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

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10줄 중 1번째 줄 0:00 Hana

I don't for . the .

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다시 들으려면 문장을 선택하세요. 단어를 눌러 뜻을 확인하세요. 밑줄 친 단어는 이 영상의 주요 단어예요.

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 .

각 문제의 답을 고른 뒤 정답을 확인해 보세요.

문제 1

A friend wants to chat, and you want to talk later. Which line sounds kind?

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문제 2

What does "I'm swamped" mean?

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문제 3

Your manager asks for help while you're on a call. Which line fits best?

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문제 4

Which line asks the other person to agree to a later time?

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문제 5

Which line is the most informal?

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핵심만 먼저 보기

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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표현별 설명

I can't right now. 어감: 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.”

영화 속 표현: Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
I'm tied up now. 어감: 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.”

영화 속 표현: A Life at Stake (1955)
I'm swamped right now. 어감: 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.”

영화 속 표현: The Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movie (2024)
Now's not a good time. 어감: 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. 어감: 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? 어감: 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.

자주 하는 실수

어색한 표현 ~~I don't have time for your story.~~

더 자연스러운 표현 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.
어색한 표현 ~~I'm tied now.~~

더 자연스러운 표현 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.
어색한 표현 ~~I'm swamping right now.~~

더 자연스러운 표현 I'm swamped right now.

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