먼저 완곡어법을 사용하지 않은 직설적인 대화 먼저 들어보겠습니다.

A: John, I hate when you say that.

B: Let me go to the bathroom first. Just wait here.

A: But before you go, just tell me. Did you know David’s grandmother died?

B: No. Did you know David got fired?

A: No. But now I know why David got so fat. He’s stressed.

이번에는 완곡어법을 사용한 대화 들어보겠습니다.

A: I don’t appreciate it when you say that.

B: Excuse me for a moment; I need to freshen up. Please stay here for a bit.

A: Before you leave, could you tell me if you were aware of the recent unfortunate event in David's family regarding his grandmother? B: I wasn't aware of that. On a related note, were you informed about David's recent change in employment status?

A: No, I wasn't. However, I now understand why David's physical appearance has changed. He’s under a lot of stress.

두 대화의 차이점을 발견하셨나요? 한 문장 한 문장 비교해 보겠습니다.

I hate when you say that. 나는 당신이 그렇게 말할 때 정말 싫습니다. Hate 아주 굉장히 몹시 싫다는 단어를 쓰지 않고, I don’t appreciate it when you say that. I don’t appreciate you saying that. 나는 당신이 그렇게 말하는 것을 고마워하지 않아요.

완곡어법 euphemism은 정중하고 부드러운 표현이라고 생각하시면 됩니다.