Likes · part 2 — not my thing

Say what's not for you, gracefully and with personality.

苦手なことを、個性をこめてやんわり言えるようになりましょう。

Key English phrases

I'm not really one for ~.
~ isn't really my cup of tea.
I can take it or leave it.
It does nothing for me.

Example conversation

AWe're all going clubbing on Friday — you in?
BHonestly, I'm not really one for clubbing. It isn't really my cup of tea.
AFair enough. What about a quiet bar instead?
BNow that I could do. I can take or leave loud places.
ASame, to be honest. Loud music does nothing for me.
BLet's find somewhere we can actually talk.

In context

I've learned it's fine to say what's not for you. I'm not really one for big nights out — clubbing just isn't my cup of tea. I can take or leave loud, crowded places. I'd much rather have a quiet dinner where you can actually hear each other. Knowing what does nothing for you is just as useful as knowing what you love. What isn't really your cup of tea?

When to use it · practice

Drew invites you to something you dislike. Decline gracefully with personality.
Drewが苦手なことに誘ってきます。個性をこめてやんわり断りましょう。
You're indifferent to a suggestion. Say you can take it or leave it.
ある提案にどちらでもいいです。「あってもなくてもいい」と言いましょう。
Suggest a better alternative. Propose something more your style.
より良い代案を提案しましょう。自分の好みに合うものを提案しましょう。

Practice this for real

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