Today we talk about the process of learning to do something. 

今天我们谈论学习做某事的过程。 

For example, if you want to play a musical instrument, you need to learn how. You must take small steps. You learn how to hold or sit at the instrument. You learn how to read notes and how to play basic chords. Then you progress to short, easy songs. 

例如，如果你想演奏一种乐器，你需要学习如何演奏。你必须采取小步骤。您将学习如何握住或坐在乐器前。您将学习如何阅读音符以及如何弹奏基本和弦。然后你会继续练习简短、轻松的歌曲。 

In other words, you need to take baby steps. 

换句话说，你需要采取小步骤。 

Babies can look funny when they are learning to walk. Their steps are unsure; their knees do not quite bend fully. They do not walk straight and often fall down. The more they walk, the steadier they get on their feet. Soon their unsteady baby steps lead to a smoother, often speedy, gait. 

婴儿学习走路时可能看起来很有趣。他们的脚步是不确定的；他们的膝盖没有完全弯曲。他们走路不直，经常摔倒。他们走得越多，脚步就越稳。很快，他们不稳定的婴儿步就变得更加平稳，通常是快速的步态。 

We often use the term to describe how to reach a complex goal. Small baby steps can lead to the bigger goal. 

我们经常使用这个术语来描述如何实现复杂的目标。小小的进步可以带来更大的目标。

We will often use the term to suggest that someone slow down and be patient. 

我们经常使用这个术语来建议某人放慢速度并保持耐心。 

A similar English expression goes, “You have to walk before you can run.” 

类似的英语表达是：“你必须先走，然后才能跑。” 

Let’s listen as two friends use these idioms. 

让我们听听两个朋友如何使用这些习语。 

A: Hey, how are your piano lessons going?

你的钢琴课上得怎么样?

B: Slowly. I want to play a real song. But my teacher has me working on these same set of chords over and over again! They are difficult and boring at the same time. 

学得很慢，我想真正弹一首歌曲。但我的老师老是让我重复谈同一系列的炫律。既难又很无聊。

A: I’ve been playing piano for years, and chords are important. They are the foundations of music. You need to know how to walk before you can run. 

我弹钢琴多年，和弦很重要。它们是音乐的基础。在跑步之前，您需要知道如何走路。

B: I know, I know! But I also MUST be able to play a song by next month. 

我知道我知道！但我也必须能够在下个月之前播放一首歌。

A: Why are you in such a hurry? Learning music requires patience. Take baby steps! 

你为什么这么急？学习音乐需要耐心。采取婴儿步骤！

B: Please no more advice! I told a friend I could play the piano. And now she wants me to play at her children’s birthday party. 

请不要再多指教了！我告诉一个朋友我会弹钢琴。现在她想让我在她孩子们的生日聚会上玩。

A: Oh, in that case. I have other advice for you. 

如果那样的话，我有其它的建议给你。

B: What’s that? 

什么建议?

A: You reap what your sow. 

种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆。

B: Thanks a lot. … Hey what are you doing next month…?

多谢，你下个月准备做什么?