Meaning
「Don't tell me」は驚きや信じられないという気持ちを表現するために使われる英語のフレーズです。この表現は、多くの場合、良くないニュースや予想外の情報を聞いたときに反応として使用されます。
たとえば、友達が「彼がまた遅刻したよ」と言ったときに、あなたが「Don't tell me!（まさか！）」と返すことで、その出来事が信じがたいという感情を示すことができます。この場合、実際に「言わないで」と言っているわけではなく、むしろ驚きや失望のニュアンスが含まれています。
さらに、このフレーズは相手が言おうとしていることを予測し、そのことが本当であるかどうかを確認したいときにも使われます。例えば、「Don't tell me you're quitting your job.（まさか仕事を辞めるの？）」というように、相手の言葉を予想しながら確認する形で使われることもあります。
「Don't tell me」は、日常会話で頻繁に使われる便利な表現であり、驚きや信じられないという感情を伝えるのに役立ちます。相手の言葉を予測しながら確認する場面でも使えるため、ぜひ覚えておくと会話が豊かになるでしょう。
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?
ドレスコードは何ですか？
Situation 2
Did you pick up the dry-cleaning?
No, I didn’t.
Was I supposed to?
そうするべきだったのでしょうか？
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!
まさか私が最後なんて言わないでください！
It's such a good movie,
you have to see it.
ぜひ見てください。
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.
