Meaning
"Don't tell me"는 영어에서 상대방의 말을 듣기 전에 직감적으로 그 내용을 알아차렸을 때 사용하는 표현입니다. 주로 상대방이 말하려는 내용을 이미 예측하거나 알고 있는 상황에서 사용됩니다.
예를 들어, 친구가 어떤 사건에 대해 말하려고 할 때 "Don't tell me"라고 하면, "설마 그 일이 일어난 거야?"라는 의미로 추측을 표현하는 것입니다. 이 표현은 깜짝 놀라거나 믿기 힘든 상황에서도 자주 사용됩니다.
또한, "Don't tell me"는 상대방의 말이 사실이 아니길 바라는 감정을 나타낼 때도 사용됩니다. 예를 들어, 친구가 나쁜 소식을 전하려고 할 때 "Don't tell me"라고 하면, "설마 그런 일이 일어난 건 아니겠지?"라는 의미로, 그 상황이 사실이 아니길 바라는 마음을 드러냅니다.
이처럼 "Don't tell me"는 상대방의 말을 듣기 전에 그 내용을 추측하거나, 그 내용이 사실이 아니길 바라는 마음을 표현할 때 유용하게 쓰이는 표현입니다.
Today's Sentences
- Don’t tell me you forgot.
- Don’t tell me it’s raining again.
- Don’t tell me they lost again.
- Don’t tell me I’m the last one.
- Don’t tell me that he already left.
- Writer's Note
01
Don’t tell me you forgot.
Situation 1
There’s a dress code for the party.
Dress code?
Don’t tell me you forgot.
I totally forgot.
What’s the dress code?
드레스 코드는 무엇인가요?
Situation 2
Did you pick up the dry-cleaning?
No, I didn’t.
Was I supposed to?
제가 해야 했나요?
Don’t tell me you forgot.
Sorry, I’ll go pick it up right now.
02
Don’t tell me it’s raining again.
Situation 1
Don’t tell me it’s raining again.
Grab an umbrella!
But I just bought new shoes.
Better wear your rain boots instead!
Situation 2
Don’t tell me it’s raining again!
Why?
I just watered the lawn.
You should have waited for the rain to do the watering.
03
Don’t tell me they lost again.
Situation 1
What’s the score?
5 to 4.
Don’t tell me they lost again.
They’ve lost 7 games in a row now.
Situation 2
Carter had his last soccer game of the season.
Don’t tell me they lost again.
Can you be a little more supportive?
Just saying.
04
Don’t tell me I’m the last one.
Situation 1
Have you seen this video?
Yes, it went viral a few months ago!
Don’t tell me I’m the last one to see it.
You just might be.
Situation 2
I’ve watched this movie so many times that I memorized the lines.
I haven’t seen it yet.
Don’t tell me I’m the last one!
설마 제가 마지막인 건 아니겠죠!
It's such a good movie,
you have to see it.
꼭 보셔야 해요.
Ok, I'll make plans this week.
05
Don’t tell me that he already left.
Situation 1
I need him to file a police report.
You do?
Don’t tell me that he already left.
I’ll give him a call.
Situation 2
I brought him a birthday gift.
You did?
Don’t tell me that he already left.
No, he just stepped out to get some more drinks.
Writer's Note
Since "Don't tell me" is used to express surprise, shock or disbelief. Sometimes it's great to use alternatives that will expand your vocabulary range and add variety to your conversations.
Here are some you can choose from:
- You're joking!
- No way!
- Are you serious?
- I can't believe it!
- You're kidding me!
- It can't be!
- You've got to be kidding!
Switching up common phrases for newer ones is a creative way to learn and practice your English skills. As your word bank grows, you can definitely see a gain in your reading, writing, and speaking skills.
