英国人在日常口语交流中,并不习惯直接用单词 “no” 去拒绝他人的要求或邀请。他们通常会选择更含蓄的方式委婉地表达自己的态度。
用法总结
英国人为了礼貌地拒绝别人,常使用这样的表达结构:
1. 道歉 (对不起……不好意思……真不巧……)
2. 陈述拒绝的原因 (我不能……我没法……这不行)
3. 给对方一个替代方案(改天……找别人……我有其它主意……)
- Unfortunately, I'm not able to come tonight. Let's try next week!
- I'm afraid that's not possible, but I've got another idea.
- Sorry, but I don't think that's a good idea. Maybe we should sleep on it.
- I'm sorry, but I'm not very good at this. Emily might be able to help.