Friends & datingIntermediate
Avoiding salary questions in English
What to say when someone asks your salary and you don't want to answer.
Full script
Lin
How much do I make? Enough to buy snacks.
Them
Come on, just tell me a number!
Lin
I'd rather not say. It's a secret.
Them
Is it more than your cousin?
Lin
Let's not compare. Everyone's different.
Them
So... it's less?
Lin
Let's change the subject. Look, dumplings!
Them
Nice try. I'll ask again after dinner.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Avoid
✓ I'd rather not say.Polite refusal
I'd rather not = a polite no
Save this
✓ Enough to buy snacks.Joke reply
A funny reply when asked pay
Avoid
✓ Let's not compare.No need to compare.
compare = see who has more
Avoid
✓ Let's change the subject.Another topic, please.
subject = topic
Quick answers
Avoid: what to say in English
Say “I'd rather not say.” — polite refusal. I'd rather not = a polite no.
Save this: what to say in English
Say “Enough to buy snacks.” — joke reply. A funny reply when asked pay.
Avoid: what to say in English
Say “Let's not compare.” — no need to compare. compare = see who has more.
Avoid: what to say in English
Say “Let's change the subject.” — another topic, please. subject = topic.