Unfortunately, most Chinese seem to have developed the habit of invariably answering questions with 'Of course'.
Now, this is possible. But it is used fairly sparingly, usually reserved for occasions when we want to reassure people about something or express our enthusiasm in responding to a request to do something, or a suggestion, or an invitation. "Can you get that report finished by Friday?" "Of course." "Would you like to come for dinner at my home next weekend?" "Of course."
When replying to a simple question - such as "Did you know the meeting has been put back to Friday?" or "Do you like Manchester United?" - saying "Of course!" can sound somewhat abrupt, even rude. Especially when you do it all the time.
It seems to imply: "This is really obvious. You must be a complete idiot to ask me that."
In a word, DON'T.
5 comments:
But how can we develop our opinion if we want to express the meaning?
What opinion? What meaning?
You have to express yourself a little more clearly, Anon.
This one is OK.I feel in Chinese,sometimes it means "This is really obvious. You must be a complete idiot to ask me that." too,especially with a right auxiliary word of tone.
Froog,How about the use of "No problem"?
Well, Kirby, 'No problem' is OK for giving an affirmative/reassuring response to a request for action or permission - but I feel that it is very overused. Anything becomes annoying if you say it all the time.
The Australian variant 'No worries' is even more grating. It is one of the definitive linguistic markers of that nationality: if you hear someone say 'No worries' (more than once or twice), you can absolutely guarantee they're an Aussie.
Of course not is just as bad, if not worse.
I had one of these just recently, where I was apologizing for being a few minutes late for a meeting, explaining that I'd assumed the office building would have its main entrance on Chang'an Avenue - rather than round the back, partly concealed by a building site.
"Of course not!" my contact snapped.
What - is it a feng shui thing? How was I supposed to know? Most office buildings with a Chang'an address do have their entrance facing on to the Avenue, I think. Strange.
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