Helen: This is Real English from BBC Learning English. I’m Helen.
Zoe: 大家好，我是刘佳。Helen, 今天咱们要学的是什么最新表达呢？
Helen: Today’s new expression is ‘bottom line’.
Zoe: Bottom line. Helen, 这个短语说的是什么啊？
Helen: Well, bottom line is often used in business, and has 2 meanings.
Zoe: 这个bottom line是个形容商务的短语，它还有两个意思，真难啊
Helen: I’ll explain – it can mean the most important thing in a discussion. For example, in a meeting you might say ‘The bottom line is that we have to make more money.’
Insert 录音片断
A: So, are you going to get divorced, Tony?
B: Well, the bottom line is we don’t love each other any more, so I guess so!
Zoe: Bottom line 可以指在讨论过程中，最重要的一件事。 那它的另外一个意思是什么呢？
Helen: Well, in a negotiation, it means the lowest amount of money that someone will accept. For example ‘I can’t go lower than ￡2000. That’s my bottom line.’
Zoe: Bottom line 还指在商务谈判中的可以被接受的最低价格
Helen: That’s right.
Insert 录音片断
A: OK, Smith, take this new offer to Sony. But remember – 20 000 is our bottom line! We can’t go lower than that!
B: OK, boss. Don’t worry – I’ll do it!
Zoe: Would you sell me your car, Helen?
Helen: Why do you ask?
Zoe: I just want to know what your bottom line is – how low can you go?
Helen: Well, the bottom line for this discussion is that even if I had a car, I wouldn’t sell it!
Zoe: And that’s your bottom line…
Helen: Absolutely! That’s the bottom line.
Zoe: Bottom line 就是指在商讨中最重要的事，一般就是公司的静盈利额。或者指在商务谈判中愿意接受的最低价格。Well, it looks like we are out of time.
Helen: Yes, we have to go. You’ve been listening to Real English from BBC Learning English. Join us again soon. Bye.
Zoe: See you next time.