Meaning
例如,当你看到同事在处理一个看似简单但复杂化的问题时,你可能会说:“Can’t you just try restarting the computer?” 这句话的意思是“你不能简单地尝试重启电脑吗?” 通过这句话,你建议一项简单的行动,期待它可能带来解决方案。
使用场景:
需要注意的是,在交流中使用“Can’t you just”时,要注意语气和场合,因为它可能被对方误解为不耐烦或指责。因此,在正式场合或与不太熟悉的人交流时,最好谨慎使用。
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.
我想我们注定无缘。
Can’t you just be happy?
It’s been so long since we’ve broken up.
我们分手已经很久了。
Situation 2
Why can’t anyone drive right?
What happened to all the good drivers?
所有优秀的司机都去哪儿了?
Are you okay?
You seem irritated.
你看起来很烦躁。
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.
让那些糟糕的司机过去吧。
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?
我该怎么办?
Can’t you just return the gift?
Return it to the store?
Or to the guy?
还是退给那个人?
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.
现在我得掉头回商店了。
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?
你就不能直接表达你的愤怒吗?
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.
下次我会试着为你开车门。
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.
我完全有能力自己开门。
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.