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For Life
2009.01.07(Review of 2004.01.15 edition)

We heard an interesting conversation on the train the other day. And since it has to do with this week's theme, we thought we'd share it with you:

MOTHER: What do you want to be when you grow up, Billy?
BILLY (5 years old): I want to write WordMaster!
MOTHER: Oh, Billy, that's a beautiful dream, but don't you think you might be aiming a little too high? Maybe you should try to become an Olympic athlete or the President instead?

OK, maybe WE were dreaming ... Anyway, here's your Wednesday edition!

Today's Lesson
UNDERAGE   規定年齢に達しない、未成年の

Explanation

  • A person is underage if he is not old enough by law to do a particular activity, such as buy alcoholic beverages or drive a car.
  • underage は、アルコール類を買う、車を運転する、といった特定の行為をする年齢に法的に達していない、という意味です。

UNDERAGE

examples

  1. The only alcohol I ever had while I was still underage was a glass of champagne at my cousin's wedding reception.
  2. (bartender to high school student)
    I'm sorry, but no one underage is allowed to sit at the bar.
  3. Parents and schools need to work together in order to prevent underage drinking.
  4. The government is trying to reduce the number of vending machines selling alcohol and cigarettes because of the problem of underage buyers.

英会話レッスンAnd YOU keep aiming high too, OK?