Everyday English · Neighbourhood & Community
Around the Neighbourhood: 16 Everyday English Words
Recognize common words children hear while walking, riding, visiting local services and noticing people who help in a Canadian neighbourhood.
What to do
Neighbourhood words appear in directions, signs, school notices, stories and ordinary conversations. The goal is broad recognition: hear the word, picture roughly what it means, and keep moving.
Canadian communities do not all use identical buildings or job titles. Learn the everyday idea first; small local differences can come later when they matter.
Core everyday words
neighbour
noun · NAY-bərA person who lives near your home.
Example: Our neighbour waved from across the street.
sidewalk
noun · SYDE-wawkA paved path beside a road for people walking.
Example: Stay on the sidewalk near the busy road.
crosswalk
noun · KROSS-wawkA marked place where people cross a road.
Example: We crossed at the crosswalk.
intersection
noun · in-ter-SEK-shənA place where two or more roads meet or cross.
Example: Turn left at the next intersection.
traffic light
noun · TRAF-ik LYTEA set of coloured lights that controls road traffic.
Example: The traffic light turned green.
bus stop
noun · BUS STOPA marked place where a bus picks up and drops off passengers.
Example: Wait for me at the bus stop.
community centre
noun · kuh-MYOO-nə-tee SEN-terA local public building used for programs, classes, sports or community activities.
Example: Swimming lessons are at the community centre.
playground
noun · PLAY-groundAn outdoor area where children can play, often with play equipment.
Example: The children met at the playground after lunch.
library
noun · LY-brair-eeA public place where people can borrow books and use information resources.
Example: We returned the books to the library.
mailbox
noun · MAYL-boksA box where mail is delivered or collected.
Example: There was a letter in the mailbox.
mail carrier
noun · MAYL KAIR-ee-erA person who delivers letters and other mail.
Example: The mail carrier brought a parcel and some letters.
delivery driver
noun · di-LIV-er-ee DRY-verA driver who brings packages, food or other items to homes or businesses.
Example: The delivery driver left the box at the door.
garbage truck
noun · GAR-bij TRUKA truck that collects household garbage.
Example: The garbage truck came early this morning.
recycling bin
noun · ree-SY-kling BINA container used for materials collected for recycling.
Example: Put the clean can in the recycling bin.
firefighter
noun · FYRE-fy-terA trained emergency worker who responds to fires and other emergencies.
Example: The firefighter checked the building after the alarm.
paramedic
noun · pair-uh-MED-ikA trained emergency medical worker who provides urgent care and may work in an ambulance.
Example: The paramedic helped the injured cyclist.
Quick Check
Quick Check
A light recognition check. The word bank is the main lesson.
1. Which word means the paved path beside a road for people walking?
- sidewalk
- mailbox
- intersection
- library
2. Where should people use a marked place to cross the road?
- crosswalk
- recycling bin
- bus stop
- community centre
3. Where do passengers normally wait for a local bus?
- bus stop
- mailbox
- playground
- intersection
4. Which place may offer swimming lessons, programs or community activities?
- community centre
- traffic light
- garbage truck
- mailbox
Context
Context
Recognize the word from a normal neighbourhood sentence.
5. “Check the ______ for today’s letters.”
6. “The ______ brought our package to the front door.”
7. “Put the empty clean can in the ______.”
8. Who provides urgent medical care at an emergency scene?
- paramedic
- mail carrier
- neighbour
- delivery driver
Quick-check answers
- 1. sidewalk
A sidewalk is the walking path beside a road. - 2. crosswalk
A crosswalk is a marked road-crossing place. - 3. bus stop
A bus stop is the designated pickup and drop-off place. - 4. community centre
Community centres commonly host local programs and recreation. - 5. mailbox
A mailbox holds delivered or collected mail. - 6. delivery driver
A delivery driver brings packages or other items. - 7. recycling bin
A recycling bin holds items collected for recycling. - 8. paramedic
A paramedic is trained to provide urgent medical care.