这句话的意思是我不在乎,缺少兴趣(lack of interest),也就是:I dont care at all. 或 I dont give a hoot1.
比如:人家假如问: What do you think of the budget|cut?(你对预算削减有什么怎么看?)
你回答: I couldnt care less.(我毫不在乎)
How do you like Mr. Lees political point of view?(你喜欢李先生的政见吗?)
I couldnt care less.(我才不在乎呢!)
但有时说话者也会口是心非: 比如:
I couldnt care less about the promotion2 or pay raise.(我不在乎升级或涨薪)
而事实上他是根本在乎升级和涨薪的,那样人家或许就会回答说: Yes, you do(care).
至于 I couldnt care more. 就是我非常在乎(I care a lot.)或 I care deeply. 同理:
I couldnt agree more. = I totally agree.(我完全赞同)
I couldnt please you more. = I did my best to please you.(我尽可能使你开心)
I couldnt be more right. = I am totally right.
但老外为了自尊,不愿强调我们的错误,所以极少人说: I couldnt be more wrong. 注意:普通人都用否定句,但也有老外把一定句与否定句互用。
不过,严格来讲,I could care less. = I care to some degree.(care 的程度可能降低) I could care more. = I care some.(care的程度或许增加)(主词可用其他人称代名词:he, she, you, we, they 等。但只用 could,不需要 can。)