英语中的邀请表达
在日常生活中,我们经常听到这样的对话:
甲:有空到我家玩。
乙:好的。
我们知道,这种邀请并非是一定要兑现的。无独有偶,英语中也有类似的情况,即有些对话听起来像是邀请,但实际上却是一种礼貌的道别。请看:
A: I have to run to class.
B:See you later.
A: See you later.
B: Okay. we'll have to get together again.
A: Uh huh.
那么,怎样区分真实与非真实的邀请呢?一般说来,真实邀请具有这样一个特点:邀请者提到具体的时间和地点,被邀请者要么拒绝,要么接受。例如:
A: I wanted to ask you— are you and Fred free on Saturday night?
B: Yes, we are.
A: God How would you like to go out with us?
B: That's a good idea. I've been wanting to get together. Do you want to goto dinner or just a movie?
下面是一例更为直接的邀请:
A: We're going to see “The Boys from Brazil” with Sally and Sam tonight.Would you like to join us?
而非真实的邀请没有明确的时间,通常只用 soon, one day, sometime或者以when开头的短语表明时间。请看下面两例:
A:Hi!
B:Hi!
A: When are we goinb to get together?
B: We really should.
A:You know my office number. Just give me a call.
B:Okay
A: Good . So long.
B:Bye.
A: Listen , I have a lot to talk about to you. I think we should have lunch together one day soon.
B: Okay.
A: I'll call you.
对于那些没有确切时间的非真实邀请,如果双方继续交涉,他们可能计划出具体的时间。这样,就可以变成真实的邀请。例如:
A: Okay, thanks for the information Let's get together soon.
B:I'd love to.
A: Good. I'll give you a call and we'll make a date for lunch.
B: If you want, we can make a date now. When are you free?
A: Uh, okay. I'm available almost any day next week. What about you?
B:Well,Wednesday is my best day.
A: Okay, let's make it Wednesday.
B: Noon okay for you?
A:Noon is fine. Shall I pick you up at your place?
B:That would be great.
A: I'll be there at noon on Wednesday.
B: Great. See you then.
邀请是一种很普通的社交方式,了解这方面的知识会有助于我们建立友好的谈话气氛;了解真实与非真实邀请的区别可以帮助我们更准确地理解和表达,以便更好地交际。
