What you should never say in English/你不该说的英语 (中英对照 )
在每一个不同的文化中,都有一些禁忌的话题。有一些可能是关于年龄,有一些可能是关于金钱。要注意的是,当你认识新的朋友及同事时,或许有些轻松的话题在英语国家当中是不被接受的。这里简短列出了一些不该说的话题,在任何社交场合里避免让别人感到侮辱或窘态。
You've put on weight.
避免说某人胖或是一些体重的话题,除非你故意如此。这通常是一个很敏感的话题,例如:"You're getting fat"就是难以置信的侮辱了。
Oh you're pregnant!
上方所指,除非是很明显,否则不要故意提出来。如果错误已经造成,你已经将它成为很大的羞辱了。
Is this your daughter?
嗯...万一她是他的女朋友怎么办?避免踹测关系,只能等著人家来介绍或是自我介绍一下自己。
Your sister is so much prettier than you.
在一些文化里似乎认为是一个无伤大雅的话,但会伤害到对方的感受。最好的是,避免比较性词语,只要提到他们的姐妹很漂亮就可以了。
That color doesn't suit you.
负面的评论一个人的外表或许会破坏了那个人一天的好心情-尤其是他们已经在装扮上花费很多时间。试著给人美好的一天,而不要在你喜欢的服饰或饰品上评论对方!
How much money do you make?
这虽然不是故意羞辱人,而是太直接会使人处在很尴尬的处境。在很多地方里是不习惯去谈论有关于金钱或是薪水的话题。
You look sick.
直率地说,这句话绝对是很羞辱人的。如果某人真的看起来不是很好,你可以说:「Are you feeling ok?」
How old are you?
年龄在很多情况下是一个非常敏感的话题,而且有相当多的人不愿意透露他们的年龄。那就离开这个问题-除非你是与一个六岁的小孩子聊天。她们总会兴高采烈的说出他们的年龄!
In every culture, there are certain topics that are taboo to speak about. In some it may be about age while in others it may be about money. Remember as you meet new friends and colleagues, that casual conversation topics in your language may not be acceptable in English. Here's a short list of what not to say to avoid insult or embarrassment at any social occasion.
You've put on weight.
Avoid pointing out that someone is fat or making any comments about weight, unless you're trying to be rude. This is often a sensitive issue, and remarks such as "You're getting fat" are incredibly insulting.
Oh you're pregnant!
Unless it's really obvious, make it a point not to bring this up. If you happen to be mistaken, you have managed to let out a big insult. See above.
Is this your daughter?
Well, what if she happens to be his girlfriend? Avoid assuming relationships and instead wait to be introduced, or be bold and introduce yourself.
Your sister is so much prettier than you.
While this may seem like a harmless comment in some cultures, it can hurt the feelings of the person you're talking to. Instead, leave out the comparisons and just mention that their sister is pretty.
That color doesn't suit you.
Negative talk about appearances may ruin someone's evening ?especially if they've spent a lot on their outfit. Try making someone's day, instead, by complimenting them on an article of clothing or an accessory you do like!
How much money do you make?
While this isn't insulting, it's too personal and can leave someone in an awkward position. It's not customary in many places to talk about money or salary.
You look sick.
Said bluntly, this can definitely be insulting. If someone really does look like they're not feeling well, you can ask, "Are you feeling ok?"
How old are you?
Age is a sensitive issue for many, and quite a few people are unwilling to reveal theirs. Stay away from asking this question ?unless you're chatting with a 6-year-old. They're always happy to share their age!