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Jobb Posted 22 years ago
Grammar
Where, where
Here is a dialogue between an American and a Chinese bridegroom in his wedding ceremony.
American: Wow, your bride is so beautiful!
Chinese groom: Where, where.
American (with a flash of astonished expression appeared on his face, but he still kept a very polite manner): Everywhere! Everywhere!
The Chinese was not good at English. What he said - "Where, where" literally in Chinese refers to "Thank you, but you've overpraised my bride", and so the groom wanted to show a humble manner.
But how to properly respond the American's praise?
American: Wow, your bride is so beautiful!
Chinese groom: Where, where.
American (with a flash of astonished expression appeared on his face, but he still kept a very polite manner): Everywhere! Everywhere!
The Chinese was not good at English. What he said - "Where, where" literally in Chinese refers to "Thank you, but you've overpraised my bride", and so the groom wanted to show a humble manner.
But how to properly respond the American's praise?
Top answer
I think a simple "Thank you" would be appropriate.
- I think a simple "Thank you" would be appropriate.
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6 Answers
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But you might have to understand, the Chinese wants to show off his 'good English" skill, so he needs a seemingly skillful answer.
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Hmmm. I can't think of anything just now.
seemingly skillful? In other words, some kind of answer which shows that the Chinese guy is trying to show off his English but is really making terrible mistakes?
seemingly skillful? In other words, some kind of answer which shows that the Chinese guy is trying to show off his English but is really making terrible mistakes?
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When speaking in Chinese, native English speakers often misunderstand "where, where" .
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A cheeky grin and an, "I think so, too," or ,"Well I sure think so," wouldn't be wrong, either! She's not a possession so he can join in praising her, rather than accepting the compliment as if it's directed to himself. Although he may be praised for choosing such a beautiful bride, the more humble manner would be to assume that that's not what the American meant.
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Furthermore, if he successfully conveys something along the lines of, "Oh, no, she's not that pretty," at his own wedding, he's going to get even more astonished looks than what is more obviously a language issue, and if that sentiment makes its way to the bride, the groom's wedding night might not be everything he hoped...
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