在每一個不同的文化中，都有一些禁忌的話題。有一些可能是關於年齡，有一些可能是關於金錢。要注意的是，當你認識新的朋友及同事時，或許有些輕鬆的話題在英語國家當中是不被接受的。這裡簡短列出了一些不該說的話題，在任何社交場合裡避免讓別人感到侮辱或窘態。
☊ You've put on weight.
避免說某人胖或是一些體重的話題，除非你故意如此。這通常是一個很敏感的話題，例如："You're getting fat"就是難以置信的侮辱了。
☊ Oh you're pregnant!
上方所指，除非是很明顯，否則不要故意提出來。如果錯誤已經造成，你已經將它成為很大的羞辱了。
☊ Is this your daughter?
嗯...萬一她是他的女朋友怎麼辦？避免踹測關係，只能等著人家來介紹或是自我介紹一下自己。
☊ Your sister is so much prettier than you.
在一些文化裡似乎認為是一個無傷大雅的話，但會傷害到對方的感受。最好的是，避免比較性詞語，只要提到他們的姐妹很漂亮就可以了。
☊ That color doesn't suit you.
負面的評論一個人的外表或許會破壞了那個人一天的好心情-尤其是他們已經在裝扮上花費很多時間。試著給人美好的一天，而不要在你喜歡的服飾或飾品上評論對方！
☊ How much money do you make?
這雖然不是故意羞辱人，而是太直接會使人處在很尷尬的處境。在很多地方裡是不習慣去談論有關於金錢或是薪水的話題。
☊ You look sick.
直率地說，這句話絕對是很羞辱人的。如果某人真的看起來不是很好，你可以說：「Are you feeling ok?」
☊ How old are you?
年齡在很多情況下是一個非常敏感的話題，而且有相當多的人不願意透露他們的年齡。那就離開這個問題-除非你是與一個六歲的小孩子聊天。她們總會興高采烈的說出他們的年齡！
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§§ 英文對照 §§
In every culture, there are certain topics that are taboo to speak about. In some it may be about age while in others it may be about money. Remember as you meet new friends and colleagues, that casual conversation topics in your language may not be acceptable in English. Here's a short list of what not to say to avoid insult or embarrassment at any social occasion.
☊ You've put on weight.
Avoid pointing out that someone is fat or making any comments about weight, unless you're trying to be rude. This is often a sensitive issue, and remarks such as "You're getting fat" are incredibly insulting.
☊ Oh you're pregnant!
Unless it's really obvious, make it a point not to bring this up. If you happen to be mistaken, you have managed to let out a big insult. See above.
☊ Is this your daughter?
Well, what if she happens to be his girlfriend? Avoid assuming relationships and instead wait to be introduced, or be bold and introduce yourself.
☊ Your sister is so much prettier than you.
While this may seem like a harmless comment in some cultures, it can hurt the feelings of the person you're talking to. Instead, leave out the comparisons and just mention that their sister is pretty.
☊ That color doesn't suit you.
Negative talk about appearances may ruin someone's evening ?especially if they've spent a lot on their outfit. Try making someone's day, instead, by complimenting them on an article of clothing or an accessory you do like!
☊ How much money do you make?
While this isn't insulting, it's too personal and can leave someone in an awkward position. It's not customary in many places to talk about money or salary.
☊ You look sick.
Said bluntly, this can definitely be insulting. If someone really does look like they're not feeling well, you can ask, "Are you feeling ok?"
☊ How old are you?
Age is a sensitive issue for many, and quite a few people are unwilling to reveal theirs. Stay away from asking this question, unless you're chatting with a 6-year-old. They're always happy to share their age!
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