Lesson 47 Do you mind?

ポイント
If someone makes a request or asks for permission, the cooperative response is usually to say “yes.” But that is not always the case.

ダイアログ
Mike: It’s a bit hot in here. Do you mind if I turn down the heating?
Hiro: Yes, I do.

解説
Hiro is trying to respond positively to show that he is okay with Mike turning down the heating. But he actually tells Mike not to turn down the heating. Why? Well, “Do you mind?” translates as “気にしますか,” so “yes” means　“気にします”　and “no” means “気にしません.” So if Hiro doesn’t mind Mike turning down the heating, he should say “No, I don’t.” So remember, if someone asks “Do you mind?” “No” is cooperative and “Yes” is uncooperative.