英語の音読：vending machines (2020年度センター試験）

(1) Vending machines are so common in Japan that you can find one almost 

anywhere you go. Some of these machines sell train or meal tickets, and 

others sell snacks or drinks. They are especially useful for people who want 

to get something quickly and conveniently.  

(2) While vending machines are found throughout the country today, they were not originally developed in Japan. It is generally believed that the first one was constructed by a Greek mathematics teacher about 2,200 years ago. This machine sold special water used in prayers at temples. People who wanted to purchase the water put in a coin, which hit a metal lever attached to a string. Then, the weight of the coin let a specific amount of water pour out until the coin fell off. This ensured that people received an equal portion of the special water. 

(142 words)

(1) Vending machines are so common in Japan

(1) 自動販売機は日本では大いに普及しているので、

that you can find one almost anywhere you go. 

たいていどこに行っても自動販売機を見つけることができる。

Some of these machines sell train or meal tickets, 

これらの機械の中には電車の切符や食事のチケットを売っているものもあれば、

And others sell snacks or drinks.

お菓子や飲み物を売っているものもある。

They are especially useful 

それらは役に立つ

for people who want to get something quickly and conveniently.  

特に何かを素早く便利に手に入れたいと思う人にとって。

(2)While vending machines are found throughout the country today, 

(2) 自動販売機は今日国中で見かけるが、

they were not originally developed in Japan. 

それらは元々日本で開発されたものではない。

It is generally believed

一般的に考えられている、

that the first one was constructed by a Greek mathematics teacher 

最初の自動販売機はギリシャ人の数学教師によってつくられた

about 2,200 years ago. 

およそ 2200 年前に。

This machine sold special water

この機械は特別な水を売っていた、

used in prayers at temples. 

寺院でのお祈りに使う。

People who wanted to purchase the water put in a coin,

その水を買いたい人がコインを入れると

which hit a metal lever attached to a string. 

コインは糸に結びつけられた金属のレバーに当たった。

Then, 

すると

the weight of the coin let a specific amount of water pour out until the coin fell off. 

コインの重みで、コインが落ちるまで一定量の水が注がれた。

This ensured that people received an equal portion of the special water. 

これにより確実に人々は同じ量の特別な水を受け取ったのです。