但是你能不能为我争点气啊
“But can't you at least try to do better for my sake?”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
我也不是让你有多大出息啊
“I'm not asking you to achieve anything extraordinary.”
但是 你能不能 为我 争点气 啊
“But can't you at least try to do better for my sake?”
一说你就这样
“You shut down like this every time.”
“You are embarrassing me; make an effort so people stop looking down on us.”
Personal achievement in Chinese families is rarely seen as purely individual; doing well is an obligation to preserve the honor and face of loved ones.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
to bring credit to; to try to make a good showing; to show backbone
A vital cultural concept used when urging family members to achieve success to earn pride and respect for the family.
for my sake; on my behalf
Used to bind the other person's performance to the speaker's personal emotional well-being or face.
Amplifies the emotional urgency and exasperation of the rhetorical plea.
