For instance, in the U.S., directly asking a new acquaintance how much they paid for something is akin to a needle scratch (unless you preface the statement with an apology and the excuse that you're shopping around for the same item).

例如，在美国一开口就问新结识的人买东西花了多少钱，无疑让人觉得有芒刺在背（除非你先表示歉意，借口说你也在寻购同样的商品）。