Introduction
Here’s an expression that talks about doing something for fun. Learn how to use it here with Phil and Feifei.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I’m Feifei.
Phil
And I’m Phil.
Feifei
And why have you got such a big bag with you, Phil?
Phil
Ah well, I’ve been dabbling in painting recently. I’ve bought some paints and brushes.
Feifei
Paints and brushes? You’ve just said that you’re dabbling in painting, so let’s learn that phrase. If you dabble in something, it means that you are not doing it very seriously – you’re just having fun.
Phil
Yes. We often use it to talk about hobbies, particularly creative ones. I dabble in writing sometimes – I’d love to write a book one day. Is there anything you dabble in, Feifei?
Feifei
Well, sometimes I dabble in playing the piano, but I’ve never been very good at it. Let’s listen to some other people using this expression.
Examples
I’ve always loved painting, but I’ve never dabbled in sculpture, so I think I’m going to give that a try.
I love all kinds of music, but I’ve never dabbled in jazz. I think it’s time.
I really love cooking, and I think I want to dabble in baking for the first time too.
Feifei
We’ve been learning the expression ‘dabble in’.
Phil
We said that ‘dabble in’ usually means to do something casually and not take it too seriously. However, people sometimes use ‘dabble in’ to talk about things that they do at work.
Feifei
Yes. If you dabble in something at work, it doesn’t mean that you’re doing it casually. It might be because it’s just a small part of your job or you might be saying it because you’re trying to be modest.
Phil
I could say that I dabble in a bit of web design at work, but that’s because I’m not a web designer.
Feifei
Ah Phil, are you being modest? Well, we hope you’re not dabbling in English – if you want to take it seriously, come back next time for a new expression. See you then!
Phil
Bye.
Feifei
Bye.