Foreign language translation help please, “have been around”

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the English phrase "have been around," exploring its meanings and usage in different contexts. Participants seek clarification on its implications in both social and physical contexts, as well as related expressions like "I'll be around next week."

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that "have been around" typically refers to having a lot of experience, especially in social situations, but can vary with context.
  • Another participant identifies two meanings: (1) having a lot of experience and (2) being seen nearby recently.
  • A question is raised about the phrase "I'll be around next week," with one participant suggesting it implies leaving temporarily, while another clarifies it means staying in the same location.
  • There is a contention regarding the interpretation of "I'll be around next week," with one participant asserting that it does not imply monitoring anything, but simply indicates presence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the phrase "I'll be around next week," leading to a debate about its implications. While some meanings of "have been around" are acknowledged, no consensus is reached on the specific interpretations of related phrases.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on contextual understanding of phrases, which may vary based on individual experiences and interpretations. The discussion highlights the nuances in language that can lead to different conclusions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals learning English as a second language or those interested in the subtleties of English expressions may find this discussion beneficial.

htam9876
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I am a guy whose first language is not English. Sometimes I feel hard to understand what an English word means exactly even resorting to dictionary or machine. So, I start this thread to learn English. Any help will be appreciated.

Liqiang Chen
Sept 18, 2020
………………………………..
Yesterday, I encountered an English term“have been around” in a reply. What does it mean exactly in English? Does it mean "have been wandering in the nearby"?
Anyone can help? Thanks.
 
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htam9876 said:
Yesterday, I encountered an English term“have been around” in a reply. What does it mean exactly in English? Does it mean "have been wandering in the nearby"?
Welcome to PhysicsForums.

That expression in English usually refers to having a lot of experience. If no other context is given, it probably refers to social situations. If another context is given, it means that they have experience in that other context. Hope that helps.
 
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I agree w/ Berkeman. It really has two meanings
(1) having a lot of experience. That is, someone who has "been around" a lot of different experiences and learned from them.
"Do you think he knows what he is talking about? Yeah, he's been around."
(2) Has been seen nearby recently.
"Have you see Joe lately? Yeah, he's been around"
 
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Can somebody say “I’ll be around next week”? Does it mean he’ll leave temporarily next week and do something elsewhere?
 
htam9876 said:
Can somebody say “I’ll be around next week”? Does it mean he’ll leave temporarily next week and do something elsewhere?
No, it means "I'll be around HERE next week".
 
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Oh, dear, that’s to say it is just the contrary meaning: he will not leave next week (and just will stay HERE to monitor what’s going on)!
 

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htam9876 said:
Oh, dear, that’s to say it is just the contrary meaning: he will not leave next week (and just will stay HERE to monitor what’s going on)!
There is nothing "contrary" about the meaning. To English speakers, it is unambiguous. There is NO implication that he will be around to monitor anything, it's just a simple statement that he will be here.

He may even be here THIS week as well and also the week after next week. The statement doesn't say. It just says that he definitely will be around here next week.
 
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@ phinds:
Thank you. piggy got it: it's just a simple statement that he will be here.
 

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