所 所以老奴斗胆
“So, with all respect,”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
所以呢
“So?”
所 所以 老奴 斗胆
“So, with all respect,”
欲为小公子寻一玩伴
“I want to find a playmate for the Little Young Master,”
“Please don't be angry with me for overstepping my bounds, but I have a recommendation.”
In historical Chinese society, subordinates lowered their self-status linguistically using terms like 'doudan' and 'laonu' to show absolute deference and protect themselves from punishment.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
this old servant (humble self-address)
A classical self-deprecating pronoun used by elderly servants when addressing royal or aristocratic masters in period dramas.
take the liberty; venture to; be so bold as to
A humble formulaic phrase used before venturing an opinion or request to an authoritative superior.
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“Unfortunately, I let my guard down for a moment,”
“You old servant! -How dare you shove her? -You dare to push me?”
“I'll send men to investigate at once! Enough.”
“I'm just a servant, I can't make that call.”
“I must make the right choice.”
“I apologize for my incompetence.”