New here? This is lesson 145 of a free 240-lesson English course.
A birthday at the diner in English
It is Dee's birthday at the Blue Plate. Ana walks in with a small gift in her tote bag.
Dee pours coffee like any other day. She does not want a big fuss.
By the end, you'll wish someone a happy birthday, hand over a small gift, and tell them to make a wish.
You didn't have to is the soft way to take a gift. Do not make a long thank you.
By the end of this lesson
Wish someone a happy birthday and give a small gift.
- Happy birthday!you say this on someone's birthday
- This is for you.This is a small gift for you.
- You didn't have to.You did not need to bring a gift.
- Make a wish.Think of one hope, then blow out the candles.
- Let's sing happy birthday.Let's sing the birthday song.
- I got you a little something.I brought you a small gift.
Scene — cake on the counter
Same afternoon on Larch Street. The Blue Plate smells like cake. A small cake sits on the counter with candles still unlit.
Ana has a small wrapped gift in her teal tote. Dee holds the coffee pot and looks a little shy.
Murray sits on two stools. His black coffee is still full. The jukebox by the door stays quiet.
Learn — birthday wishes and a small gift
Six short lines cover birthday wishes, a small gift, and a soft reply.
You'll also tell someone to make a wish and start the song.
Happy birthday!
you say this on someone's birthday
When to use it: Say this on the day of someone's birthday.
Say both words together as one warm wish.
Say it: The stress is on birth.
This is for you.
This is a small gift for you.
When to use it: Say this when you hand someone a gift.
This points to the gift in your hands.
You didn't have to.
You did not need to bring a gift.
When to use it: Say this when someone gives you a small gift.
Didn't is short for did not. It talks about the past.
Say it: The t in didn't is light.
Make a wish.
Think of one hope, then blow out the candles.
When to use it: Say this before they blow out the candles.
A wish here is one hope, not a long list.
Let's sing happy birthday.
Let's sing the birthday song.
When to use it: Say this when you want people to sing.
Let's is one piece. It means we should start.
Say it: Let's can sound short, like lets.
I got you a little something.
I brought you a small gift.
When to use it: Say this when you bring someone a small gift.
Got here is the past tense of get.
Say it: Something has a th sound.
Story — dee does not want a fuss
Watch Ana give Dee a small gift at the counter. Dee does not want a big fuss.
The highlighted words are the lines you just learned.
- Ana pushes the diner door with a small box in her tote.
DeeCome on in, hon.please come inside
AnaHappy birthday!you say this on someone's birthday- DeeWhat a surprise!You are happy this was not planned.
- AnaI got you a little something. This is for you.She brought a small gift and hands it over.
- DeeYou didn't have to.You did not need to bring a gift.
- AnaI did have to. It is a birthday.She takes the words in a too-literal way.
- DeeKeep it short, hon. The gift is enough.She shortens Ana's long answer in a kind way.
- Murray looks at the cake, then at his still-full coffee.
MurrayWell, let's sing happy birthday.Let's sing the birthday song.
DannyYeah, Ma. Come on.He wants the song to start.- MurrayHappy birthday to... wait. I can't remember the words.He starts the song, then loses the words.
- The jukebox clicks once. It plays nothing.
- Danny lights the candles on the small cake.
- DannyMake a wish, Ma.Think of one hope, then blow out the candles.
- Dee closes her eyes. The coffee pot is still in her hand.
Practice — gift or song
Ten short tasks wait here. You'll hear a line, pick a reply, fill a gap, and build a wish.
The round stays small and moves fast.
0 of 10 done
What did you hear?
What did you hear?
What do you say?
What do you say?
Dee holds out her hands for the box. What do you say as you give it to her?
What does it mean?
What does it mean?
You didn't have to.
Fill the gap
Fill the gap
Think of one hope, then blow out the candles.
Make a ____.
Build the line
Build the line
Let's sing the birthday song.
.
Tap the words in order.
Pick the reply
Dee says:
Pick the reply
What's in the bag, hon?
She asks what you are carrying.
And you reply with:
Swap the word
Swap the word
A friend hands you a small gift. Give a soft reply.
You ____ have to.
True or false?
True or false?
You say this when you already planned the visit.
What do you say?
What do you say?
A friend knocks at your door. You want them inside.
Match the pairs
English
Happy birthday!Drop the Simple English hereThis is for you.Drop the Simple English hereMake a wish.Drop the Simple English hereLet's sing happy birthday.Drop the Simple English hereSimple English
Say it — say it at the counter
Now you're Ana with a small gift for Dee. When it's your turn, tap the microphone and speak the line.
Tap play first if you want to hear the line. Your recording stays on your device.
- DeeCome on in, hon.please come inside
- Ana (you)Wish her well. It is her special day.
Wish her well. It is her special day.
Happy birthday!
you say this on someone's birthday
0 of 5 said
Recap — what you can say now
| English | Simple English | Play |
|---|---|---|
| Happy birthday! | you say this on someone's birthday | |
| This is for you. | This is a small gift for you. | |
| You didn't have to. | You did not need to bring a gift. | |
| Make a wish. | Think of one hope, then blow out the candles. | |
| Let's sing happy birthday. | Let's sing the birthday song. | |
| I got you a little something. | I brought you a small gift. |
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Keep practicing with Yak Cards
Want to keep these birthday lines handy? Grab the Yak Cards for this lesson and review them anywhere.
A quick round with the Yak Cards each day keeps your birthday wishes ready.
Open Yak Cards