Helen: And I’m Helen.

Neil: This is the programme in which we look at words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary.

Helen: 地道英語和大家一起學習現代英式英語中經常出現的流行詞匯和實用表達。So Neil what’s that on your face? Are you growing a beard?

Neil: Well, not really, I just haven’t shaved for a few days.

Helen: Oh I see, so you’ve got stubble.

Neil: That’s right. Today we’re looking at the word "stubble".

Helen: So what’s the difference between a beard and stubble? Beard 和 stubble， 這兩個詞其實都和胡子有關，但是它們之間到底有什么區別呢?

Neil: Well, stubble is the very short beard you get if don’t shave for a few days.

Helen: Stubble 就是短胡子，幾天不刮胡子就會有一圈 stubble。

Insert

A: Ow, get off! Stop kissing me!

B: What’s wrong? I’m your husband!

A: Your stubble really hurts my face! Have a shave!

Neil: Can you think of any famous men who have stubble?

Helen: Well, there’s David Beckham. 貝克漢姆就經常不刮胡子。

Neil: David Beckham’s got designer stubble.

Helen: Designer stubble? What’s designer stubble?

Neil: Some men keep their beard at a very short length all the time to be fashionable. This is called "designer stubble".

Helen: 貝克漢姆的短胡子和一般人的胡子還不一樣，他的是 designer stubble。他留的是胡須很短，而且他每天都得精心修剪，保持他的 stubble。

Neil: Stubble is an uncountable noun, so we say "some stubble", not "a stubble" or "stubbles".

Helen: 短胡子是不可數名詞，所以我們可以說 "some stubble", 但不能說 "a stubble" 或者 "stubbles"。 后面沒有 "s". Does your wife like your stubble then, Neil?

Neil: Well, she likes the way it looks, but not the way it feels.

Helen: Hmm， 雖然男人們覺得留了短胡子是時髦， 可是他們的女朋友們親他們的時候可就得受苦了。胡子真的很扎人。

Neil: You’ve been listening to Real English from BBC Learning English. Join us again soon for some more up-to-the-minute Real English. Bye.

Helen: See you next time.