英語で懸念を伝え、丁寧に断る表現
相手との関係に配慮しながら、英語で問題点や不安を伝え、依頼を断る言い方を学びます。日本語の「ちょっと難しいですね」のような言い方だけでは結論が伝わらないことがあるため、控えめな表現にも必要な対応や代案を添えます。「There seems to be」は誰の責任かを決めつけずに問題を示し、「not exactly」は肯定的な評価を控えめに否定する表現ですが、言い方によっては皮肉にも聞こえます。仕事の例では「would」「could」などで丁寧さを出し、親しい相手との例ではくだけた言い方を使いますが、「decline」は親しい間柄でもやや改まった響きがあり、「reservation」はここでは予約ではなく懸念や留保を表します。
懸念・留保・控えめな否定・断りの表現
相手を責めずに認識のずれを確認する
There seems to be a problem; could we a clarifying action?
- 丁寧
There seems to be a misunderstanding about the deadline; could we clarify it before we continue?
- くだけた
We might have misunderstood each other about tonight; can we agree on a time now?
「とは言えない」で問題点と必要な対応を伝える
Subject is not exactly a positive description, so consequence or requested change.
- 丁寧
The figures are not exactly reliable, so we need to check them before sending the report.
- くだけた
Leaving dirty dishes for a week is not exactly fair, so let's wash them after each meal.
断る意思を明確にして代案を添える
I'm afraid I must decline a request, but an available alternative.
- 丁寧
I'm afraid I must decline your request to work this weekend, but I can help on Monday.
- くだけた
I'll have to decline this time, but I'd love to join you next week.
仕事の会話：納期への懸念を丁寧に伝える
- A丁寧
I would like to raise a concern about the delivery date.
- B丁寧
Of course, what concerns you?
- A丁寧
I have reservations about promising Friday when the work is still unfinished.
- B丁寧
Would you be willing to agree on Monday instead?
親しい相手との会話：旅行費用への不安を伝える
- Aくだけた
Can I raise a concern about our holiday plans?
- Bくだけた
Sure, what's worrying you?
- Aくだけた
I've got reservations about spending all our savings on one trip.
- Bくだけた
Could we look for somewhere cheaper?