Learn English with Bridget Jones's Diary

Bridget Jones is an average woman struggling against her age, her weight, her job, her lack of a man, and her various imperfections. As a New Year's resolution, Bridget decides to take control of her life, starting by keeping a diary in which she will always tell the complete truth. The fireworks begin when her charming though disreputable boss takes an interest in the quirky Miss Jones. Thrown into the mix are Bridget's band of slightly eccentric friends and a rather disagreeable acquaintance into whom Bridget cannot seem to stop running or help finding quietly attractive.

Why learn English with Bridget Jones's Diary?

"Bridget Jones's Diary" tells the story of Bridget, a single woman in her 30s living in London. She decides to change her life by keeping a diary, focusing on losing weight, finding a boyfriend, and quitting smoking. The movie follows her funny and sometimes embarrassing adventures as she navigates work, family, and love. Through Bridget's diary entries, you'll learn everyday vocabulary related to work, relationships, and social events, like "spinster," "commitment-phobic," and "mini-break." You'll also encounter British slang and idioms, adding flavor to your English learning. The movie explores universal themes of love, self-acceptance, and the challenges of modern life. Bridget's emotional journey, filled with ups and downs, is portrayed through realistic dialogue and inner monologues. This exposure to a range of emotions expressed in English, from frustration and embarrassment to joy and love, can help you understand the nuances of the language. The movie also features both formal and informal language, reflecting different social situations, helping you differentiate between professional and casual English conversations. "Bridget Jones's Diary" is a great tool for English learners because it offers a fun and engaging way to improve your listening comprehension and vocabulary. The characters speak clearly with a variety of accents, which can help you get used to different pronunciations. The humor and relatable situations make the movie enjoyable to watch, which is important for staying motivated while learning. Plus, the movie’s popularity makes it easy to find subtitles and transcripts online, offering additional support for understanding the dialogue and learning new words and expressions.

Words from Bridget Jones's Diary

Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in Bridget Jones's Diary:

buffet: a meal where guests serve themselves food from a table
curry: a South Asian dish of meat and/or vegetables cooked in a spicy sauce
bushy: thick with leaves
aged: very old
exception: a person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule
mum: (British) a casual word for mother
gherkin: a small cucumber that is sometimes preserved in vinegar
sophistication: the quality of being aware and knowledgeable of social trends and culture
doily: a small decorative piece of material used for protection or decoration
mini: a series of small British cars, first produced in 1959
paddle: a short pole with a flat wide part at one end, used for moving a small boat through the water
barrister: a lawyer in the UK who can argue cases in the more important courts
divorce: the legal process of ending a marriage
wander: a relaxed walk, especially for pleasure and with no particular plan or direction
upstairs: on or going towards a higher floor of a building