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How smart people say "I don't have time" | English from movies

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10行中1行目 0:00 Hana

I don't for . the .

一緒に読む一行ずつ聞くだけ

もう一度聞きたい文を選んでください。単語をタップすると意味が表示されます。下線が引かれた単語は、この動画のキーワードです。

Hana I don't for . the .
Marco So no ? the ?
Tutor and .
Beverly Hills Cop . I can't now.
Tutor and .
A Life at Stake I'm up now.
Tutor , .
The Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movie . I'm now.
Hana I can't now, Marco. me .
Marco . By , it's a in .

まず押さえたいこと

How smart people say "I don't have time"

Instead of "I don't have time," say "I can't right now," "I'm tied up now," or "I'm swamped right now." These lines say you're busy at the moment, not that the other person doesn't matter. If you also offer a later time, like "Tell me after lunch," your no sounds kind.

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単語をタップすると意味が表示されます。下線が引かれた単語は、この動画のキーワードです。

表現ごとの解説

I can't right now. 口調とニュアンス: Soft and friendly

Use it when someone asks for your time and you want to say a kind no that means maybe later. Add a later time if you can, because the line alone can sound unfinished.

“Look. I can't right now.”

使用作品：Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
I'm tied up now. 口調とニュアンス: Polite and busy

This one works well at work. It means you're busy with something at the moment, like a call or a task. Avoid it when you're clearly free, because people will notice.

“I'm tied up now.”

使用作品：A Life at Stake (1955)
I'm swamped right now. 口調とニュアンス: Honest, very busy

Swamped means you have too much work. Use it with coworkers and friends when you're honestly overloaded. It's informal, so choose a softer line for a formal email to a client.

“Look. I'm swamped right now.”

使用作品：The Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movie (2024)
Now's not a good time. 口調とニュアンス: Calm and direct

Use it when the timing is the problem, for example when someone calls during a meeting. Said with a flat voice, it can sound cold, so add a later option.
I'm in the middle of something. 口調とニュアンス: Neutral, focused

Use it when you're doing a task and don't want to stop. It's fine for friends, family, and coworkers. It doesn't say when you'll be free, so give a time if the other person needs one.
Can we talk later? 口調とニュアンス: Friendly, open

Use it when you want to have the conversation, just not now. It sounds polite in almost any situation. Don't use it if you never plan to talk, because the person will ask again.

よくある間違い

惜しい表現 ~~I don't have time for your story.~~

より適切な表現 I can't right now. Tell me after lunch.

The first line is grammatical but can sound like the person isn't important. The second line puts the problem on the timing and offers a later time.
惜しい表現 ~~I'm tied now.~~

より適切な表現 I'm tied up now.

Tied up is a fixed phrase that means busy. Without up, the sentence sounds like you're tied with a rope.
惜しい表現 ~~I'm swamping right now.~~

より適切な表現 I'm swamped right now.

Swamped is an adjective here, like busy or tired. You are swamped; the work swamps you.