Analysis of the Cultural Connotations of “Guo Liang Tian” (In Two Days) from the Perspective of Face Theory in Social Psychology

This paper explores the deep meanings and functions of the expression “Guo Liang Tian” (过两天 literally “In Two Days”) within Chinese culture from a social psychological perspective, particularly through the lens of face theory. The study finds that “Guo Liang Tian”, as an ambiguous temporal expression, is widely used to avoid direct refusals and to maintain both personal and others’ face, thereby promoting social harmony. Although this expression is broadly accepted in Chinese culture, it may cause misunderstandings and communication barriers in cross-cultural interactions. To mitigate these issues, strategies such as enhancing cultural sensitivity, specifying exact times, using double confirmation, and building trust are essential. This paper analyzes the social psychological functions of “Guo Liang Tian” in linguistic communication and its impact on interpersonal communication and social behavior patterns.