounds natural here.

New one: what to say in English

Say “A fresh one would be great.” — ask them to remake it. "fresh one" often means a remake.

Milder: what to say in English

Say “tone it down” — make it milder. Also for spice, volume, etc.

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