Meaning
"Can't you just"는 상대방에게 행동이나 결정을 간단히 하도록 요청할 때 사용하는 표현입니다. 주로 상대방이 복잡하게 생각하거나 행동할 때, 간단한 해결책을 제안하거나 요청할 때 쓰입니다.
이 표현은 약간의 짜증이나 답답함을 담고 있을 수 있어, 상황에 따라 어조에 주의해야 합니다. 예를 들어, "Can't you just call him?"이라고 하면 "그냥 그에게 전화하면 안 돼?"라는 뜻으로, 상대방이 복잡하게 생각하지 말고 간단하게 행동하길 바라는 마음을 담고 있습니다.
일상 대화에서 자주 사용되며, 상대방에게 더 효율적이고 간단하게 행동하라는 암시를 줍니다. 따라서 이 표현을 사용할 때는 상대방이 기분 나빠하지 않도록 부드러운 어조로 말하는 것이 중요합니다.
결론적으로, "Can't you just"는 복잡한 상황에서 간단한 해결책을 제안하거나 상대방의 행동을 촉구할 때 유용한 표현이지만, 상대방의 감정을 고려하여 사용하는 것이 중요합니다.
Today's Sentences
- Can’t you just be happy?
- Can’t you just return the gift?
- Can’t you just call me earlier?
- Can’t you just express your anger?
- Can’t you just open the car door for me?
- Writer's Note
01
Can’t you just be happy?
Situation 1
Are you seeing anybody now?
Actually, I’m engaged.
Really.
I guess we weren’t meant to be.
우리는 인연이 아니었던 것 같아요.
Can’t you just be happy?
It’s been so long since we’ve broken up.
우리가 헤어진 지 정말 오래됐잖아.
Situation 2
Why can’t anyone drive right?
What happened to all the good drivers?
모든 훌륭한 운전자는 어디로 간 걸까요?
Are you okay?
You seem irritated.
화가 나신 것 같아요.
Look at that lady trying to drive in everyone else’s lane!
Can’t you just be happy?
Just let the bad drivers pass by.
그저 나쁜 운전자들이 지나가도록 두세요.
02
Can’t you just return the gift?
Situation 1
So he gave you a gift but you don’t want to accept it?
Exactly.
What should I do?
어떻게 해야 하나요?
Can’t you just return the gift?
Return it to the store?
Or to the guy?
아니면 그 사람에게?
Situation 2
So I got all these gifts, what should I do?
Since you canceled the wedding, can’t you just return the gifts?
I guess that would be the right thing to do.
If you have all the RSVP cards, you should have all the info to send them back.
03
Can’t you just call me earlier?
Situation 1
I need you to pick me up.
Now?
Yea.
Can’t you just call me earlier?
Situation 2
We need pasta sauce.
I’m almost home though.
Can you drop by the store, please?
Can’t you just call me earlier?
Now I’ve gotta turn around and go back to the store.
이제 다시 가게로 돌아가야 하잖아.
04
Can’t you just express your anger?
Situation 1
Are you still mad?
I guess.
You’ve been giving me the silent treatment for two days.
Can’t you just express your anger?
그냥 화난 것을 표현할 수는 없나요?
I’m not ready to talk yet.
Situation 2
Giving anger actions and words is unhealthy.
Can’t you just express your anger?
As an adult, it’s not a good idea to just vent out your anger.
When I’m triggered I feel like my anger goes from 0 to 60.
05
Can’t you just open the car door for me?
Situation 1
Can’t you just open the car door for me?
I’m not used to opening doors.
Isn’t it common courtesy?
I guess.
I’ll try to open the car door for you next time.
다음번에는 제가 차 문을 열어드릴게요.
Situation 2
Can’t you just open the car door for me?
Sorry.
I’m kidding.
I’m perfectly capable of opening doors for myself.
저는 스스로 문을 열 수 있어요.
I should have opened the door for you.
Writer's Note
Imagine yourself in front of a mirror saying, I love you. You can say it with sincerity and meaning and now try to say it rolling your eyes in an unflattering voice. So much of language is about tone and manner of what is said. It can significantly impact how it is perceived. Here are some things to consider.
- Emotional Impact: Tone conveys emotions. A warm, friendly tone can make a message feel more inviting, while a harsh or sarcastic tone can create defensiveness or hostility.
- Clarity and Intent: The way something is said can clarify or obscure the speaker's intent. For example, a calm and measured tone can indicate sincerity and thoughtfulness, while a hurried or angry tone may suggest frustration or carelessness.
- Cultural Context: Different cultures have varying norms regarding tone and expression. What may be considered assertive in one culture could be seen as rude in another.
- Nonverbal Cues: Tone often goes hand-in-hand with body language and facial expressions, which can further influence how a message is received.
- Persuasion: In persuasive communication, tone can enhance credibility. A confident and enthusiastic tone can inspire trust and engagement, while a monotone delivery may lead to disinterest.
Overall, effective communication involves not just the words used but also how they are delivered. Try it out for yourself. Hearing and seeing yourself speak in English is extremely helpful in polishing up how you deliver your words.