在日常生活中,小到借一支笔,大到公司作决策,都免不了需要向周围的人请求许可。那么,如何用英语正确的表达“征求同意”的过程呢?
何用英语请求许可
请求许可有很多形式,最需要注意的一点就是礼貌:
#01 Can I + v.
Can I go out tonight?
我今晚能出去吗?
Can he have dinner with us?
他能和我们一起吃饭吗?
需要注意的是:这个用法很不正式,以至于很多人觉得它不正确,但日常生活中这个用法其实还是很常见的。
#02 May I + v.
May I have another piece of pie?
我可以再吃一块派吗?
May we go out with our friends tonight?
我们今晚可以和朋友出去吗?
May I do sth 是请求许可时常用的短语,这个表达很正式哦。
其他常见的形式还有:
#03 Could I please + v.
Could I please go with Tom to the movie?
我能和汤姆一起去看电影吗?
#04 Do you think I could + v.
Do you think I could use your cell phone?
你觉得我可以用你的手机吗?
#05 Would it be possible for me + 不定式
Would it be possible for to study in this room?
我可以在这个房间学习吗?
#06 Would you mind if I + v.(过去时态)
Would you mind if I took a five minute break?
你介意我休息五分钟吗?
#07 Would you mind my + v. - ing
Would you mind my using your cellphone?
你介意我用你的手机吗?
有人发出请求,就会有人回应,那么如何表达同意要求呢?
一般有4种说法,前3个常用于口语表达,最后1个比较正式:
Sure.
当然。
No problem.
没问题。
Go right ahead.
开始吧。
Please feel free + 不定式
Please feel free to eat something.
请随意吃点儿什么吧。
说“不”会让人觉得尴尬,但你可能因为各种原因无法同意请求,这时该如何礼貌的拒绝呢?
I’m afraid I’d prefer if you don’t.
恐怕我觉得不行。
Sorry, but I’d rather you not do that.
抱歉,但我觉得你最好别这样。
Unfortunately, I need to say no.
不幸的是,我不得不拒绝。
I’m afraid that’s not possible.
这恐怕不行。
拒绝了别人,我们有时会于心不忍,这时可以用“how about”和“instead”来提供其他帮助。
I’m afraid I can’t let you borrow my car, but I could drive you instead.
恐怕我不能让你借我的车,但是我可以代你开车。
I can’t babysit your daughter. How about I call my sitter for you instead?
我不能照顾你的女儿。我替你叫我的保姆怎么样?
接下来让我们看两个例子:
Jack: Hi Sam, do you think I could use your cell phone for a moment?
杰克:嗨,山姆,你觉得我可以用一下你的手机吗?
Sam: Sure, no problem. Here you are.
山姆:当然,没问题。给你。
Jack: Thanks buddy. It will only be a minute or two.
杰克:谢谢你,伙计。只要一两分钟。
Sam: Take your time. No rush.
山姆:慢慢来。不要着急。
Jack: Thanks!
杰克:谢谢!
Employee: Would you mind if I came in late to work tomorrow?
员工:你介意我明天上班迟到吗?
Boss: I’m afraid I’d prefer if you didn’t.
老板:我觉得你最好别迟到。
Employee: Hmmm. What if I work overtime tonight?
员工:嗯。如果我今晚加班怎么办?
Boss: Well, I really need you for the meeting tomorrow. Is there any way you can do whatever it is you need to do later.
老板:嗯,明天开会我真的需要你。你有什么办法可以以后再做需要做的事情吗?
Employee: If you put it that way, I’m sure I can figure something out.
员工:如果你那样说,我确信我能想出一些办法。
Boss: Thanks, I appreciate it.
老板:谢谢,我很感激。