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In Japan, when refuting, it is common to read the atmosphere of the place to some extent, choose words, and avoid direct expressions. On the other hand, overseas, while choosing words so as not to hurt the other person, I will argue more clearly and logically than in Japanese.
Often you can't 100% agree with a friend's opinion or in business. Overseas, it is very important to have your own opinion and convey it to the other party. It's often helpful to know some good expressions, as it often leads to passionate discussions not only in business but also in everyday life. It is a daily occurrence for lovers and couples to fight their opinions.
In this article, I will explain what you should be careful about when expressing your opinion, and what kind of phrase is appropriate for it. Practice to come out quickly during the discussion.
Key points when expressing dissenting opinions in English
There are some points to be aware of when refuting the other party's opinion. It's okay if you can't say a nifty phrase in English. By speaking with the following points in mind, it is possible to express dissenting opinions well without hurting or offending the other party.
Don't suddenly deny, first respect the opinions of the other party
Instead of suddenly saying "I don't think so" or "I'm wrong", say something like "I understand what you say, but I think this way", which first acknowledges the other person's opinion.
Show that you respect the other person's opinion by suggesting that you are not sure if the other person is correct or by apologizing for disagreement. By feeling that the other person's opinion is accepted, you will be able to listen to your opinion. Never impose your own opinion.
Organize the opinions and claims of the other party while talking
It is also effective to show the other party's claim point, "This is what you say." It will be easier to exchange opinions if you let the other person understand that you understand it properly and avoid misunderstandings.
When refuting, explain while showing proper support
Instead of blindly refuting, by showing concrete examples, numbers, cases, and other evidence that the other party can logically understand, the counterargument becomes more persuasive and the other party becomes even more difficult to refute.
Make the content positive for the other party
Instead of denying it from the head, get convinced by presenting an alternative plan while incorporating the other party's claim, such as "I think this part is very good, but I think it is better to do this here." It will be easy to shape.
Instead of negative words such as "it's different" or "wrong", make sure that the content is positive and praises the good points of the other party's opinion.
Phrase when you walk up to the other party and argue
When I want to disagree, I often use "I don't think so." (I don't think so) or "I'm not sure about that." Learn expressions that you can use when you accept and disagree.
It is useful to remember, especially when discussing in a business setting.
I see what you are saying but… (I see what you say.)
First, show your understanding to the other person's opinion, saying, "I understand you well," and then say your own opinion after but (but). It is often used not only in business but also with friends.
I understand your point but… (I understand what you mean.)
It is used in the same way as I see what you are saying but…, but it is a little more complicated.
It is a style of refuting after showing an understanding of the other party's opinion.
I mostly agree with you but…
It's a phrase that you can use when you have some different ideas, not all the opinions of the other party.
I respect your point but in my opinion… (I respect your point but in my opinion.)
It is a polite phrase that respects the opinions of the other party and then argues, "But my opinion is this." It is mainly used in business.
That's a fair point but...
It is one of the expressions used when you want to express a different opinion while accepting the other party's opinion as "That's true."
Regardless of this phrase, if you say a word that matches the other person's opinion and then continue with but (but), it will be a blunt counterargument.
I take your opinion but that's not the way I see it.
It is used when you want to express your intention "I don't think so" while showing an attitude of respecting the other person's opinion before giving your own opinion. It's a phrase that shows a clearer opposite attitude than the other phrases that have come up so far.
Phrase for strong opposition
When the debate heats up, it can sometimes be a strong opposition. It is used when you take a direct opposite attitude without showing an attitude of respecting the opinion of the other party.
I'm afraid but I have to disagree.
I disagree. (I don't think so) is the first expression I learn at school as an expression to use when refuting, but I don't use it alone because it sounds blunt and rude to say this as it is. If you are a close friend such as a friend or family member, you may say "I disagree.", But before that, you can say "I'm sorry" in a polite way.
Using I'm sorry instead of I'm afraid has the same meaning, but I'm afraid is a more formal expression, so I'in business with strangers. m afraid would be better.
Also, by using have to together, you can convey the nuance that "I don't want to do that, but I have to oppose it." When using the direct opposite of disagree, it is not rude to keep in mind that "the word of apology is in front" and "the opposition is inevitable".
I'm sorry but I don't agree with you at all.
Instead of using the direct word disagree to convey the opposite intention, it is a form of denying "agree". I don't agree. Is a more negative denial than I disagree., But by adding "totally" at all at the end, you can show a strong opposition.
Just I don't agree with you at all. Is a very blunt impression, but by including an apology, it becomes a polite but strongly opposed phrase.
I have a completely different opinion on that.
I have a different opinion on that, and by adding completely, which means "completely," I can show that I have a different opinion. completely can be used like "I completely agree with you." In the case of affirmation as well as denial.
"Completely" means "I completely forgot about it!" "He's completely changed." (He's completely changed) "My mum was completely mad." It's a useful word to emphasize in various everyday situations, such as (I was very angry), so let's master it.
There is no way I can accept your opinion.
"There is no way ..." means "There is no way they can win." "There is no way you could have done this alone." It means something that is impossible, such as (which is impossible). It is used when you are surprised in a conversation with a friend, but when you say it yourself, if you speak with an accent on the no way part, you will be able to express your feelings of surprise or denial more strongly.
Here, we show a strong opposition to say "it is impossible to accept an opinion". It's rude to use this phrase all of a sudden, but keep in mind that it can be used during heated discussions or during discussions that are close to quarrels.
There is no room for argument here.
It is a phrase that expresses a very strong opposition that "there is no room for discussion = it cannot be talked about". It is used when the story breaks down and gives up, or when the other party's words are completely out of sync and cannot be talked about. It's rarely used because it's a constructive discussion in most cases, but keep in mind that there are some expressions like this.
What you are saying doesn't make sense at all.
It is a relatively casual expression that shows strong opposition. If make sense is left as it is, it will be "meaningful and reasonable", but natives use it very often in everyday life to mean "understand and understand". Expressions such as "Does it make sense?" (Do you understand?) "That makes sense." (I see) appear frequently, so I hope you will be able to remember and use them at the same time.
No way! (Outrageous, impossible.)
It is a casual expression that shortens There is no way. It is used to deny the other party's opinion if it is in the middle of a discussion, but usually "You can't be serious!" (Are you seriously saying it !?) "You must be kidding!" (Joke) Just like !?), it is used to express surprise in casual everyday conversation.
Phrases that admit that they disagree
We'll have to agree to disagree.
"Agree to disagree" means "agree to disagree." It is an expression that is often used to convince each other when they do not agree with each other even after discussing it. In the same way, it can be expressed as "Let's just agree to disagree." Use it when you want to end the discussion so that you don't get a corner without finding a compromise.
Let's just move on. (Let's move on to the next story.)
move on is an idiom that means "go on as it is", but it is used to move on to the next topic, such as when opinions are not gathered at a meeting and it seems that it will take time. It can also be used when a third party speaks out in the sense that "the story is about to go to the next topic" when the discussion is rigid.
In everyday conversation, there is an expression "It's time (for me) to move on." (I have to move on to the next), which is an expression used when thinking about a new start. Besides when I've been doing the same job for a long time and want to start a new thing, or when I've been living in the same country/city and thinking about moving, I've been dragging my girlfriend for a long time, but I finally feel like it. It is also used when it seems to be attached.
Whatever you say.
I use it ironically when I disagree and feel thrown away. Use only close relationships in casual everyday conversations, not in business.
If you say so.
Like Whatever you say., This is an ironic phrase that is thrown away. I use it to give up when the other person does not listen to anything because of close relationships with family, lovers, friends, etc., but depending on the scene and intonation, it sounds quite ironic, and lightly There are times when it doesn't sound particularly ironic. This is a case-by-case basis, so if you've heard of it, you might want to check what kind of situation it's used in.
Conclusion
When I argue in Japanese, I first say "That's true," "Hmm, how about that?" And then "But I think this" and "But I think it's better to think this way." I argue against you. It's easy to think of English as a straightforward language, but it's not always the case. Even if you don't use vague expressions like Japanese, you can oppose a little detour or oppose the other person's feelings without stroking them.
Many people don't like being awkward and find it difficult to express their own opinions, especially those that differ from the other person. However, in English, it is important to clearly convey your opinion so that the other person can understand it. "Japanese people complain later. Why don't you say it on the spot. If you say it, I can't understand how to solve it right away," said an acquaintance who has been doing business with Japanese people many times. It is a word. Foreigners living in the presence of people of various races and backgrounds cannot be "understood without saying". It is very important to express your thoughts and put them into words.
I myself have many experiences, but when I fight the discussion, it looks like a fight from the end, but when it is over, it is unexpectedly crazy. It is preferred to say it on the spot. If you have a fierce discussion and you just can't agree with each other, try to finish the place in a positive atmosphere so that you don't get awkward later. The trick is to put it in a round shape, even if you have a little indigestion, with the feeling that "well, they have different opinions."
