2021-12-20 You shouldn’t have – The English We Speak

Summary

It’s nice to receive a present but when it comes as a surprise it’s even nicer. Neil’s about to discover a phrase that expresses the joy of gift giving but takes it too literally! Find out more in this programme.

Transcript

Jiaying
Welcome to The English We Speak with me, Jiaying…

Neil
… and me, Neil. 

Jiaying
You’re looking very festive today – and what’s that in that huge bag?

Neil
Well, as it’s Christmas, I’ve bought you a present.

Jiaying
Oh, Neil, you shouldn’t have!

Neil
I shouldn’t have? Really? Well, I’ve still got the receipt, so I suppose I could return it.

Jiaying
No, no! Don’t do that – I love presents – I just meant it’s unexpected. When we’re given a gift, we can say ‘you shouldn’t have’ to express that it is unexpected, not necessary, but also appreciated. So, I was being polite – I meant you didn’t need to buy me a gift, but thanks anyway!

Neil
Right – so when you say, ‘you shouldn’t have’ you really mean ‘you should have’?

Jiaying
No. It’s just a way of saying ‘thank you, what a nice surprise’. And now I have some examples for you.

Neil
Oh, you shouldn’t have!

Examples
Thanks for my birthday present, but you really shouldn’t have.

Flowers, for me?! You shouldn’t have!

You’ve been so generous with your gift – you shouldn’t have.

Jiaying
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and as it’s Christmas, we’re talking about the expression ‘you shouldn’t have.’ We say it to express surprise and delight at being given a gift. And Neil has a surprise for me.

Neil
Have I? Oh yes, it’s in this bag.

Jiaying
A huge bag – it must be a huge present.

Neil
Err, well, no – it’s a small one, right at the bottom…. There you go – Happy Christmas!

Jiaying
Thanks, Neil. Oh, a signed photo of you! Hmm, maybe this time – you really shouldn’t have.

Neil
It’s the thought that counts. Happy Christmas, Jiaying.

Jiaying
Happy Christmas, Neil.