Chapter 3 of 19 · 2'23"
The Singing Box Debate 音乐盒争论IMDb ↗
一个音乐盒也能吵出买卖分歧
The Shop Around the Corner · 1940
CEFR B2IELTS 6.0ShopNegotiation雅思
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Subtitles
My level
The story so far
Everything you need before watchingA singing cigarette box arrives at Matuschek and Company, and the boss is ready to buy it before anyone has really judged it. Kralik objects: the novelty is annoying, the imitation leather will not last, and customers may tire of the same tune. Matuschek asks for “honest” opinions, then brushes aside every objection. When the supplier calls, his own sudden deadline exposes the comic double standard at the heart of the scene.
马
Mr. Matuschekshop owner
克
Mr. Kraliksenior clerk
瓦
Mr. Vadasclerk
诺
Miss Novotniclerk
Chapters
19 parts · AI-cut01Morning Shop Banter一句早安就能听出职场关系B22'57"02An Anonymous Letter当匿名来信让孤独变得浪漫B21'57"03The Singing Box Debate一个音乐盒也能吵出买卖分歧B22'23"04A Job Seeker's Pitch没空缺时怎样把求职说出口B24'03"05Selling the Candy Box先让顾客点头再卖出怪礼物B13'24"06A Marriage Hypothesis想结婚却先拿别人试探B24'49"07Why the Boss Changed老板突然变冷你敢问原因吗B23'12"08Asking for the Night Off想要一晚自由却先吵翻全店B24'42"09Fired Without Warning丢掉饭碗后还能体面告别吗B16'08"10A Hidden Betrayal替同事求情却撞见婚姻秘密B15'06"11The Reluctant Date真相就在桌边却没人敢碰B22'42"12First Café Encounter第一次见面就把彼此说急了B25'48"13Jealousy and Reconciliation嫉妒把老板推回了人群C14'13"14The New Manager新官上任先拿谁开刀B26'18"15A Visit to the Sick生病的人最怕听见心理问题B26'02"16Choosing a Christmas Gift送错礼物也能试出真心B23'09"17The Boss Comes Back重返旧店才发现大家都在等你B23'47"18An Invitation Home别让孤单的人独自过圣诞B23'11"19Finally Saying It终于承认早就为他心动B14'19"
00:00 / 02:23
GoldenTeaching
Transcript
00:00
So don't let's do it.“ 'Mr. Kralik?
那就别这么做了。克拉利克先生？
00:02
Yes, Mr. Matuschek.
是，马图谢克先生。
00:06
Yes, Mr. Matuschek.
是，马图谢克先生。
00:07
I can buy two dozen of these cigarette boxes at Miklos Brothers. What do you think of it ?
我可以从米克洛斯兄弟公司买两打这种烟盒。您觉得怎么样？
00:11
I think it's great.
我觉得很棒。
00:13
Well, open it.
好，打开它。
00:18
No, Mr. Matuschek, it's not for us.
不，马图谢克先生，这东西不适合我们。
00:20
But you haven't listened to it . It plays "Ochi Tchornya."
可你还没听呢。它会演奏《黑眼睛》。
00:23
Well, even if it played Beethoven's Ninth Symphony I'd still say no . No, I just don't like the idea.
就算它播放的是贝多芬《第九交响曲》，我还是会说不。不，我就是不喜欢这个主意。
00:28
It's wonderful the way you can make up your mind so quickly.
你这么快就能拿定主意，真是了不起。
00:30
I've been in this business for 35 years.
我做这行已经35年了。
00:32
It took me a whole hour to decide that I like this box.
我可是花了整整一小时，才决定我喜欢这个盒子。
00:35
But, of course, you're a genius.
当然了，您可是天才。
00:37
You know so much more than I.
您比我懂得多得多。
00:39
- Mr. Vadas? - Coming, Mr. Matuschek.
- 瓦达什先生？ - 马上来，马图谢克先生。
00:42
Miss Novotni?
诺沃特妮小姐？
00:44
- Yes, Mr. Matuschek? - Look here.
- 是的，马图谢克先生？ - 你看这个。
00:45
What do you think of this?
你觉得这个怎么样？
00:46
Now, I want your honest opinion .
现在，我要听你的真实意见。
00:48
Don't let me influence you.
别让我的看法影响你。
00:49
'All I want is your honest opinion .'
“我只要你的真实意见。”
01:01
Well, Miss Novotni?
怎么样，诺沃特妮小姐？
01:03
Well, I think people who smoke cigarettes and love to hear "Ochi Tchornya" will like it.
我觉得，抽烟、又喜欢听《黑眼睛》的人会喜欢它。
01:07
I'd even go further. I think it'll make music lovers out of cigarette smokers and cigarette smokers out of music lovers.
我还要说得更进一步：我觉得它能把烟民变成爱音乐的人，也能把爱音乐的人变成烟民。
01:12
I think it's sensational!
我觉得棒极了！
01:13
Yeah, well , Mr. Kralik have you thought it over ?
好吧，克拉利克先生，您考虑过了吗？
01:16
Yes. I still think it's uh, inadvisable.
考虑过了。我还是觉得不太妥当。
01:20
Well, give me one reason !
那你给我一个理由！
01:23
Well, let's say that a man smokes 20 cigarettes a day.
我们假设一个人一天抽20支烟。
01:26
That means that 20 times a day he has to open this box and 20 times a day he has to listen to "Ochi Tchornya."
也就是说，他每天要打开这个盒子20次，每天要听20次《黑眼睛》。
01:31
It's a perfectly terrible idea.
这主意糟透了。
01:33
And besides, it's imitation leather, the glue's no good in two weeks the whole thing will fall apart and all you'll have left is "Ochi Tchornya."
再说了，它是仿皮的，胶水也不好，两周后整个东西就会散架，你最后只会剩下《黑眼睛》。
01:38
You don't have to tell me that-that-that it's imitation leather. I know that.
你不用告诉我那、那、那是仿皮的。我知道。
01:43
You just sell things and let me do the buying , huh?
你只管卖东西，采购让我来，嗯？
01:45
Excuse me, Mr. Matuschek. Miklos Brothers on the telephone in reference to the cigarette box.
打扰了，马图谢克先生。米克洛斯兄弟公司打来电话，是关于那个烟盒的。
01:49
Oh, Miklos, yes.
哦，米克洛斯，是的。
01:52
Yes, Mr. Miklos?
什么事，米克洛斯先生？
01:55
Uh, uh..
呃，呃……
01:56
Can I call you back in about five minutes? I..
我大约五分钟后再打给您，可以吗？我……
01:59
...I'd like a little more time to think about it .
……我想再多花一点时间考虑一下。
02:02
No, no, no, no , it's not the price.
不，不，不，不，不是价格的问题。
02:04
It's just that I-I'm not quite sure about the whole idea .
只是我、我还不太确定这个主意到底怎么样。
02:08
Yes.
是。
02:10
Yes, Mr. Miklos.
是，米克洛斯先生。
02:12
What?
什么？
02:14
You can't expect me to make up my mind in five minutes!
你不能指望我五分钟内就拿定主意！
02:17
Well, if that's the case , then I'll have to say no.
好吧，如果是这样，那我只能说不。
02:20
I'm sorry.
抱歉。
Language points
Click a card to jump to its moment in the videoCollocationB1↩ 00:07
two dozen of something
two dozen of something
两打某物
I can buy two dozen of these cigarette boxes at Miklos Brothers. What do you think of it ?
我可以从米克洛斯兄弟公司买两打这种烟盒。您觉得怎么样？
CollocationA2↩ 00:07
think of something
think of something
觉得某物怎么样
I can buy two dozen of these cigarette boxes at Miklos Brothers. What do you think of it ?
我可以从米克洛斯兄弟公司买两打这种烟盒。您觉得怎么样？
CollocationA2↩ 00:20
listen to something
listen to something
听一听某物
But you haven't listened to it . It plays "Ochi Tchornya."
可你还没听呢。它会演奏《黑眼睛》。
GrammarB2↩ 00:23
even if it played Beethoven's Ninth Symphony I'd still say no
让步条件句：even if 引出假设，I'd still 表示即使如此也不改变立场。
Well, even if it played Beethoven's Ninth Symphony I'd still say no . No, I just don't like the idea.
就算它播放的是贝多芬《第九交响曲》，我还是会说不。不，我就是不喜欢这个主意。
CollocationB1↩ 00:28
make up one's mind
make up one's mind
拿定主意
It's wonderful the way you can make up your mind so quickly.
你这么快就能拿定主意，真是了不起。
GrammarB2↩ 00:28
the way you can make up your mind so quickly
the way从句：the way 后接从句，说明“做事的方式”。
It's wonderful the way you can make up your mind so quickly.
你这么快就能拿定主意，真是了不起。
Pronunciation↩ 00:28
make up your mind
make‿up、up‿your 连读，别逐词断开。
It's wonderful the way you can make up your mind so quickly.
你这么快就能拿定主意，真是了不起。
CollocationB1↩ 00:46
someone's honest opinion
someone's honest opinion
某人的真实看法
Now, I want your honest opinion .
现在，我要听你的真实意见。
Pronunciation↩ 00:46
your honest opinion
your 弱读 /jər/，honest 的 h 不发音。
Now, I want your honest opinion .
现在，我要听你的真实意见。
GrammarB1↩ 01:03
people who smoke cigarettes and love to hear "Ochi Tchornya"
定语从句：who 从句修饰 people，说明是哪一类人。
Well, I think people who smoke cigarettes and love to hear "Ochi Tchornya" will like it.
我觉得，抽烟、又喜欢听《黑眼睛》的人会喜欢它。
CollocationB1↩ 01:13
think something over
think something over
把某事仔细想过
Yeah, well , Mr. Kralik have you thought it over ?
好吧，克拉利克先生，您考虑过了吗？
SlangB1↩ 01:13
Yeah, well
嗯，不过——口语填充，常用来转折或敷衍
Yeah, well , Mr. Kralik have you thought it over ?
好吧，克拉利克先生，您考虑过了吗？
CollocationB1↩ 01:20
give someone a reason
give someone a reason
给某人一个理由
Well, give me one reason !
那你给我一个理由！
CollocationB1↩ 01:33
be no good
be no good
不好用；不管用
And besides, it's imitation leather, the glue's no good in two weeks the whole thing will fall apart and all you'll have left is "Ochi Tchornya."
再说了，它是仿皮的，胶水也不好，两周后整个东西就会散架，你最后只会剩下《黑眼睛》。
CollocationB1↩ 01:33
fall apart
fall apart
散架或逐渐崩坏
And besides, it's imitation leather, the glue's no good in two weeks the whole thing will fall apart and all you'll have left is "Ochi Tchornya."
再说了，它是仿皮的，胶水也不好，两周后整个东西就会散架，你最后只会剩下《黑眼睛》。
Pronunciation↩ 01:33
fall apart and
fall‿apart 连起来，and 弱读，语流会很快。
And besides, it's imitation leather, the glue's no good in two weeks the whole thing will fall apart and all you'll have left is "Ochi Tchornya."
再说了，它是仿皮的，胶水也不好，两周后整个东西就会散架，你最后只会剩下《黑眼睛》。
CollocationB1↩ 01:43
let someone do something
let someone do something
让我负责采购
这里 buying 指采购，不是泛指买东西
You just sell things and let me do the buying , huh?
你只管卖东西，采购让我来，嗯？
Pronunciation↩ 01:43
do the buying
the 弱读 /ðə/，do-the-buying 连成一组。
You just sell things and let me do the buying , huh?
你只管卖东西，采购让我来，嗯？
SlangB1↩ 01:43
huh?
对吧；行吗——句尾反问，带火气时像挑衅
You just sell things and let me do the buying , huh?
你只管卖东西，采购让我来，嗯？
CollocationB2↩ 01:45
in reference to something
in reference to something
关于某事；涉及某事
Excuse me, Mr. Matuschek. Miklos Brothers on the telephone in reference to the cigarette box.
打扰了，马图谢克先生。米克洛斯兄弟公司打来电话，是关于那个烟盒的。
CollocationA2↩ 01:56
call someone back
call someone back
给某人回电话
Can I call you back in about five minutes? I..
我大约五分钟后再打给您，可以吗？我……
Pronunciation↩ 01:56
call you back
you 常弱读 /jə/，call-you-back 一口气带过。
Can I call you back in about five minutes? I..
我大约五分钟后再打给您，可以吗？我……
CollocationA2↩ 01:59
think about something
think about something
考虑某事
...I'd like a little more time to think about it .
……我想再多花一点时间考虑一下。
Pronunciation↩ 02:02
No, no, no, no
四个 no 都重读，听出急着澄清的语气。
No, no, no, no , it's not the price.
不，不，不，不，不是价格的问题。
GrammarB2↩ 02:04
that I-I'm not quite sure about the whole idea
that宾语从句：It's just that 后面接完整陈述，补充说明原因。
It's just that I-I'm not quite sure about the whole idea .
只是我、我还不太确定这个主意到底怎么样。
CollocationB1↩ 02:14
make up one's mind
make up one's mind
拿定我的主意
You can't expect me to make up my mind in five minutes!
你不能指望我五分钟内就拿定主意！
GrammarB2↩ 02:14
can't expect me to make up my mind in five minutes
复合宾语：expect + 人 + to do 表示指望某人做某事。
You can't expect me to make up my mind in five minutes!
你不能指望我五分钟内就拿定主意！
CollocationB1↩ 02:17
if that's the case
if that's the case
如果情况如此
Well, if that's the case , then I'll have to say no.
好吧，如果是这样，那我只能说不。
Teaching points
Review right after watchingMy level
auto-pauses
CollocationB1↩ 00:28
make up your mind
拿定主意
In the scene克拉利克表面夸老板，实际讽刺他拍板太快。
I need a day to make up my mind about the trip.我需要一天时间决定要不要去旅行。
In daily life
选餐厅We can compare the menus before you make up your mind.你决定前，我们可以先比较一下菜单。
买家电She made up her mind after reading the warranty.她看完保修条款后决定了。
above my level
DiscourseB2↩ 00:23
even if
即使；哪怕
In the scene克拉利克假设盒子能播名曲，也坚持不接受采购。
Even if the upgrade is free, we should test it first.即使升级免费，我们也该先测试。
In daily life
改行程Even if the train is late, we should leave now.即使火车晚点，我们也该现在出发。
挑礼物Even if she likes the color, she may not need it.即使她喜欢这个颜色，也可能不需要它。
auto-pauses
Phrasal verbB1↩ 01:13
think it over
仔细考虑
In the scene老板再次追问克拉利克，想让他重新考虑反对意见。
Please think the offer over before you answer.请在答复前仔细考虑这份提议。
In daily life
换工作I need the weekend to think it over.我需要这个周末好好想想。
租房决定Think it over and tell me on Monday.你考虑一下，周一告诉我。
auto-pauses
Phrasal verbB1↩ 01:33
fall apart
散架；崩坏
In the scene克拉利克预言仿皮盒子两周后散架，只剩下歌声。
The old suitcase began to fall apart during the trip.那个旧行李箱在旅途中开始散架。
In daily life
项目延期The schedule will fall apart if we lose another worker.如果再少一个人，进度安排会彻底乱掉。
修家具This chair is falling apart, so do not sit on it.这把椅子快散架了，别坐。
above my level
IronyB2↩ 00:35
you're a genius
反话：真厉害啊
In the scene克拉利克把老板的自信夸张化，语气明显不是真夸。
You deleted the backup—you're a genius.你把备份删了，真是个天才。
In daily life
忘带钥匙You locked us out again—you're a genius.你又把我们锁在门外了，真是个天才。
修电脑You fixed the printer on the first try. You're a genius.你第一次就修好了打印机，真厉害。
above my level
CollocationB2↩ 01:45
in reference to
关于；涉及
In the scene店员接电话时用正式说法说明来电与烟盒有关。
I'm writing in reference to the invoice you sent.我写信是想谈谈你寄来的发票。
In daily life
客户邮件I am calling in reference to your service request.我打来是想询问你的服务申请。
预约改期This message is in reference to tomorrow's appointment.这条消息是关于明天预约的。
auto-pauses
DiscourseB1↩ 01:43
let someone do something
让某人负责做某事
In the scene老板不想再听销售意见，要求自己负责采购。
Let me handle the schedule for the team.让我来安排团队的日程。
In daily life
分配家务Let him wash the dishes tonight.今晚让他洗碗。
处理投诉Let me speak with the customer first.先让我和客户谈谈。
above my level
VocabularyB2↩ 01:16
inadvisable
不宜；不妥
In the scene克拉利克用克制的正式词否定这笔采购。
It would be inadvisable to skip the safety check.跳过安全检查并不妥当。
In daily life
出行提醒It is inadvisable to drive in this weather.这种天气开车不太合适。
项目决策The manager called the shortcut inadvisable.经理认为走捷径不妥。
Golden lines
A great line in its own right — why and how to use it“Well, even if it played Beethoven's Ninth Symphony I'd still say no. No, I just don't like the idea.”
就算它播放的是贝多芬《第九交响曲》，我还是会说不。不，我就是不喜欢这个主意。
Why it's great
用 even if…still…把极端假设和坚定拒绝压在一句里，反讽也很有力。
Pattern
Even if A, I'd still B.
When to use
拒绝看似诱人的方案，说明条件再好也不会改变立场。
Similar
Even if it sounds perfect, I'd still pass. ／ No matter how good it looks, I'm saying no.
Register
neutral
Shadowing tip
重读 even、still、no；在 Symphony 后短停。
Use it yourself
拒绝方案Even if the price drops, I'd still wait.即使降价了，我还是会等一等。
“It's wonderful the way you can make up your mind so quickly.”
你这么快就能拿定主意，真是了不起。
Why it's great
表面夸奖、实际反讽；make up your mind 是很自然的“做决定”。
Pattern
make up one's mind about something
When to use
评论别人拍板太快，或认真表示自己终于决定了。
Similar
Have you made up your mind? ／ I can't make up my mind yet.
Register
neutral
Shadowing tip
wonderful 带假笑感，quickly 收短，听出夸奖里的刺。
Use it yourself
选餐厅Take your time and make up your mind after you read the menu.慢慢来，看完菜单再决定。
“You can't expect me to make up my mind in five minutes!”
你不能指望我五分钟内就拿定主意！
Why it's great
把“别催我立刻决定”的边界说得直接，expect 人 to do 也很实用。
Pattern
You can't expect me to do X in Y.
When to use
别人给出不合理的决定时限时，用来争取思考时间。
Similar
Don't expect me to decide on the spot. ／ I need more time to think.
Register
informal
Shadowing tip
重读 can't、expect、five minutes，句尾上扬后落下。
Use it yourself
签合同You can't expect me to sign the contract before I read it.你不能指望我没看合同就签字。
Takeaways
What you walk away with- Use make up your mind to talk about deciding.
- Hear think it over as a request for time.
- Use even if…still… to hold your position.
- Use fall apart for a product that breaks down.
People also search
Questions, then the linesWhat does make up your mind mean in The Singing Box Debate?
It means to decide; here it also mocks the boss for deciding too quickly.
How is think it over different from think about it?
Both mean consider; think it over suggests a fuller review before deciding.
How does even if…I'd still say no work?
It sets up a hypothetical, then keeps the speaker's conclusion firm.
What can fall apart describe?
A product can literally break, while a plan or relationship can fail.
How can you disagree with a product proposal politely?
Call it inadvisable, then give concrete reasons about cost, quality, or customers.