Abstract:

This study aims to investigate the application of euphemism in the business communications. Euphemism is a quite important linguistic phenomenon. Euphemism is the substitution of mild or vague or roundabout expression for harsh or blunt or direct one. In business communication, business people use euphemisms to express their views, suggestions or wishes, so that they may better establish a good business environment. Furthermore, their intended purpose could be achieved more easily. The paper is written from the perspective of the definition, the importance, functions and expression methods of euphemisms in the business communications. The study concludes that readers can achieve their goals better by using euphemisms during business communications.

Key words: euphemism; business communication; function; expression methods

摘要：

本文旨在调查研究委婉语在商务沟通中的应用。委婉语是一种十分重要的语言现象。它是将刺耳的、生硬的或直接的表达替换为温和的、模糊的或拐弯抹角的表达。在商务沟通中，采用委婉语表达自己的观点、建议或愿望，以便更好地建立良好的商务环境，达到各自预期的目的。本文从委婉语的定义、在商务沟通中的重要性、委婉语的功能及其表达方式等方面具体介绍委婉语，使读者在进行商务沟通时更好的应用委婉语来达到目的。

关键词：委婉语；商务沟通；功能；表达方法

1. Introduction
Nowadays, on some formal occasions, people will use some indirect or gentle words to replace some direct or disgusting words. Its purpose is to conceal the fact or express their courtesy, or avoid the use of taboo words. This is euphemism.
Euphemism is a form of expression that exists in all cultures. It is a common socio-cultural phenomenon during the process of using human languages. There are different euphemisms in different language communities, social backgrounds, histories and cultures. As a common linguistic phenomenon, it has been paid attention to by a lot of scholars. In the early 16th century, a scholar called George Blunt defined the word for the first time. Afterwards, many eastern and western scholars went about euphemism research. And nowadays, the definition, scope and function of euphemisms have been expanding.