Comments on: Maybe

By: tseten

tseten — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 09:10:00 +0000

I think it is common among most Asians to show restraint and say no when offered food or drink because it is considered to be rude or brash to say yes the very first time. You are supposed to only say yes after three times. Even though I think this practice of false modesty is very tiresome sometimes, it does make for a nice icebreaker when meeting new people as often is the case with my mother who will insist till the other person gives in.

By: Nic

Nic — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 03:21:00 +0000

In reply to JMK. hahahahaha that is a great way of teaching someone not to do that!

By: JMK

JMK — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:37:00 +0000

When I studied abroad in China I made a lot of Korean-Chinese friends. One of them told me that every time a foreigner offers something he gives the real answer right away now (it’s usual for people in Asia to answer no and you have to ask them like three times!) because one time this guy offered him chocolate and he said no, and the guy sat there and ate the chocolate in front of him, when my friend actually wanted it! So I guess there is a way to change that habit haha my husband also answers simple questions ambiguously and it drives me crazy!

By: Nic

Nic — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 03:17:00 +0000

In reply to John. Oh that is interesting that even as a Korean American you still speak with some ambiguity. Because I actually don't know many Korean Americans or Korean Australians, just Korean Koreans, I'm not always aware how a Western environment changes or doesn't change some cultural aspects. I hope your female friends realise it's a cultural thing and to not be offended. I wouldn't dare get upset if it was a guy friend doing it. It's only with my husband that I have the freedom to get cranky haha. Anyway thank you for reading and commenting!

By: John

John — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 19:02:00 +0000

I’m Korean-American, and I can’t tell you how many arguments I have gotten in because of this ambiguity. My guy friends have no issue with this, but my non-Korean female friends develop issues and “complexes” with me because of this. I am enjoying reading your blog.

By: Jason Tankard

Jason Tankard — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 01:34:00 +0000

That’s gotta be fun…

By: Jason Tankard

Jason Tankard — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 01:34:00 +0000

In reply to Nic. Good plan!

By: Nic

Nic — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 07:35:00 +0000

In reply to Claire J. Kim. haha yes. If I always take it as no he will have to start saying exactly what he means if he wants something.

By: Claire J. Kim

Claire J. Kim — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 02:59:00 +0000

Haha this is really interesting. I think when Korean say ‘maybe’ it usually mean yes.
If i answer like hugh in this comic, i was thinking… ‘Milk? I want to drink.. Oh no.. I am not sure. Do i want it?’ therefore i will answer ‘maybe’.
When I say it to my mum then she usually get me drink with no word then i drink with no word as well. But when i do to my brother he does not. Ironically it makes me annoyed even If i said ‘maybe’. Oh, i think i am really cheeky girl. Haha
Anyway u can choose the answer yes or no. If you want to break his habit take it means NO! 🙂