Many students from Miracle Mandarin often ask their teachers, why Chinese people do not say I love you to their parents or friends?
Our teacher Darlene gave her opinion:
I love you might be one of the most important combinations of three words in the English language. It’s the signal that a romantic relationship is serious, an indication of closeness for a sibling, parent, or child, and a constant refrain for pop songs.
In Mandarin, “I love you” translates as “wǒ ài nǐ”, but the way it’s used in China might be a little different, and Chinese state media is wondering why.
The Global Times reports that two online videos showing children telling their parents “I love you” have gone viral in China. The first, filmed by an Anhui TV station, shows a number of college students telling their parents they love them. The response is mixed. “Are you drunk?” asked one parent. In another similar video, shot by a Shanxi TV station, a father responded even more bluntly– “I am going to a meeting, so cut the crap.”
Why don’t Chinese families use those words? Theories revolve around the nature of Confucian teaching.” The parents’ responses show that many Chinese are not good at expressing positive emotions,” Professor Xia, a Sociologist from Peking University, told the Global Times.
So, did her answer solve your puzzles? If not, you can contact us: www.miraclemandarin.com or you can come to our school——Miracle Mandarin Chinese Language School in Shanghai. Maybe after learning Chinese, you will understand why.
