The Euphemism Comparison Between English and Chinese

School of European Languages and Cultures, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing, China

^* Corresponding author: 202120107020@bfsu.edu.cn

Abstract

There are many lexical studies on euphemisms and general studies, and there is currently a lack of research on euphemisms in context. There is a lack of relevant articles based on euphemisms for chronological studies. This article examines English euphemisms through chronological comparisons and focuses on the influence of different cultures of different generations on euphemisms. The article explains the fundamental logic of the change and development of euphemisms. The culture of Western countries emphasizes personality development, while Chinese culture emphasizes restraint. Under the influence of Western cultures, Western euphemisms are relatively simple and mostly used to express politeness. It is relatively complex and emphasizes the human understanding that Chinese culture influences Chinese euphemisms. Along with the Europeanization of Chinese, Chinese euphemisms have also been influenced to some extent by English euphemisms. However, as time passed, Chinese and English euphemisms developed in a more concise direction, but both languages retained the polite function of euphemisms. Euphemisms are meant to show politeness and avoid conflict. Therefore, it is important to use the right euphemisms in intercultural communication and inter-age communication.