Walk Before You Can Run

Walk Before You Can Run

　　And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.

　　On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language. We give definitions, examples, notes on usage¹, and sometimes we use them in short conversations.

　　Today we talk about the process of learning to do something.

　　For example, if you want to play a musical instrument, you need to learn how. You must take small steps. You learn how to hold or sit at the instrument. You learn how to read notes and how to play basic chords³. Then you progress to short, easy songs.

　　In other words, you need to take baby steps.

　　Babies can look funny when they are learning to walk. Their steps are unsure; their knees do not quite bend fully⁴. They do not walk straight and often fall down. The more they walk, the steadier they get on their feet. Soon their unsteady baby steps lead to a smoother, often speedy, gait.

　　We often use the term to describe how to reach a complex goal. Small baby steps can lead to the bigger goal.

　　We will often use the term to suggest that someone slow down and be patient.

　　A similar English expression goes, "You have to walk before you can run."

　　Let's listen as two friends use these idioms.

　　A: Hey, how are your piano lessons going?

　　B: Slowly. I want to play a real song. But my teacher has me working on these same set of chords over and over again! They are difficult and boring at the same time.

　　A: I've been playing piano for years, and chords are important. They are the foundations of music. You need to know how to walk before you can run.

　　B: I know, I know! But I also MUST be able to play a song by next month.

　　A: Why are you in such a hurry? Learning music requires patience. Take baby steps!

　　B: Please no more advice! I told a friend I could play the piano. And now she wants me to play at her children's birthday party.

　　A: Oh, in that case. I have other advice for you.

　　B: What's that?

　　A: You reap⁵ what your sow.

　　B: Thanks a lot. ... Hey what are you doing next month...?

　　Learning a language is a lifelong process. To keep yourself from burning out, take baby steps. Learn a little every day, and soon your English will be fabulous⁶!

　　And that's all the time we have this Words and Their Stories!

　　Words in This Story

　　basic - adj. simple, not difficult

　　chord² - n. a group of three or more musical notes that are played or sung at the same time

　　steady - adj. balanced and stable

　　gait - n. another word for the way a person or animal walks

　　boring - adj. not fun, exciting or interesting

　　fabulous - adj. impressive or exciting

1 usage   

n.惯用法，使用，用法

参考例句：

• I am clear about the usage of this word at last.这个词的用法我算是弄明白了。
• The usage is now firmly established.这种用法现已得到确认。

2 chord   

n.和弦，和音，弦，心弦

参考例句：

• Her speech struck a deep chord in my heart.她的话深深地拨动了我的心弦。
• This is a chord of a circle.这是个圆的弦。

3 chords   

（数学）弦( chord的名词复数 )； （乐器）弦； （音乐）和弦； 心弦

参考例句：

• These are the opening chords of a sonata. 这些是奏鸣曲的起始和弦。
• I could play a few chords on the guitar and sing a song. 我能弹着一些击他和弦唱一首歌。

4 fully   

adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地

参考例句：

• The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气，然后全部呼出。
• They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。

5 reap   

v.得到，获得（报酬、成果等），收割，收获

参考例句：

• It is not easy to reap the harvest of my hard work.获得自己辛勤工作的成果是不容易的。
• As a man sows,so he shall reap.种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆。

6 fabulous   

adj.极好的；极为巨大的；寓言中的，传说中的

参考例句：

• We had a fabulous time at the party.我们在晚会上玩得很痛快。
• This is a fabulous sum of money.这是一笔巨款。