陈豪在北京的ABC美国公司工作,他看见美国同事Amy正跟办公室另外几个人一起出去。

(Office ambience)

CH:Amy, Are you guys going to lunch?

A:Yes. Would you like to join us?

C:好啊。我跟你们一起去。

A:I have to make one phone call before I leave. Would you like to wait for me or go ahead with everyone else?

C:我等你。

A:Thank you.

C:No problem.

A:Say, Chen Hao, my phone call can wait a few minutes. I need to tell you something while it is on my mind.

C:Uh-oh. 我做错什么事了吗?

A:No, you said something wrong. Actually you said two things that caught my attention.

C:嗯….可我刚才没说什么啊?

A:First, you used the expression “You guys.”

C:我那些同事经常把you guys挂在嘴边上,我这可是跟美国人学的。

A:I know they do, but that doesn’t mean it’s correct or polite.

C:为什么不对呢?

A:Because the word “guy” is an informal term that refers to a man or boy. People today use the plural “guys” without regard for gender. That is not correct usage of the word and it demonstrates a lack of polish.

C:那要是有男有女应该怎么说呢?

A:You could have simply asked, “Are you going to lunch?” Or you could have said, “Are you ALL going to lunch?”

C:我知道了。

A:Now please excuse me while I make that quick phone call. Otherwise we’ll miss lunch altogether.

C:No problem.

******

Amy打完电话跟陈豪一起去吃午饭。

C:Amy, 你刚才不是还要纠正我另外一个错误吗?

A:Yes. I have noticed that when someone says “thank you”, your response is always “no problem.”

C:我经常听别人这么说啊,难道这也不对吗?

A:Lots of people say that in response to “thank you.” However, that is not the correct reply. The correct response to “thank you” is “You are welcome.”

C:Amy, 你是不是太挑剔了?

A:No, it’s being polite and polished. “You guys” and “no problem” are slang phrases which are not formal.

C:俚语?

A:That’s right. Slang expressions will detract from your professional image. “You guys” is only acceptable with a group of men in a very informal setting like the locker room.

C:那”no problem”呢?

A:It is only acceptable when someone asks if you have problem with something.

C:我明白了,就是说一定要注意区分俚语和正规语言,特别是不能在正式场合乱用俚语。

A:You got it! Now let’s eat. I am starving.