英語相互添削サイト「Lang-8」（ランゲート）をやり始めて、一年になります。
TOEIC対策の勉強や Skype英会話のレッスンではどうしても身に付かなかった「英作文スキル」を「タダで」伸ばしたいと思って始めたのです。
できるだけ毎日、3〜4行くらいの日記のようなものを書き続けようと思って始めたのですが、結果として一年間で 300件近くの投稿をすることができました（そのうち実際に添削されたのは9割ほど）。
私が感じた「Lang-8」の特徴（メリット・デメリット）を細かく挙げると、
- 無料プランだと、基本的に（投稿1件につき）1回しか添削されない
- 採点する側もボランティアなので、完璧な添削は望めない
- 中にはネイティブじゃない人が採点してくれる
- 方言（米英や地方など）もあるので、添削に一貫性がない
- 添削後の英文が、ニュアンスや意図が変わってしまっている可能性も
- 英語のテストと違って、いろいろな言い回しを試せる
- 添削してもらえると純粋に嬉しい！
といろいろあるのですが、「英作文スキルがタダで伸ばせる」というメリットがやはり一番大きいと思います。
実際に一年間やってみた感想としては、
- 英作文スキルが随分マシになった！
- ビジネスメール英作文にも活かせる（英作文に対する恐怖心がなくなった！）
- 間違えやすい癖が分かった（複数形にし忘れ ＆ 過去形にし忘れ）
- 「a」と「the」の使い分けが何となく分かってきた
- こんなのが無料でできるとは、驚き！！
などでした。
ここで、一年やってきた集大成として、英文添削結果の一部をカテゴリ順にまとめておこうと思います。
まずは、旅行や映画など、趣味のカテゴリから。
旅行
The tourist spots in San Francisco
Mar 17, 2013
一年前にサン・フランシスコへ出張に行ったとき、市内のいくつかの有名な観光スポットに行ってきました。
While I was in San Francisco on business trip a year ago, I visited several popular tourist spots in the city.
A year ago, while I was on a business trip to San Francisco, I visited several popular tourist spots in the city.
一番有名なゴールデン・ゲート・ブリッジは、天気が悪くてがっかりでした。
The most famous Golden Gate Bridge disappointed me because of bad weather.
(No correction needed.)
ケーブルカーは楽しさとスリル満点で気に入ったので、2回も乗りました。
I became a fan of the cable car which was full of fun and thrill, and I rode it twice.
(No correction needed.)
フィッシャーマンズ・ワーフとピア39 は、散歩にもってこいです。
The Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39 was good for a walk.
The Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39 was good for taking walks.
フィッシャーマンズ・ワーフからフェリー乗り場まで歩き、Hog Island Oysters というお店でたくさんのシーフードに舌鼓を打ちました。
I walked from The Fisherman's Wharf to the Ferry Building and I enjoyed a lot of seafoods at the Hog Island Oysters.
I walked from The Fisherman's Wharf to the Ferry Building and I enjoyed a lot of seafood at the Hog Island Oysters.
いつも行列ができている Dottie's True Blue Cafe に行き、朝食セットとパンケーキを食べました。
I went to the Dottie's True Blue Cafe, which always creates lines, and I ate a breakfast set with pancakes.
(No correction needed.)
アメリカ本土への旅行は初めてだったので、見るもの全てが新鮮でした。
It was the first trip to the U.S. mainland for me, so everything looked a new experience.
It was my first trip to the heart of U.S, so everything I saw was a new experience.
I love travelling overseas.
Apr 6, 2013
私の趣味の一つは、海外旅行です。
My hobbies include travelling overseas.
(No correction needed.)
特にアジアの国を旅行するのが好きで、これまでに、タイ、マレーシア、韓国、グアムに行ったことがあります。
I especially love travelling Asian countries, and I have been to countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Guam.
I especially love travelling to the Asian countries
,and I have been to countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Guam.
モルディブには、妻と新婚旅行で行ってきました。
My wife and I visited to Maldives for the honeymoon.
My wife and I visited
toMaldives for our honeymoon.
高かったですが、行ってよかったです。
It was very expensive, but it was worth visiting.
(No correction needed.)
海の色はターコイズブルー、気候も暖かくて穏やかで、すっかり惚れ込んでしまいました。
We fell in love with it because the sea was turquoise green and the weather was warm and mild.
We fell in love with it because the sea was light green and the weather was warm and mild.
Turqoise green? never heard of it. I'd call it light green :)
ホテルはとても居心地がよく、スタッフは親切でした。
The hotel was very comfortable and the staff was courtesy.
The hotel room was very comfortable and the staff were courteous.
I enjoyed Kobe.
May 4, 2013
昨日、妻と実家近くの神戸に行ってきました。
Yesterday I went to Kobe near my home town with my wife.
(No correction needed.)
まず、ロープウェイに10分乗って、神戸布引ハーブ園に到着しました。
First, we enjoyed riding in a ropeway by ten minutes and arrived at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens.
First, we enjoyed riding in a ropeway for ten minutes until we arrived at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens.
and vs. "until we": It's grammatically correct to say and. But we look for relationships between statements. First you rode the ropeway. Then you arrived at the Gardens. Or you rode the ropeway to the Gardens. Or you rode the ropeway until you reached the Gardens.
"ropeway": We tend to use the term "cable car". If you say ropeway, an English speaker may not realize what you mean, and you may have to say "cable car".
丘の頂上にはいくつものハーブの庭があり、そこからの見渡す神戸の街並みは素晴らしかったです。
There was a variety of herb gardens on the top of the hill, and it had the wonderful view of Kobe city from there.
There was a variety of herb gardens at the top of the hill, and it had a wonderful view of Kobe city from up there.
妻はハーブが好きで、たくさん写真を撮りました。
My wife likes herbs and we took many photos there.
(No correction needed.)
次に、北野異人館通りに沿って散歩しました。
Next, we went for a walk along the Kitano Ijinkan-gai street.
(No correction needed.)
神戸をエンジョイした後、新幹線に乗って東京に帰りました。
After enjoying Kobe, we got the bullet train to Tokyo.
After enjoying Kobe, we took the bullet train back to Tokyo.
The expression is to "take a train". or "take a bus", etc.
I would say "back to Tokyo" rather than just "to Tokyo" because it sounds natural. You went to Kobe, then you came back.
My relatives in Australia
May 8, 2013
オーストラリアのパースに、親戚の家族が住んでいます。
I have a family of relatives in Perth, Australia.
I have relatives in Perth, Australia.
There is nothing grammatically incorrect here. However, you don't need to say "family of relatives". You can say, "I have family in Perth, Australia" or "I have relatives in Perth, Australia". :)
潤二は私の実家の近くに住んでいたのですが、大学生の頃に突然オーストラリアに留学し、地元の女性と結婚したのです。
Junji used to live near my house, but he suddenly studied abroad in Australia in his college years and got married a local lady.
Junji used to live near my house, however, he suddenly studied abroad in Australia in his college years and
gotmarried a local lady.Another way of writing this is: "Junji used to live near my house, however, he decided to study abroad in Australia for college, and ended up getting married to a local lady."
彼らの新居を見に行きたいし、パースの名所を案内してほしいなぁ。
I'd like to see their new house and have them taken us to the best spot of Perth.
I'd like to see their new house and have them take us to the best spots in Perth.
"Of" isn't wrong, but best spots "in" Perth would be more natural.
でも、彼らの電話番号やメールアドレスなどが分かりませんでした。
However, I hadn't known their phone number, email or etc.
However, I didn't know their phone number, email and etc.
そこで、ゴールデンウィークの間に実家に帰ったとき、彼の両親に会ってメールアドレスをゲットしてきました。
I visited his parents and got his email when I went back to my home town during the Golden Week.
(No correction needed.)
昨日、彼から返事がありました。
I got a reply from him yesterday.
(No correction needed.)
近いうちに、オーストラリアに行けるといいなぁ。
I wish I could go to Australia in the near future.
(No correction needed.)
I'm on a superexpress for Osaka.
Dec 1, 2013
今、友人の結婚式に参加するために、大阪行きの新幹線に乗っています。
Now I'm in a superexpress bound for Osaka to attend my friend's wedding.
Now I'm on a super express train bound for Osaka where I will attend my friend's wedding.
It is difficult to explain, but in English while you are sitting inside a train (plane or a bus), you are ON a train (plane or a bus). Calling it a super express is a clever trick to work around the problem, but I think it is still "a super express train".
そこで、高校時代の友人達に会うのが楽しみです。
I'm looking foward to seeing my old friends from high school there.
(No correction needed.)
今日は、大阪の近くに住んでいる私の父の誕生日でもあります。
Today is also my father's birthday, and my parents lives near Osaka.
(No correction needed.)
実家に帰る絶好のチャンスなので、結婚式の後で両親に会いに行こうと思います。
I think this is a good chance to come back my hometown, so I will visit them after the wedding.
I think this is a good chance to come back to my hometown, so I will visit them after the wedding.
A business trip to Istanbul
Dec 9, 2013
来月1月に、イスタンブールに出張に行けるかもしれません。
I may be able to go to Istanbul on a business trip next January.
(No correction needed.)
トルコの公用語は英語ではないのですが、トルコはヨーロッパに隣接しているので、多くの人が英語を話せるのだそうです。
Turkish official language is not English, but it is said that many people can speak English because Turkey is located next to Europe.
The official language of Turkey is not English, but it is said that many people can speak English because Turkey is located next to Europe.
英語を話す人に囲まれれば、自ずと私の英語スキルもアップすると思うので、それが本当ならうれしいなぁ。
It would be nice when it comes true, because surrounded by English speakers will improve my skill.
It would be nice if that is true, because being surrounded by English speakers will improve my skill.
I am going to fly to Istanbul tomorrow night.
Jan 15, 2014
明日の夜、トルコのイスタンブールに出発します。
I will depart for Istanbul, Turkey tomorrow night.
I am going to fly to Istanbul in Turkey tomorrow night.
"Depart" seems very formal to me. "Fly to" may be slightly better.
英語のオンラインレッスンをやめてから、随分日数が経っていました。
I had a long interval in speaking English after I stopped taking online lessons.
There was a long period of not speaking in English after I stopped taking online lessons.
この1ヶ月間で直前レッスンを受けたおかげで、英会話力が戻ってきました。
Then, I could renew my conversation skill due to the last-minute lessons in a month.
Then, I regained confidence in my conversation skills thanks to the last-minute lessons this month.
"I could renew" does not seem to be optimal. "I was able to refresh my..." would probably be better.
あとは、体調と時差ボケに気を付けないと。
As for the rest, I should be careful of my health and jet lag.
As for the rest, I should take care of my health and be prepared for possible jet lag.
1st Day in Istanbul
Jan 29, 2014
12時間半のフライトの後、アタテュルク国際空港に午前4時に到着しました。
After twelve and a half hours flight, I arrived at Ataturk International Airport at 4:00 am.
After a twelve and a half hour flight, I arrived at Ataturk International Airport at 4:00 am.
I made "twelve and a half hour" into an adjective.
それから、ホテルにチェックインして就寝しました。
I checked into the hotel and went to bed an hour after that.
(No correction needed.)
そして、正午すぎにイベントの主催者と打ち合わせをしました。
Then, I had a meeting with an event host after noon.
Then, I had a meeting with an event host in the afternoon.
イベントを楽しんで、夜にカクテルパーティに参加しました。
I enjoyed the event, and I attended a cocktail party at night.
I enjoyed the event
,and I attended a cocktail party later at night.
パーティで、トルコ語の通訳付きでちょっとしたスピーチをしました。
At the party, I gave a brief speech through a Turkish translator.
(No correction needed.)
旅行前のギリギリに英語のレッスンを受けていて正解でした。
I was right to have last-minute English lessons before the trip.
Good thing I had last-minute English lessons before going on the trip.
2nd Day in Istanbul
Jan 30, 2014
イスタンブール2日目は忙しく働きました。
I worked hard on the 2nd day in Istanbul.
(No correction needed.)
正午に、バックギャモン検定試験の監督をしました。
At noon, I administered a proficiency test in backgammon.
(No correction needed.)
受検者一人ずつに、折り紙で折った鶴をプレゼントしました。折り鶴は、日本では幸運の鳥とされています。
I gave a folded-paper crane, which is regarded as a lucky bird in Japan, to each testee as a gift.
(No correction needed.)
検定が終わって何時間かして、ようやく採点を終えることができました。
I finished grading test papers a couple of hours after it ended.
(No correction needed.)
一日の最後に、メイントーナメントの準決勝戦の対局ビデオを撮影しました。
At the end of the day, I shot a match video of the semifinal game in the main tournament.
(No correction needed.)
試合は深夜まで続きました。
It continued late into the night.
(No correction needed.)
I can't find any mistakes here. That was easy!
It is always possible to change the way you say things when you write, but a lot of that is personal preference. I don't think that is needed here.
3rd Day in Istanbul
Jan 31, 2014
午後に、専用の機材を使ってメイントーナメントの決勝戦のビデオ撮影をしました。
In the afternoon, I made a video of the final match in the main tournament using a dedicated equipment.
(No correction needed.)
表彰式の席で、イベント主催者から「ベスト・パートナー賞」としてトロフィーを授与されました。
At the awards ceremony, I received a trophy as the best partner from an event host.
At the awards ceremony, I received a trophy as the best partner from the event host.
Use "the" if there was only one event host. If there was more than one event host, then "an" is correct.
トロフィーがもらえるとは全く思っていなかったので、すごくびっくりしました。
I was very surprised with it because I had never expected.
I was very surprised because I had never expected it.
同時に、彼と協力して働くことができたことを光栄に思いました。
At the same time, I felt very honored to work in collaboration to him.
At the same time, I felt very honored to work in collaboration with him.
This was very good. If I read it fast, I don't notice any errors.
I have to read each sentence 2-3 times to see such small errors.
Last Day in Istanbul
Feb 1, 2014
4日目、残る仕事は一つだけだったので、空いた時間のほとんどを市内観光に使いました。
On the fourth day, because I had only a work left, I spent much of my free time in sightseeing around the city.
On the fourth day, because I had only work left to do, I spent much of my free time in sightseeing around the city.
This phrase does not need "a" before work.
I added "to do" at the end of the second phrase as this makes it sound much more natural.
午後に、イスタンブール・サファイアというヨーロッパで一番高いビルに一緒に行くよう招待されました。
In the afternoon, I was invited to go to Istanbul Sapphire, which is the highest building in Europe.
(No correction needed.)
ビルの屋上には展望デッキがありました。
There was a viewing deck on the top of the building.
(No correction needed.)
デッキから、街全体を見渡すことができました。
I was able to see across the whole city from the deck.
(No correction needed.)
家々の色が、ザクロのような赤とオレンジの間の色に見えました。
The color of the houses looked between red and orange just like a pomegranate.
(No correction needed.)
何て素晴らしい景色！
What a superb view!
(No correction needed.)
映画
I watched Moneyball.
Jun 8, 2013
今日、DVDで「マネーボール」を観ました。
I watched Moneyball on DVD today.
(No correction needed.)
以前に小説を読んだことがあったので、ずっと観たかったのでした。
I've been wanted to watch it because I read the novel before.
I've been wanting to watch it because I read the novel before.
日本語吹き替え版ではなく、英語版で観てみました。
I tried watching in English not in translated Japanese version.
I tried watching in English, not in the translated Japanese version.
でも、非常に早口だったので、話している内容が難しすぎて理解できませんでした。
But it was too difficult to understand what they said because they speak very fast.
(No correction needed.)
もっと英語のリスニングスキルを上げていかなければいけません。
I have to improve my listening skill of English more.
I have to work on improving my listening skills of in English
more.
Pixar movies
Jul 17, 2013
ピクサー映画を観るのが好きです。
I like watching the Pixar's movies.
I like watching
thePixar movies.this is how we call their movies. Pixar's movies is still correct but it's more common to hear Pixar movies. if you were talking about Pixar as an entity or a company and talking about their movies then you might hear it that way. for example if you tell someone "Pixar's movies are really good compared to some other companies."
一番のお気に入りは「カーズ」ですが、もちろん「カーズ2」も。
My favorite is "Cars", and of course not forgetting "Cars 2".
My favorite is "Cars", and of course I'm not forgetting about "Cars 2".
もうすぐ「モンスターズ・ユニバーシティ」を観ようと思っています。
I have a plan to watch "Monsters University" soon.
I have plans to watch "Monsters University" soon.
you can also say 'I plan to watch "Monsters University" soon.'
もしピクサー映画が好きなら、何が一番好きか教えてくれませんか？
Please let me know your favorite one if you like it too.
Please let me know what your favorite movie is.
Monsters University
Aug 7, 2013
ピクサーの映画を観るのが好きで、昨日「モンスターズ・ユニバーシティ」を観てきました。
I love watching Pixar movies, and I watched Monsters University yesterday.
(No correction needed.)
夜遅くから始まる回だったので、映画館に人は少なかったです。
There were few people at the theater because it started late at night.
(No correction needed.)
レイト・ショーのおかげで、いつもより安い値段で観られたのでよかったです。
I was happy to watch it at a lower price than usual thanks to the "late show".
(No correction needed.)
The newest movie by Studio Ghibli
Aug 9, 2013
大ヒットしているスタジオジブリのジャパニメーション映画「風立ちぬ」のチケットを予約し、今日観に行く予定です。
I made a reservation to watch the box-office "Kaze Tachinu", Japanese animated movie made by Studio Ghibli, and I'm going to watch it today.
I made a reservation to watch the box office hit "Kaze Tachinu", a Japanese animated movie made by Studio Ghibli, and I'm going to watch it today.
"Box office" usually means "the amount of money received from ticket sales" or a relative power (potential) to generate such sales. "Box office hit" means a bestseller movie or a movie that generates strong ticket sales (brings a lot of money from sale of tickets).
"a Japanese animated movie" = one of several (many) movies
タイトルは「The Wind Awakes」と訳すことができるのですが、実際どういう意味なのかは分かりません。
The title can be translated as "The Wind Awakes", but I can't understand what it actually means.
(No correction needed.)
主人公は、第二次世界大戦中にゼロ戦を開発した飛行機エンジニアです。
The main character is an aircraft engineer who developed the Zero fighter in World War II.
The main character is an aircraft engineer who developed the Zero fighter during World War II.
I changed "in World War II" to "during World War II", but you may want to rephrase (express in different words; change) the sentence.
事前知識によると、彼が関東大震災と戦争の中で奮闘する様を描いているとのことです。
According to my prior knowledge, it shows how he struggled in the Great Kanto earthquake and the war.
As far as I know, it shows how he struggled during the Great Kanto earthquake and the war.
I would consider "According to my prior knowledge" very formal. "As far as I know" would sound more natural to me.
The movie "Like Father, Like Son"
Oct 19, 2013
昨晩、妻と「そして父になる」という映画を観てきました。
My wife and I watched a movie "Like father, like son" last night.
My wife and I watched a movie called "Like Father, Like Son" last night.
Or "watched the movie "Like Father, Like Son" last night."
その映画は赤ちゃんの取り違えをテーマにしていて、それに悩まされる家族の姿が描かれています。
Its subject is switched babies, and their families suffered from it.
It's about switched babies, and how their families suffer because of it.
"switched babies" makes sense, but there is the common phrase "babies switched at birth" that sounds more natural :) "It's about babies switched at birth, and how their families suffer because of it."
私にはまだ子供はいませんが、考えさせられるドラマでした。
I don't have any kid yet, but it was a thought-provoking drama for me.
(No correction needed.)
"Now You See Me"
Nov 21, 2013
明日、映画館で「グランド・イリュージョン」を観に行く予定です。
I'm going to see "Now You See Me" at a theater tomorrow.
I'm going to see the "Now You See Me" movie at a cinema tomorrow.
I think in Europe "theater" (in American English, or "theatre" in British English) is something different than "cinema".
When talking about art and places where such art is performed, it is used almost exclusively for the type of art where actors perform live a theatrical play on a scene for their audience. I think it is similar to traditional performing arts of Japan, like kabuki or noh.
I understand that it may be different in America, where "movie theater" may be called "theater", but I do not know if it is a popular usage and if it is considered colloquial or formal.
I would suggest using "cinema" or "movie theater" instead of just "theater", because it may be confusing, especially if there is in your town a place called "theatre" (or "theater") in a traditional sense.
以前、違う映画を観たときにやっていた予告編を見て、観てみようと思ったのです。
Its trailer made me want to see it when I saw the other movie before.
Last time, when I saw a different movie, I've seen its trailer and it made me want to see the movie.
"A different movie" (some unmentioned so far) is a guess. "The other movie" seems unclear or incorrect.
でも、日本では何故、タイトルが「グランド・イリュージョン」に変えられているのか不思議です。
Well, I'm wondering why this movie title was changed into "Grand Illusion" in Japan.
Well, I'm wondering why the title of this movie was changed into "Grand Illusion" in Japan.
Or: Well, I'm wondering why this movie's title was changed into "Grand Illusion" in Japan.
大したことではないけど。
It's not really matter, though.
It does not really matter, though.
Or: "It doesn't really matter, though."
:)
I'm really looking forward to it with a smile.
Years after ":)" was introduced, it doesn't seem so trendy to me anymore.
It may be a good idea to use it from time to time in a text message from a mobile phone, but if a text is slightly more formal...
The reason why I watch movies often
Nov 22, 2013
最近、映画館でよく映画を観ます。
Lately, I often see movies at a cinema.
Lately, I have been watching movies at a cinema.
saikin is lately and off late as well. but their usage in the sentence differs.
Off late, I watch movies at a cinema frequently.
一番の理由は、会社の近くに、新しくて小ぎれいなのに全然混んでない、いい映画館を見つけたことです。
The biggest reason is I found a nice cinema, which is new and tidy but is never crowded, near my office.
Because I found a nice cinema near my office, which is new, tidy and is never crowded.
加えて、夜8時を過ぎるとチケットが安くなるので、仕事帰りに行こうと決めたのです。
Plus, the ticket's price is supposed to go down after 8 p.m, so I decided to see a movie after work.
Plus, the ticket's price goes down after 8 pm. so I decide to see a movie after work regularly.
The movie "Gravity"
Dec 27, 2013
今日、映画館に妻と「ゼロ・グラビティ」を観に行く予定です。
I'm going to see the movie "Gravity" with my wife at a cinema tonight.
(No correction needed.)
彼女の周りでは評判がよくて、ずっと観たいと言っていたのです。
She has been wanting to see it for some time past, because it has a good reputation around her.
She has been wanting to see it for some time now, because it has a good reputation to her.
加えて、彼女はジョージ・クルーニーが大好きだったというのも、理由の一つでした。
Plus, George Clooney is her favorite, and that is her another purpose to see it.
Plus, George Clooney is her favorite, and that is her other reason to see it.
In this sentence, you must use "other" not "another". If you remove "her", you could correctly use "another" - but then the meaning changes slightly. The use of the pronoun "her" requires that you use "other" just after it instead of "another."
The use of "purpose" is correct, but "reason" sounds more natural to me.
今日は、勉強のために日本語字幕を見ずに観てみようと思います。
I will try to see it without Japanese subtitles for my study.
I will try to see it without Japanese subtitles to aid my study.
It sounds more natural this way to me.
My impressions of the movie "Gravity"
Dec 28, 2013
妻の提案で、昨晩、「ゼロ・グラビティ」を観てきました。
We saw the movie "Gravity" at my wife's suggestion last night.
Last night we saw the movie "Gravity" at my wife's suggestion.
With "last night" in the original position at the end of the sentence, the reader could get the impression that your wife made the suggestion last night, not that you saw the movie last night. The corrected sentence reads more clearly as you intended ( I think).
あまり期待していなかったのですが、これ以上ないくらい良かったです。
I didn't have a lot of expectations for it, but it couldn't have been better.
(No correction needed.)
ドキドキするシーンがたくさんあって、妻は驚き疲れてしまっていました。
It had a lot of suspenseful scenes, and my wife got tired of being surprised.
(No correction needed.)
今年のナンバーワン映画です。
It became my #1 movie this year.
(No correction needed.)
"The Wolf of Wall Street"
Feb 5, 2014
公開翌日に、映画館で「ウルフ・オブ・ウォールストリート」を観てきました。
I watched "The Wolf of Wall Street" at a cinema on the next day when it was released.
I watched "The Wolf of Wall Street" at a cinema on the day after it was released.
this is the way we usually say this.
今ホットな映画で、刺激的なCMをたくさんやっています。
It was a hot movie, and we often saw its attractive commercials.
(No correction needed.)
観に行ったとき、映画館は観客でいっぱいでした。
The cinema had a number of audience when I watched it.
The cinema had a large audience when I watched it.
when you say "a number of people" it sounds goo general. The reader does not know if you meant "a lot of people" or "not many people". The correction solves that issue.
ストーリーはこんな感じです。
The story was as follows:
(No correction needed.)
レオナルド・ディカプリオは株式仲介人で、違法な手段を使って法外な金を稼ぎました。
Leonardo DiCaprio is a stockbroker, and he earned big money with his illegal way.
Leonardo DiCaprio is a stockbroker who earned a lot of money with his illegal business practices.
you can say "he earned big money" but this is a phrase that is usually spoken, not written. It is basically a slang term. It is more natural to say "a lot of money".
I used the term "illegal business practices" to end the sentence in a more natural way.
最後は、彼の狼のように過激な行動で、身を滅ぼすことになりました。
Finally, he destroyed himself by his excessive behavior like a wolf.
Finally, he destroyed himself by his excessive wolf-like behavior.
驚いたことに、実話に基づいたストーリーだそうです。
I was surprised that it was based on the true story.
I was surprised that it was based on a true story.
ジェットコースターのようにスリリングな映画でした。
I felt thrilled like a roller coaster.
I felt thrilled like riding a roller coaster.
その他の趣味
A post about hobbies.
Mar 5, 2013
妻と私の共通の趣味の一つは、カラオケです。
One of the common hobbies between my wife and me is karaoke.
A common hobby that my wife and I share is karaoke.
先週金曜の夜にも、90年代の歌を唄ったのでした。
We enjoyed 90's songs even last Friday night.
We sang 90's songs even last Friday night.
でも実際、二人の趣味はカラオケと旅行を除いて、全然違うのです。
Actually, we have whole different hobbies except karaoke and traveling.
Actually, we have completely different hobbies besides karaoke and travelling.
私はマンガとTVゲームが好きですが、彼女は好きではありません。
I like comics and TV games, but she doesn't like them.
(No correction needed.)
彼女は習字と料理と掃除が好きですが、私は好きではありません。
She likes calligraphy, cooking and cleaning, but I don't.
(No correction needed.)
でもそれは、ずっと一緒に暮らしていくのにちょうどいいのかもしれません。
But I think it may be a good way to stay together for a long time.
(No correction needed.)
I like to get massages.
Apr 5, 2013
仕事でストレスが溜まると、時々マッサージを受けに行きます。
I sometimes go to get a massage when I am stressed out with my work.
I sometimes go to get a massage when I am stressed out by/from my work.
近所にいいタイマッサージ店があります。
I have a nice Thai massage shop in my neighborhood.
There is a nice Thai massage shop in my neighborhood.
To clarify that you do not own the shop, you may wish to say, "There is a nice..." instead of "I have...". Not crucial, but something to consider.
店長さんはすごく優しい人でマッサージ技術も抜群です。なので、店に行くといつも彼女にマッサージをしてもらいます。
The manager is very kind and she has an excellent skill, so I always get a massage from her.
The manager is very kind and she has
anexcellent skills, so I always get a massage from her."an excellent skill" implied that she only has one excellent skill. Although you are correct, we usually say "she has excellent skills" or we would say, "she is very skilled at giving massages".
妻も彼女のことをすごく気に入っています。
My wife also likes her very much.
(No correction needed.)
我が家のリビングにはマッサージチェアがありますが、ずっと放ったらかしのままです。
We have a massage chair in our living room, but it's been left alone.
We have a massage chair in our living room, but it has been left alone.
"it's" = contraction for "it is". Although in spoken English we might say "it has" like "it's", the written version is different.
LOTO 7
Apr 23, 2013
宝くじをするのが好きで、よく買います。
I like to challenge the lottery and I often purchase the tickets.
I like to play the lottery and I often purchase the tickets.
2週間前に、新しい「LOTO 7」と呼ばれる宝くじが発売になりました。
The new lottery, called "LOTO 7" went on sale two weeks ago.
The new lottery, called "LOTO 7", went on sale two weeks ago.
一番の魅力は、最大で8億円がもらえるということです。
Its biggest appeal is that you can get 8 hundred million yen at the maximum if you win.
Its biggest appeal is that you can get an 8 hundred million yen jackpot if you win.
先週すでに試してみたのですが、何と賞金をゲットしたのです！
I already tried it last week and I did WIN!
(No correction needed.)
どのくらい勝ったと思いますか？
How much do you think I won?
(No correction needed.)
5等で、たった900円でした。
It was the 5th prize, only 900 yen. (laughs)
(No correction needed.)
My iPad
May 22, 2013
1年以上、iPadを使っています。
I have an iPad for over a year.
I've had an iPad for over a year.
ベッドの枕元にいつも置いています。
And I always put it beside my pillow on my bed.
AndI always put it beside my pillow on my bed.
寝る前にいくつかのサイトを見て回るので、毎日の睡眠が短くなってしまいがちです。
Because I browse some websites on the iPad before sleep, I tend to have shorter time to sleep every day.
Because I browse some websites on the iPad before I fall asleep, I tend to have a shorter time to sleep every night.
In the comic cafe
Jun 17, 2013
人気のマンガ「進撃の巨人」が読みたかったので、先週末にふらっとマンガ喫茶に立ち寄りました。
I happened to go to the comic cafe last weekend, because I wanted to read the hot comic "Shingeki no Kyojin".
I happened to go to the comic cafe last weekend, because I wanted to read the hot, new comic "Shingeki no Kyojin".
Maybe "Hot, new comic". Hot comic just sounds like it is literally very warm.
たくさんの本（30,000冊以上！）が置いてあったのですが、残念ながら、読みたかった本は誰かに借りられていました。
There were so many comics (over 30,000!), but unluckily someone had borrowed the ones which I wanted.
There were so many comics (over 30,000!), but unfortunately someone had borrowed the ones
whichI wanted.
仕方なく、数時間、他のマンガを読んで過ごすことになりました。
Reluctantly, I spent several hours to read other comics.
Reluctantly, I spent several hours reading other comics.
Reluctantly means you didn't want to do it really. It makes it sound very boring. If it was boring then this is fine.
I'm reading a novel.
Jul 23, 2013
Amazonの電子書籍リーダーであるKindleで、小説を読んでいます。
I'm reading a novel on Kindle, an e-books reader by Amazon.
I'm reading a novel on my Kindle, an e-book
sreader made by Amazon.You would not say "I am reading a story in book," you say "my book." So you say "my Kindle"
その小説は、私の知人が大学生の頃に書いたものです。
It was written by my acquaintance in his college days.
(No correction needed.)
冗談半分に読み始めたのですが、ストーリーが本当に面白くてハマってしまいました。
I started reading it just for fun, but I was deeply into it because the story was really attractive.
I started reading it just for fun, but I got deeply into it because the story was really interesting.
"Attractive" is usually just used for people. Also, you use "got" because at first you were not deeply into it, but you became into it afterward.
Studying world history
Aug 14, 2013
世界史を独学で勉強することに興味があります。
I'm interested in studying the world history by myself.
I'm interested in studying
theworld history by myself.You can also say, "Studying the World's History" or "Studying the History of the World"
正直なところ私は真面目な学生ではなかったので、世界史の知識があまりありません。
To be honest, I used to be a bad student, so I don't have enough knowledge about it.
To be honest, I used to be a bad student, so I don't know enough about it.
元高校教師が世界史について詳しく書いている、いいウェブサイトをたまたま見つけました。
I happened to find a nice website written by a former high school teacher, and it describes deeply about his contents.
I happened to find a nice website written by a former high school teacher, and it describes in depth his knowledge on world history.
一つの授業が5,000文字ほどあるのですが、そのウェブサイトには100以上の授業があります。
One lesson includes 5,000 characters, and the website has over 100 lessons.
One lesson includes 5,000 characters, and the website has over 100 lessons.
It is better to say how many words the lesson has, not characters
半分ほど読み終わったのですが、ゴールはまだまだ遠いです。
I've read it up to about half, but my goal is still so far.
I've read about half of it, so my goal is still
sofar (yet).Saying "yet" at the end is a little formal but quite natural. You don't have to say it
About a hot spa
Oct 18, 2013
寒くなってきました。温泉に行くにはもってこいのタイミングです。
It's getting cold, and now is a good time to go to a hot spa.
It's getting cold, so now is a good time to go to a hot spa.
最近仕事が多くて疲れていたので、温泉に行って疲れを取りたいです。
I'd like to go and take a rest there because I've been tired from a lot of work these days.
I'd like to go and
take arest there because I've been tired from a lot of work lately
家から1時間以内の場所に天然温泉があるというのを聞いたので、後で Google検索しようと思います。
Now I heard there is a natural hot spa within an hour from my house, and I will google it later.
NowI just heard that there is a natural hot spring within an hour from of my house. I will google it later.When spas are natural, I they are called "hot springs" :)
I want a new tablet
Nov 12, 2013
最近、通勤時間に iPadで電子書籍を読むのにハマっています。でも、私の（iPad miniではなく）iPad は重くて1時間も抱えていられません。
I'm into reading e-books on an iPad in my commute time lately. But, my iPad, not iPad mini, is too heavy to be held for an hour.
Lately, I've been into reading e-books on an iPad while commuting to work, but my iPad, not iPad mini, is too heavy to hold for an hour.
文頭では使わない方がいい接続詞について書かれたサイトです。参考になると思います。
https://blog.benesse.ne.jp/everes/everes_faq/2010/08/post-17.html
もう少し小さいものを買いたいと思っているのですが、Apple端末にするか Google 端末にするかは気にしていません。
So, I'd like to buy smaller one, and I don't mind whether Apple or Google.
So
,I'd like to buy a smaller one, and I don't mind which, Apple or Google.
A classical concert
Nov 14, 2013
今週末、私たちはミュージックコンサートに行く予定です。
This weekend, we are going to go to a music concert.
(No correction needed.)
妻の友人がピアニストで、彼女は毎年一度、クラシックコンサートを開いているのです。
My wife's friend is a pianist, and she host a classical concert once a year.
My wife's friend is a pianist, and she holds a classical concert once a year.
私たちはあまりクラシックコンサートに詳しくないのですが、彼女のコンサートは居心地が良いので好きです。
We are not familiar with a classical concert, but we like hers because it has homey atmosphere.
We are not familiar with
aclassical concert, but we like hers because it has a homey atmosphere.
A piano concert
Nov 16, 2013
今日の夕方、小さな会場で行われたミュージックコンサートに行ってきました。
This evening, we went to a concert at a small venue.
(No correction needed.)
私の友人が、詩の朗読に合わせてピアノ・ソロを弾いていました。
My friend played a piano solo collaborated with a poetry reading.
There was poetry reading while my friend played solo on the piano.
The sentence is vague.
I think it is better to say: "There was poetry reading while my friend played solo on the piano."
和気あいあいとしたイベントで、今日は新鮮でいつもと違った経験ができてよかったです。
It was a cozy event, and we had a new and different experience today.
It was a cozy event
,and we had a new and different experience today.
私の拙い英語を添削してくれた皆さん、ありがとうございました！
Thanks a lot. It really helps!
次回は、天気・季節に関する投稿を紹介します。
