Unit 7 House 房子
2010年一部《蜗居》红遍了大江南北，引发了社会上人们关于现代大城市房市现状的思考。千千万万的大学毕业生毕业后加入了“蚁族”大军，面对着高不可攀的房价，选择“逃离北上广”。而北上广的有房一族也有自己的苦衷，他们中的大部分人正在承受“房奴”带来的压力。对很多年轻人来说，房子已不仅仅是房子，而与人的安全感、幸福感有关，对男生而言甚至事关责任感。拥有一套自己的房子成为很多年轻人为之奋斗的梦想之一。对职场年轻人而言，要摆正心态，相信自己的能力与努力，总有一天，房子会有的！
闪亮句型
1. I am afraid in the next coming years, I have to tighten my belt and cut the frills.
恐怕未来几年内我都要省吃俭用，节省开支了。
2. My husband likes ornamenting the house with traditional handicrafts.
我丈夫喜欢用传统工艺品装饰房子。
3. It would be better if you can build a fireplace on the north wall of the living room.
如果您能在客厅的北墙造一个壁炉那就更好了。
4. Under this condition, I’ll give you a free hand in doing my apartment over.
在这个条件下，我会让你全权负责翻修我的房子。
5. It’s costing me an arm and a leg to make the design come true.
为了将这个设计变成现实真的花了我一大笔钱。
快问快答
1. What kind of apartment are you looking for?
你想要什么样的房子？
—I am looking for a furnished studio apartment in a safe neighborhood.
我想要一套在安全小区的家具齐全的一居室公寓。
2. Could you tell me something about the application of the housing loan?
请您说说如何申请住房贷款好吗？
—You should submit a written application to apply for loan from the bank with necessary documentation.
您应该向银行提出书面借款申请，并提交有关材料。
3. Do you want to buy a second-hand apartment?
你想买二手房吗？
—I’m not willing to buy a second-hand apartment.
我不想买二手房。
情境重现
1. Looking for an Apartment
寻找房源
Dialogue:
A: Excuse me, is this Dream House Real Estate Agency?
A: 打扰一下，请问是梦想之家房屋代理吗？
（旁注）① real estate agency房产中介
B: Yes, welcome. I am Sherry. What kind of apartment are you looking for?
B: 是的，欢迎，我是雪莉。你想要什么样的公寓？
A: I’m a new graduate. I just want an apartment that I can move in as soon as possible. Do you have some recommendations?
A: 我是刚毕业的学生，想尽快搬进去。你有没有什么建议？
（旁注）② recommendation建议，推荐
B: What’s your price range?
B: 你能接受的价格范围是多少？
（旁注）③ range范围，距离
A: About $400 per month for rent.
A: 大概每月租金400美元。
B: OK. Besides, we generally charge 30% brokerage fee for each party. And you shall pay 150% of the rent as cash pledge. Is that OK for you?
B: 好的。而且我们通常会向租赁双方收取30%的中介费。以及你需要支付1.5个月的租金作为押金。你看行吗？
（旁注）④ brokerage fee中介费
（旁注）⑤ cash pledge押金
A: Um, I can afford it.
A: 嗯，我可以承受。
B: And what’s your preference for location, size and style?
B: 你对地点，大小和样式有什么偏爱？
（旁注）⑥ preference for偏爱……
A: Well, I’d like a furnished studio apartment in a safe neighborhood.
A: 好的，我想要一套在安全小区的家具齐全的一居室公寓。
（旁注）⑦ furnished家具齐全的
（旁注）⑧ studio单间公寓（一个房间兼作起居室和卧室，通常带厨房和卫生间）
B: OK. We have co-rent or single apartment to show you. We can look at a few pictures of the apartment online now…. Oh, there we go.
B: 好，我们有合租或独居公寓可以给你看看。我们现在可以上网看公寓的图片。哦，找到了。
（旁注）⑨ co-rent合租房
A: Oh! I prefer this single apartment. It is well furnished. I like the open balcony most. I would like to take a look at it in person.
A: 噢，我喜欢这套独居公寓。家具很齐全。我最喜欢它开放式的阳台。我想亲自去看一看。
（旁注）⑩ balcony阳台
（旁注）
in person亲自，亲身
B: No problem. Let’s go！
B: 没问题，那我们出发吧。
高频词汇速记
1. agency代理，中介；代理处，经销处
［例］The agency places about 4,000 young persons per annum.
该代理机构每年为4 000名年轻人安排工作。
2. furnished家具齐全的
［例］The room is tastefully furnished.
屋里摆设得很雅致。
2. Having a Look at the Apartment
查看住房
Dialogue:
A: I noticed the water is dripping in the kitchen sink. Will you fix it?
A: 我注意到厨房水槽上一直滴水，能找人修一下吗？
（旁注）① drip滴出 漏下dripping with sweat; drip sweat大汗淋漓
B: Oh, no. I didn’t notice that. Yeah, I’ll have the maintenance man come and fix that tomorrow. You see, the refrigerator is new, and the stove and the microwave oven are less than a year old. The toilet flushes and the shower has 24-hour hot and cold water. Although the kitchen is small, it is fully equipped.
B: 噢，不好意思，我没有注意到这个。我明天就会叫维修工人来修。你看，冰箱是新的，烤箱和微波炉用了都不到一年。厕所也是通畅的，浴室有24小时的冷热水。虽然厨房很小，但是设备都很齐全。
（旁注）② maintenance维修，保养
（旁注）③ flush冲刷，清除A flush toilet抽水马桶
（旁注）④ equip配备，装备
A: How safe is this area? Are there any crime problems in this apartment complex?
A: 这个地区安全吗？这个小区发生过犯罪事件吗？
B: This is a rather safe area. We haven’t had any crime problems here. We had a car-theft last year, but that’s unusual.
B: 这个小区治安很好。我们这里没有什么犯罪发生，只有去年发生一起盗车事件，不过这并不常见。
A: I see. I am happy with it; it’s got all the modern conveniences.What’s the rent?
A: 嗯。我对这个房子很满意，有一切现代化设施，那房租是多少？
B: $500 a month, utilities aren’t included except for gas.
B: 一个月500美元。租金包括天然气但不包括水电费。
（旁注）⑤ utilities水电费
A: How much are utilities? Could you tell me the average monthly costs?
A: 那水电费是多少？你能告诉我每月的平均情况吗？
B: Let me see… well, about $50 for electricity, $30 for water.
B: 让我想想。大概每月电费50美元，水费30美元。
A: Oh, my budget is about $400. Can you offer me a discount? I’ll very appreciate it.
A: 噢，我的预算是在400美元左右，你可以给我打折吗？我会很感激的。
（旁注）⑥ budget预算
B: Let me see. Um…Shall we agree on the $450 per month? It couldn’t be less. And I also can make your cash pledge less, that’s to say, only one month rent as prepayment. It is refundable. The rent is due every month on the 20th. You haven’t told me how long of a lease you would like to sign. I want to remind you that the longer the lease, the cheaper the rent.
B: 让我想一想。嗯，那不如我们把租金定为450美元吧。不能再少了。而且我可以让你的押金减少，变成只要交一个月房租作为押金。这是会归还的。每月的20号要交房租。你还没有告诉我你想租多久，我提醒你一下，你租的越长，房租就能越便宜。
（旁注）⑦ prepayment预付款
（旁注）⑧ refundable可归还的，可退还的
（旁注）⑨ due到期的
A: One year is sufficient for now. Do you mind signing the contract now? I’ll pay the deposit on this Saturday and move in on Sunday.
A: 我想一年足够了。你想现在签合同吗？我星期六来付押金，星期天就搬进来了。
（旁注）⑩ sufficient足够的；充足的
高频词汇速记
1. drip滴出，漏下
［例］He is dripping sweat.
他大汗淋漓。
2. flush冲刷，清除
［例］I flush the toilet.
我冲马桶。
3. refundable可归还的，可退还的
［例］ Goods purchased in this store are refundable within seven days.
在本店购买的商品七天内可以退换。
4. sufficient足够的，充足的
［例］Have you had sufficient sleep?
你睡足觉了吗？
3. Buying an Apartment by Mortgage
贷款买房
Dialogue:
A: I had seen the floor plan. I am quite satisfied with this apartment. How much will the earnest money be?
A: 我已经看了平面设计图，对这个房子相当满意。定金要多少钱？
（旁注）① floor plan平面设计图
（旁注）② earnest money定金
B: One percent of the purchase price. Since the purchase price is$300,000, the earnest money deposit would be $3,000.
B: 售价的百分之一。因为售价是300 000美元，定金就是3 000美元。
A: How much do I need to put down?
A: 首付要多少？
B: It depends on who will finance your purchase. These days most lenders require a 20 percent down payment.
B: 这就要看哪家银行贷款给您了。最近大部分银行都要求首付20%。
A: In other words, I’ll have to pay $60,000 out of pocket and pay the remainder in installments. I am afraid in the next coming years, I have to tighten my belt and cut the frills. Then I’m a mortgage slave.
A: 也就是说，我必须支付60 000美元，然后余下的钱进行分期付款。恐怕未来几年内我都要省吃俭用，节省开支了。这下我可变成“房奴”了。
（旁注）③ tighten my belt省吃俭用
（旁注）④ cut the frills节省开支
（旁注）⑤ frill衣褶边She sews a frill on the bottom of her skirt.她在裙摆下缝了条褶边。
（旁注）⑥ mortgage slave房奴
B: You see the real estate market is down now. This is a good buy. The building has several amenities including a swimming pool, gym and 24hr building management. There are all kinds of flowers and trees in the neighborhood.
B: 您也懂得最近房产市场价格下滑，这个房子现在买是很划算的。这个大楼包括很多设施，像游泳馆，健身房和24小时物业管理。小区内也有各种树木花草。
（旁注）⑦ amenities便利设施
A: It does make sense. Do you have other available apartment types?
A: 你说的有道理。你还有其他的类型吗？
B: We’ve almost sold out all the units in the East Tower, only left a 120-square-meter apartment which has three bedrooms and double baths.
B: 我公司几乎售完了所有东楼的房型，只剩下一款120平米的房子了，这个房子带有三个卧室和两个卫生间。
A: But it only has one balcony and face north which is not a good position. Compared with this one, I prefer the previous one. I want to have a look at the contract.
A: 但是这个房子只有一个阳台，而且还朝北，这个朝向不好。与这个相比，我还是比较喜欢第一个。我想看一下合同。
高频词汇速记
1. in installments分期（付款）
［例］ We paid for the TV set in installments of 100 dollars a month for five months.
我们用分期付款方法付电视机款，每月付一百美元，分五个月付清。
2. amenities便利设施
［例］The university is like a self-contained city with shops and all amenities.
这所大学就像是个设施齐全的城市，有商店和所有便利设施。
4. Decorating Houses
装修房子
Dialogue:
A: I want to redecorate my house.
A: 我想重新装修下我的房子。
（旁注）① decorate装修
（旁注）② redecorate重新装修
B: How do you want to redecorate the house?
B: 那您想怎样装修呢？
A: I prefer a Mediterranean style but I don’t have any specific ideas and I’m reading some decorating books and magazines now. My friend Sherry suggests me seeking advice from the decoration company. Now I am here.
A: 我喜欢地中海风格，但是我目前对装修一无所知，我正在阅读一些关于装修方面的书和杂志。我朋友雪莉建议我来装修公司咨询意见，所以我来了。
（旁注）③ Mediterranean地中海的
B: Yeah, we can do everything about the decoration for you. The only thing you need to do is to tell the designer your ideas.
B: 我们能为您解决关于装修方面的一切问题。您只需告诉我们您的想法就可以了。
A: I want to paint my living room with primrose yellow. I think it would match the Mediterranean decoration of this house. My husband likes ornamenting the house with traditional handicrafts. It would be better if you can build a fireplace on the north wall of the living room.
A: 我想将客厅漆成淡黄色，我认为这样能更好地搭配这个房子的地中海风格。我丈夫喜欢用传统工艺品装饰房子。如果您能在客厅的北墙造一个壁炉那就更好了。
（旁注）④ primrose淡黄色
（旁注）⑤ ornament装饰，点缀，美化
B: I’ll consider them. What about floor?
B: 我会考虑的。那关于地板您有什么要求？
A: I want the entire house to be floored with oak and new wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedroom.
A: 我想整个房子都铺满橡木地板，在卧室里铺上新的地毯。
（旁注）⑥ wall-to-wall墙到墙的，整个地板铺满的
B: All right, anything else?
B: 好的，还有别的要求吗？
A: I want to retain the original bedroom color when decorating.
A: 我想在装修时保留原来卧室的颜色。
（旁注）⑦ retain保留
B: What’s your plan budget?
B: 您的预算是多少？
A: About $4,000. I understand building materials are expensive but please do not exceed my price range. Under this condition, I’ll give you a free hand in doing my house over.
A: 4 000美元左右。我知道建筑材料是很贵的但是还请不要超出我的预算。在这个条件下，我会让你全权负责翻修我的房子。
（旁注）⑧ exceed超出
B: Ok, I want to visit your house and measure every room area. I’ll call you as soon as I finish the blue print.
B: 好的，我想去您家测量一下每个屋子的面积，绘好蓝图就给您电话。
（旁注）⑨ blue print蓝图
高频词汇速记
1. decorate 装修
［例］ How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
你要怎么装饰你的圣诞树呢？
2. ornament装饰，点缀，美化
［例］She is totally without ornament.
她没有一点装饰。
5. House Warming Party
乔迁聚会
Dialogue:
A: Hey, this is your new house? It looks fabulous! Congratulation on moving into your new residence! It will be a happy starting point for both of you. This is the gift for your new house.
A: 嘿，这是你的新房吗？看起来太漂亮了。恭喜你搬进了新家啊！对于你们俩来说这都是一个幸福的起点。这是送你们乔迁的礼物。
（旁注）① fabulous难以置信的，极为美好的amazing/ cool/wonderful/ fabulous均为表示好和惊叹的形容词
B: Thank you. Just wait for a second. The dinner would be ready in 15 minutes.
B: 谢谢。等一下，再过15分钟晚饭就好了。
A: The house gets much natural light. I love your traditional style furniture. And your living room is so spacious. I think it can also serve as a home office. Do you need a hand in the kitchen?
A: 这个房子的采光真好。我喜欢你们家的传统家具。你们客厅好宽敞，我觉得这也能用来办公。你需不需要我来厨房帮忙？
（旁注）② spacious宽敞的
（旁注）③ need a hand帮忙
B: No, thank you. Take it easy, please.
B: 谢谢，不用了，你休息吧。
A: Wow, I like the open kitchen design. It looks simple, neat and relaxing. You must spend lots of money on decoration.
A: 哇，我喜欢你这种敞开式厨房，看起来简单，干净舒服。你一定在房子装修上花了不少钱。
B: You bet. I spent 4 months getting up my house. The design is done by my husband. It’s costing me an arm and a leg to make the design come true.
B: 你说对了。我花了整整四个月装修房子，房子的设计是我老公完成的，为了将这个设计变成现实真的花了我一大笔钱。
（旁注）④ getting up装修（房子）
（旁注）⑤ is done by …是……设计的
（旁注）⑥ It’s costing me an arm and a leg to...……花了我一大笔钱
高频词汇速记
1. fabulous难以置信的，极为美好的同类词：Amazing/Cool/Wonderful
［例］That was a fabulous dinner.
那顿晚餐棒极了。
2. spacious宽敞的
［例］The house has a spacious kitchen and dining area.
这座房子有一个宽敞的厨房和用餐区。
替换扩展
百宝箱
从中国古代，人们一直庆祝乔迁之喜，举行乔迁宴会招待亲朋好友，这种宴会又叫暖房宴House Warming Party。相传，这个风俗最早从河南安阳一带盛行起来。起初，暖房者以冬天为主，后来，就成了一年四季通行的习俗。凡是暖房的亲友，自愿给房主赠送礼品，礼品中除吃食以外，还有送吉祥物“筷子”chopsticks、“灯笼”Chinese lantern等用品的；忌送物件Taboo，如钟表clock and watch等。前来暖房的亲友会受到房主的热情招待。由于家庭经济条件不同，房主搬进新房后，暖房的形式也不同，有用炭火暖房的，有用煤火暖房的，也有用空调、电炉暖房的。
暖房宴常常送哪些礼物呢？Proper gifts on House Warming Party
1. 祝贺乔迁的花木 the gifts of flowers and trees
亲友搬迁，送花意在安稳harmonious、吉祥auspicious，能表达祝愿的花篮花束很多，剑兰gladiolus、玫瑰rose、盆栽potted plant、盆景bonsai都可表示隆重之意。
花篮花束可选用的花材有鸢尾fleur-de-lis、小苍兰freesia、天门冬radix asparagi、康乃馨carnation、百合lily和满天星open-herding。
2. 常见礼物推荐recommended gifts
贺联congratulatory couplet、贺匾congratulatory plaque：表示隆重，增加喜庆气氛。
镜屏screen、字画calligraphy and painting：表示隆重和高雅的礼物。
古董大花瓶antique vase：可作为新居里的陈设。
一幅壁画mural：适合宽敞的房子。
小型家具small piece of furniture或床上用品bedding：乔迁时送得较多的礼品。
礼金cash gift：装在红封包里，并在封包的封套上写上祝贺语和签名。
一套茶杯A set of tea cups或玻璃水杯A set of glasses：新居里新的添置品，很实用。
思维导图
