2025年5月31日「モバイル英語学習」第881号(英語のなぞなぞ): What has keys but can’t open locks?

1. What has keys but can’t open locks?  鍵があるのに、鍵穴を開けられないものは何?
2. What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years? 「分(minute)」には1回、「瞬間(moment)」には2回出てくるが、「千年(a thousand years)」には一度も出てこないものは何?

Ansswers:
1. A piano. Explanation: In English, “keys” can mean both “metal keys” and “piano keys.” A piano has many keys, but they can’t open locks.
英語では「key」は金属の鍵とピアノの鍵盤の両方を意味します。ピアノにはたくさんの鍵がありますが、鍵穴は開けられません
2. The letter “m”. Explanation: “M” appears once in the word minute, twice in the word moment, and not at all in the phrase a thousand years. アルファベットの “M”。“M” は “minute” に1回、“moment” に2回登場しますが、“a thousand years” には全く登場しません。

2025年5月24日「モバイル英語学習」第880号(英語のエッセイ): France Fines Slow Drivers €35!

Notes
penalty – a punishment you get for breaking a rule – 罰則
fine – money you must pay as a punishment – 罰金
speedometer – the tool in a car that shows how fast it is going – スピードメーター
probationary license – a special license for new drivers – 仮免許
infraction – the act of breaking a rule or law – 違反


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In France, many people know that driving too fast can lead to a fine. But did you know that driving too slowly can also be a problem? If a car goes too slowly, it can be dangerous for other drivers. Because of this, drivers can get a fine if they are too slow.

On French roads, there are rules about how fast you can drive. In cities, the top speed is usually 30 to 50 km/h. On bigger roads, the limit is 80 to 110 km/h, and on some highways, it can go up to 130 km/h. New drivers must follow lower speed limits, and rain or snow can also change the rules.

There is also one rule for driving too slowly: on the fast lane of a highway, you must drive at least 80 km/h. If you don’t, you may get a €35 fine—but you won’t lose points from your license.
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