BBC地道英语:Comfort zone 舒适地带

Rob: (ON PHONE) OK Helen, sounds interesting…I’ll be right over. Bye! Helen has something interesting to show me, so I’m off to see it now.

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

Rob: Err, hi Helen.

Helen: Hello. 欢迎来到我的舒适地带。

Rob: Your what?

Helen: My comfort zone. I’ve made a very comfortable area for relaxing in. 我把这间房间装饰得舒舒服服，可以让我好好放松一下。 Don’t you think it’s relaxing Rob?

Rob: Well yes. Nice cushions, a very cosy sofa and soft lighting – but Helen, why did you want to show me this relaxing and comfortable room – are you up to something?

Helen: No! You said we were doing a programme about comfort zones – so I decided to make one.

Rob: I see. Well we could describe this room as our comfort zone but usually the term refers to how someone feels.

Helen: Oh! 原来舒适地带并不仅仅是一个物质环境，它也可以指某个人的感受。

Do comfort zones have anything to do with a comfy sofa?

Rob: If someone is in their comfort zone, they feel secure and comfortable, they might even feel in control. Maybe these examples will help to explain more…

Rob: So those examples describe people who are happy doing something they’ve always done. The feel safe and secure. It’s about a state of mind.

Helen: 心理状态。It sounds like a nice place to be.

Rob: It is – but it can also imply you won’t take risks and move out of your comfort zone…

Helen: …into your un-comfort zone you mean?! 到你感觉不舒服的地带？

Rob: Exactly. Listen to these examples…

Rob: A comfort zone can also describe the ideal temperature of a room. It’s just the right conditions to feel comfortable in – not too hot, not too cold.

Helen: 舒适地带也可以形容房间最佳温度。 Rob, I think we’re in just the right comfort zone now.

Rob: We are but come on, let’s step outside and get some fresh air.

Helen: Sorry Rob, I’m staying in my comfort zone. Mmm, it’s so cosy and I feel so secure here and anyway, it might be raining out there.

Rob: You don’t take any chances Helen! Oh well, see you later. Bye.

Helen: Bye! Oh this sofa is so comfortable,mmm…