In interpersonal communication, polite words are often said. Although they have no actual content, they are always indispensable. There are many differences between Chinese and Western polite words.

Welcoming guests

When welcoming guests from afar, we often say "it's been a hard journey" to reflect the host's care and sympathy for the guests' journey.

We feel that polite words like this are elegant and appropriate, but it is difficult for Westerners to understand because the literal translation is: "You must be tired after such a long trip?" "To be tired" is not only " "Hard work" also means "exhausted".

In the West, this greeting is only given when people are sick. A translation that is more in line with the original Chinese meaning without the word "hard work": "Did you have a good flight?"

Hospitality

We entertain Guests, even though there are chicken, duck, fish and everything on the table, still often say that there is nothing delicious and they can just eat whatever they want. We think we are being humble, but Westerners think differently than we do. They will think you are hypocritical and insincere. How can you talk nonsense to your face when you clearly have so many delicious things on display?

In the West, when a host holds a banquet, he is not as humble as we are in front of the guests. He often says that the dishes are carefully prepared and he hopes the guests will like them. Guests should promptly praise the host for his superb cooking skills and delicious food.

Typical polite words include: "It tastes great" and "This dish is simply a work of art." If you still want to eat a certain dish, you can say "This dish is delicious". The host will be happy with your compliment and express his gratitude.

Seeing off guests

When we say goodbye to guests, we like to say "walk slowly". The original meaning should be "Don't be anxious! Don't fall or bump into it!" But when translated into English, it can only be "Please go (walk) slowly!" The shadow of the original Chinese meaning is gone.

In this regard, Westerners will be confused and find it difficult to understand the host's intentions, thinking, "I have to go home quickly, the children are still waiting for me. Why do you want me to walk slowly?" After seeing the guests off, we He would say "please stay", which means that he hopes not to trouble the master and not tire him out of sending him far away. This sentence simply cannot be translated into English. If you have to translate it literally, it is "Please stop here!" This will make Westerners confused. Why do you ask the guests to stop? Will there be any danger if I move? In the West, what guests often say when saying goodbye is: "I think we have to say goodbye. We had a great chat today!" The host will respond: "Come back when you have time," "Take care," or "I'm asking you. "Good parents" etc.

Greetings

We greet our friends and colleagues every day, often with "Where are you going?" "Have you eaten?" etc., which makes people feel cordial. In the West, if you greet someone like this, it will make people feel embarrassed and they will think that you are interested in their privacy. Common greetings in the West are: "Hello", "Good morning", "Good night", etc.

When we see someone taking a walk, we will directly ask: "Where is the walk?" Westerners may not understand and think this is pure nonsense! Looking for something to say! In this case, they might just say "Hello", or "How are you?" Of course, Westerners also use long-winded greetings, such as "The weather is really nice today, isn't it?"

Praise

Although we feel happy when words of praise or compliments are given to ourselves, On the surface, most of them will not accept it directly, or even deny it. For example, if we praise a friend for his good health, we will say: "You are in great health, and your face is glowing." The other person's answer may be: "Where? You don't know, I am only superficial, but I have the potential to have high blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar." "But Westerners are different. When they hear people complimenting themselves on their health and beauty, they will feel very proud and will happily express their gratitude.

Condolences

When we express condolences to cold patients, we often say: "Drink more boiled water", "Dress warmly", "Go to bed early", etc. The patients will feel cordial and warm.

But in the West, this kind of condolences would be suspected of interfering with privacy and pointing fingers. In the West, condolences to patients are often expressed with words such as "I wish you a speedy recovery."

Privacy

We Chinese people have a weak view of privacy, while Westerners have a strong sense of independence and do not like to talk about privacy-related topics such as age and property. Therefore, when chatting with them, you should avoid "where are you from?" "How old are you?" "Are you married?" "How much is your salary?" etc. The more suitable topics to chat with them are weather, news, sports, reading, etc.

Respect the Elderly

Our cultural tradition emphasizes respecting the elderly, so when the elderly encounter difficulties in walking, they will take the initiative to help them, call them "old people", and ask "How do you do this?" ?"wait.

In the West, the elderly do not like others to say that they are old. They feel that "old" means "incompetent", "useless" and "poor".