Helen: This is Real English from BBC Learning¹ English. I'm Helen.

Zoë: 欢迎收听今天的地道英语，我是刘佳。

Helen: Today we're going to look at words and phrases that have recently become part of the English language.

Zoë: 地道英语带大家一起学习现代英式英语中出现的新词还有新用法，Helen，快来告诉我们今天的新词是什么吧!

Helen: OK. Today's new word is 'peak' – P.E.A.K. – peak.

Zoë: Peak. 这个词的意思是？

Helen: Well, peak is not a new word in English and it has several meanings.

Zoë: 嗯，那快来给我们仔细讲讲吧

Helen: No problem, a peak means the top of a mountain.

Zoë: 这个PEAK本来的意思是指山的顶峰，但是它还有其它的意思。So Helen, what's the new meaning of peak?

Helen: The highest point, when something is at its best, most successful or strongest.

Zoë: 明白了。 Peak 指的是最高点，也就是达到了最好，最成功，或者最强的一种状态。

Helen: Well, you could say, "Sales reached a peak of 20,000 in May last year."

Zoë: 这句话的意思是说 去年5月的销售量最高到达了20000。

Insert

A: I wanted to go to Spain in August but it's so expensive.

B: Well, it is the peak season, so it's the most expensive time. Why not go later in the year?

C: Excuse me, can I use your telephone?

D: Well, would you mind waiting till later? It's peak rate now and calls are expensive. Use it after 6 – it's much cheaper then.

Zoë: 你喜欢旅游吗？Helen.

Helen: Yes, but I try not to travel at busy times.

Zoë: Why?

Helen: It's peak season and you have to pay more.

Zoë: 我知道你的意思了，你是说在旅游的高峰季节，车票会比平时贵很多。

Helen: And I won't call you in the morning from my mobile² phone.

Zoë: 那是为什么呢？

Helen: It's the peak time and it's much more expensive.

Zoë: 没错，手机的话费在早上的高峰时间也比平时贵，所以你就不会在这个时间给我打电话。

Helen: No I won't. Anyway, let's recap. Peak means the point when something is highest, most successful or strongest.

Zoë: Peak 就是顶点，通常用来表达最高，最成功或者最强的一种状态。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.

Zoë: See you next time.

Helen: Bye.