07-11-10
9:26 PM
Today, shopping at the zoo, Shirley declared some clothing “nán kàn” (ugly; but literally, ‘difficult to look at’). This phrase is infinitely superior to “chŏu.” It reminds me of 6th grade Spanish class: my teacher asked me how I would say politely that ‘Miguel’ was stupid. I had no idea what she was getting at (Tonto? Bobo?) and declared, “Miguel es estúpido.” What she actually wanted me to say was “Miguel no es muy inteligente” (not very bright). In both cases, the literal translation is so politely indirect, it’s ruder than just coming out and calling it ugly.
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