You may find it easier to talk to people face-to-face

Chen Li: 我是陈藜，在纯正英语节目里我们将学习英语世界里出现的新单词，新词组及新用语。那么 Vicki, 今天我们要学习的是什么呢？

Vicki: Today's new expression is: face-to-face.

Chen Li: Face-to-face? 是什么意思？可以解释一下吗？

Vicki: Well, face-to-face is an expression that means in person, close to and looking at the other person.

Chen Li: 看来 face-to-face 就是亲自，和他人进行面对面的谈话。

Vicki: Yes. You use it when you actually meet the person.

Chen Li: 我明白了，可以举个例子吗？

Vicki: Ok, you could say, "I prefer speaking face-to-face. I don't really like talking on the telephone."

Chen Li: 显然通过电话是不可能做到面对面交谈的。

Vicki: No, telephone and email are not face-to-face. Face-to-face means meeting in person.

Example

A: How's your new job going?

B: I hate it! I never speak to anyone face-to-face anymore. It's so depressing.

C: Have you heard? Anna's got a new boyfriend.

D: Yes, they met on the internet. They only met face-to-face last week for the first time.

Vicki: Do you prefer to talk face-to-face?

Chen Li: 当然啦。

Vicki: Me too. It is much nicer to see someone face-to-face than have a conversation by telephone.

Chen Li: 说的没错。 Face-to-face 更强调私人化。

Vicki: I agree. But sometimes it's impossible.

Chen Li: 你说的是什么意思?

Vicki: Well, if your friends live far away, you need to use the telephone or email. You can't speak face-to-face.

Chen Li: 那的确是很可惜的。

Vicki: Yes, but it's better than nothing.

Chen Li: 好了，节目也快接近尾声了， 我们来复习一下吧。

Vicki: Face-to-face.

Chen Li: 意思就是亲身面对面的和他人交谈。

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

Chen Li: 再见。