Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, everyone

This may sound a little strange to you, but I have a friend who is worried about using the expression"I'm fine, thank you", to mean "No, thank you" in restraunts or in airplanes.

When she uses it , sometimes she can get the meaning across, but sometimes she ends up being served another cup of tea or coffee against her will.

I know her English skill is quite well, so I really don't know why this happens. Can anyone guess the reason that "I'm fine, thanks" can be interpreted as "I'd like another cup"?

My guess is that this can be related to intonation or body language or something like that...

Thank you,

yoshi-pooh

[CP]

I suspect that sometimes the server doesn't speak good English, and when he / she hears "thank you" or "fine, thank you," here comes the refill. It does sound like a yes, after all.

And sometimes the server pays no attention to the answer, and refills the coffee anyway. That happens to me enough that I actually put my hand over my cup when I say, "No, thanks." And then I pull it away quickly, because often I get the refill anyway.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[Jintii]

Your friend might want to try shaking her head "no" while saying "No, I'm fine, thanks."

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, CP and Jintii

I showed her your replies. She says she really appreciate your advice.

Thanks,

yoshi-pooh