PEOPLE interacting with English-speaking foreigners are sometimes surprised to discover that a polite-sounding comment can actually carry a serious message. The following examples comment on the quality of a person's work:

1. You did a great job.

Hidden message: 你的工作马马虎虎，还可以

In Western countries, encouragement is a vital part of classroom and workplace culture. Comments like "really great", "wonderful", "gorgeous", "fantastic" or "fabulous" don't always bestow high praise on someone's work. They can sometimes mean, simply, "I'm satisfied with your work."

2. I'm very disappointed that you didn't finish this assignment last week.

Hidden message: 你辜负了我的期望

Most foreigners like to praise or encourage those around them. If they say they are disappointed or concerned about something, it's actually a serious warning. It can mean: "Perhaps I overestimated your skills and talent; I was expecting better from you."

3. This is totally unacceptable!

Hidden message: 这件事后果很严重

The word "unacceptable" carries a very strong tone. It can indicate the speaker finds something lacking in effort or quality. If you hear this from your boss or teacher, you should wise up immediately: Do your best to regain their trust by fixing the problem and working doubly hard on your next assignment.
关键字:短语讲解
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