HOW do you show your concern for a friend who seems to be in trouble? It's better for you to take a polite and less direct way to ask about the problem. Last week, we showed you five expressions. The following are five other options.

1. Is something on your mind? / Do you have something on your mind? /What's on your mind? 你担心什么呢?

Note: This has a milder, easier tone but can still apply to serious problems such as job dissatisfaction or even job loss or marital problems. Be on a person's mind: 有什么挂心的事

2. Why are you so glum? 你怎么看起来闷闷不乐的？

Note: Spoken in a mild tone, it sounds friendly and caring. Often used when someone is feeling blue or mildly depressed.

3. Why the long face? 你怎么看起来这么疲惫？

Note: Meaning "Why do you seem so unhappy?" The complete sentence would be "Why do you have such a long face?" (But, no one would ever say that.)

4. You're not yourself today. / You don't seem to be yourself today. 你今天有点心神不宁。

Note: Mild way of saying "you don't seem to be in such a good mood today" or "you don't seem to be feeling so well today". People also say "Sorry, I'm just not myself today" (对不起，我也不知道今天我是怎么了), as an excuse after not performing well on the job.

5. Who are you irritated with? 谁惹你生气了？

Note: This is used only in a very specific situation where someone is having a problem with another person. Be irritated with?: 为……而急躁，为……而发怒.

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