ACT 2-1 “ 您真是个能理解人的好父亲。”

【故事梗概】

次日上午，Robbie坐在起居室里等Philip带他到密歇根大学校友俱乐部去见招生主任Charley Rafer。出发前，他们还有点时间来喝杯咖啡、聊一聊。

Philip: Sorry, Robbie. Sorry to be late this morning, but, well, we've still got some time for a cup of coffee. I can't wait to see my old pal Charley Rafer.
Robbie: Neither can I.
Philip: So you thought about it, huh?
Robbie: Yes, I have, Dad.
Philip: Well, I'm glad. I knew you'd realize that this interview could be an important experience for you.
Robbie: I came to that conclusion.
Philip: That's very wise, Robbie. Very wise. Now let's head off for the city and the university club.
Robbie: Thanks, Dad.
Philip: Thanks…for what?
Robbie: Thanks for hearing me out. And...
Philip: And…?
Robbie: And thanks for being such an understanding father.
Philip: Well, thank you, Robbie. Thank you.

【语言点精讲】

1. I can't wait to see my old pal Charley Rafer.
我迫不及待地想见到我的老伙伴Charley Rafer了。
can’t wait to…: 迫不及待的想做……
old pal: 老友。pal是非正式用法，作“哥们儿，伙伴”解。

2. Neither can I．
我也恨不能早点见到他。
neither是副词，是“也不”的意思，放在句首时情态动词（如can）或助动词（如do）也要相应提前。如: Andy doesn't like coffee. Neither do I.

3. I knew you'd realize that this interview could be an important experience for you.
我知道你会明白这次面谈对你来说可能是一次有益的经历。
I knew (that)...: 我就知道……，我早就知道……

4. I came to that conclusion.
我也是这么认为的。我也得出这样的结论。
conclusion 是名词，作“结论”解。

5. Thanks for hearing me out.
谢谢你耐心听取我的意见。
hear … out: 耐心听取、倾听。

6. And thanks for being such an understanding father．
谢谢您，您真是个能理解人的好父亲。
understanding: 这里指“通情达理的，善解人意的”。