Top 10: If you could only say one word for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
- One reader tells us why ‘thanks’ would be the term they would like to use forever; another says ‘help’ is essential for survival
- This week’s question: What is an unusual resolution you have for the new year?
If you could hang on to just one word for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: What is an unusual resolution you have for the new year?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 11.59pm on December 20. Tell us your name, age and school.
Max Chan Chi-chun, 14, Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping Secondary School: If I could only say one word for the rest of my life, I’d choose “thanks”. It is a word that expresses gratitude and appreciation while acknowledging the kindness and support of others. Saying thanks strengthens relationships and shows people that they are valued. It reminds me to be grateful and to express my appreciation to people.
Elina Lee Ting-wai, 15, Pui Kiu College: “Help” is definitely the word I would hang on to for the rest of my life. Imagine if you were robbed or saw a house on fire, I am sure the first word that comes to your mind would be “help”. People are especially sensitive to that word, and they would immediately be on alert. If I chose another random word to say, others would not understand my emergency and desperation for help, and there could be a serious impact. Hence, after careful consideration, I believe saying help out of all words is the most beneficial, as it can, very likely, ensure my safety.
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Yanie Li Yan-yin, 12, Evangel College: It would be the word “good”. It is a positive word to praise people. If I only say “good” for the rest of my life, I can still bring happiness to people whenever I speak. It can cheer me up too.
Hylia Chan, 10, St Paul’s Co-educational College Primary School: “Hi”. I find that a simple greeting brightens up my day because it means that people notice and care about me. This common greeting might seem trivial, but it can work like a radiant sun when you are having a bad day or as a guiding light even if you’re feeling lost or down in the dumps. So if I could only say one word for the rest of my life, I would want it to be able to bring joy to people.
Pun Yan-nok, 11, Holy Angels Canossian School: It would probably be the word “why”. I believe we all have questions, and although some are solved, many aren’t. So whenever someone talks, I will just say “why”, and they will give me a lot of reasons. I also like to tease people sometimes for fun, so it would be hilarious to see their reactions.
Angel Li Ching-ha, 13, CNEC Christian College: I would say “fighting”. It is a word of encouragement that motivates me to face challenges. It encourages me not to give up in difficult situations. It is a simple and powerful expression that inspires me to keep going and give whatever I do my best effort.
Chui Tsz-ki, 14, Pope Paul VI College: “No”. It is easy to communicate agreement with a nod or any simple gesture. Sometimes, we can even agree without saying anything. But saying “no” sometimes is difficult but necessary. More than that, it is essential to say if you want control over your life.
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Tammy Chan Wing-kei, 12, TWGHs Li Ka Shing College: If I could only say one word for the rest of my life, it would be “please”. Because in daily life, you usually say this to be polite. But you can also use different tones while saying this word; for example, saying “please” sarcastically means you disagree, or saying it enthusiastically means you agree. It can be really helpful in situations when other people are asking about your opinion. But if the word “please” does not match some situations, you can always use sign language or your body language to communicate.
Circle Yuen Tsz-ching, 12, Pope Paul VI College: “Maybe”. It is because the words yes or no can be acted out using body language. But the word I chose is quite hard to act out and make other people understand. Therefore, if I can say the word “maybe” for the rest of my life, I can most likely avoid future misunderstandings.
Yeung Man-wing, 15, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Seaward Woo College: I think “huh” is a special word because you can use it in any situation. When you are confused, you might use it to express your confusion. But if you change the tone, it can express a totally different emotion. This is a multi-meaning word as it has different meanings with different tones, so it would be the best choice if I could only say one word for the rest of my life.