Jessica在北京学中文,她的中国朋友要是遇到了不知道用美语怎么说的词,就会来请教她。今天是于苗要问的:换位思考。
YM:Hey Jessica! How's it going?...你怎么看起来气呼呼的?
Jessica:I AM angry! One of my friend said she's going to come visit me, but she canceled her trip AT THE LAST MINUTE! I've saved all my weekend for her!
YM:啊? 这可真扫兴,不过你有没有问她,为什么不来了呢?
Jessica:She said a very important client is coming to town over the weekend, and she got the opportunity to accompany them.
YM:哦,原来是这样。你想想,你朋友刚开始工作,能有这么好的接触大客户的机会,你应该为她高兴呀! 试着换位思考一下嘛!
Jessica:换位思考?....哦,我知道了,you are telling me to put myself in her shoes. Yeah, I guess I'm being a little harsh.
YM:对啊! 她一定也很想跟好朋友过个休闲的周末,but sometimes you've got to sacrifice your personal life for work, especially when you are new at your job! Jessica, 你这么善解人意,一定明白的!
Jessica:Yeah, I guess I should be more considerate.
YM:哦! 原来善解人意就是 considerate! 我其实特别明白你朋友的心情,我感同身受! Hmm, 这个“感同身受”用美语要怎么说呢?
Jessica:You can say it strikes a chord. Strike is spelled s-t-r-i-k-e; and chord, c-h-o-r-d, chord. If something strikes a chord, it means it evokes a similar emotion or reaction. 就是你说的感同身受!
YM:原来是这样! Yes, your friend's situation strikes a chord with me!
Jessica:You know, Yumiao, I think you are right. I will call her and apologize for overreacting, and I will wish her good luck!
YM:我来总结一下今天所学的:
第一,换位思考叫做 put oneself in someone else's shoes;
第二,善解人意可以用 considerate;
第三,感同身受,叫做 strike a chord!