如何进行外贸英译中（四）特殊句子篇

    各位朋友大家好，十一长假过去，很久没有为大家更新新的外贸翻译技巧了。今天，安徽译博翻译就为大家带来最新一期的英文外贸翻译技巧。 1定语从句翻译

定语从句是外贸英语中最常见的语句之一。定语从句通常分为限制性定语从句和非限制性定语从句两大类。限制性定语从句对所修饰的先行词起限制作用,与先行词关系密切。非限制性定语从句对先行词不起限制作用,只对它加以叙述、描写或解释，并用逗号隔开。因此，针对不同类型的定语从句，要有灵活多样的翻译方法。

1.1限制性定语从句翻译

限制性定语从句对所修饰的先行词起限制作用，与先行词关系密切，不用逗号，翻译这类句子时往往可以用：

1.1.1前置法

把英语原文的定语从句翻译成带“的”的定语词组，放置于修饰词之前，将英语原文的复合句翻译成汉语的简单句，这种方法一般用于限制性定语从句比较短的情况下，一些较短的具有描述性的非限制性定语从句也可采用前置法，但没有限制性定语从句使用得普遍。

例1 A person or a company who holds property on a lease is the leasee and those who holds a lease is leaser.

译文：按租赁契约获得的人或公司为承租人或租户；而持有租约的一方为出租人或出租方。

 

例2 If you can see your way clear to meeting these figures we would be pleased to place with you an order that will carry us for the rest of this year.

译文：如果你们能设法找出原因并使价格也达到这样的标准，我们就乐意向你们提出一项可以执行到本底的订货。

 

例3 We should like to invite your Corporation to attend the 2000 International Fair that will be held from August 29 to September 4 at the above address.

译文：在上述地址，我们想请贵公司参加于八月二十九日到九月四日的2000国际商品交易会。

 

例4 So we are in a good position to serve our customers with the most reliable quality of the line you suggested.

译文：因此，关于你方建议的那类商品，我们完全有能力为我们的客户供应质量最可靠的商品。

 

例5 Here are the brochures which you asked for.    译文：这就是你要的小册子。

1.1.2后置法

当定语从句较长时，如果翻译成前置的定语，就会不符合汉语的表达习惯，在这种情况下，往往把该定语从句翻译成并列的分句，放置于原来修饰词的后面。可以译成中文并列句、偏正复合句或单独句。

⑴并列句

在处理此类定语从句时，一般遵循的原则是：若保留先行词，则在第二个分句中加以重复，若省略，则两个并列分句中均不再保留。

例6 This is to introduce Mr. Frank Jones, our new marketing specialist who will be in London from April 5 to middle April on business.

译文：兹向您介绍弗朗克琼斯先生，他是我方刚来的负责市场营销的专业人员，4月5日至4月在伦敦因公出差。

 

例7 Fifty-three million American households, either directly or indirectly, owned stocks in the corporations who share the trade on the major US exchanges.

译文：5300万美国家庭直接或间接地购买公司股票，这些公司在美国主要证券交易所做股票。

⑵偏正复合句

英语中有些限定性定语从句兼与状语从句的职能，在逻辑上与主句有存在原因、结果、目的、让步、条件等关系，翻译时应善于从英语原文的字里行间发现这些逻辑上的关系，然后翻译成汉语中相应的偏正复合句。

例8 Our company invented a new method by which productivity is greatly increased.

译文：我们公司发明了一种新方法，使得生产力大大提高。（结果状语）

 

例9 A country that wishes to become a member of WTO is to send in its application before a working party is formed by WTO for examination of the specific conditions of the country.

译文：一个国家若想成为世贸组织的成员，须呈递申请，尔后由世贸组织组成一个工作小组来审查，该国的具体条件。（条件状语）

 

例10 With regard to our appointment to visit your China’s factory on August 2,I regret that I must ask you to change the date to August 3 due to an unexpected matter that requires my personal attention.

译文：原订于8月2日访问贵公司中国工厂的行程，因有突发事件必须亲自处理，在此不得不恳请你将日期改至8月3日，实在抱歉。（原因状语）

 

例11 Please confirm that you will be able to attend by advising us of you arrival time we can arrange for you to be met.

译文：敬请来函确认并告知抵达时间，以便为阁下安排会晤。（目的状语）

 

例12 This offer is firm subject to your immediate reply which should reach us not later than the end of this month.

译文：本报盘是实盘，条件是贵方及时答复，使我们本月底以前收到复函。（目的状语）

⑶单独句

如果定语从句较长并且语意完整，可以译成中文单独句。

例13 A request for a quotation of price and terms may need a little longer description which should be clear and exact, but here again, there is no need for long, over-polite phrases and still less for humbleness.

译文：若要求提供报价和其他条款，则可能需要给予稍长一些的说明。这些说明应当清楚而准确，但是要重申的是，不要用过分礼貌的词句，更没有必要表现出谦卑。

 

1.1.3融合法

融合法是指把原句中的主句和定语从句融合在一起译成一个独立句子的一种翻译方法。由于限制性定语从句与主句关系紧密，所以融合法比较适用于翻译限制性定语从句，英语中：”There be…” 结构汉译时往往就是这样处理的。

例14 We shall be pleased to supply you with any information you may require concerning these products.

译文：关于这些产品，我们愿向你们提供所需要的任何情况。

 

例15 We wonder whether there is any special reason why we have not received payment of the above account, already a month overdue.

译文：此次，逾期一个月仍未收到贵方上述账目的欠款，我们想知道是否在何特殊原因。

 

例16 This is a special arrangement we have made for European tourists and it has been proved highly popular.

译文：我们已经为欧洲的游客制定了一个特殊的安排，而且已经证明是非常受欢迎的。

 

例17 Thank you for letting us know about your concern that our quotation for 1000 Folded Chairs you inquired last week is higher than the average market level.

译文：贵公司担心我方对你方上周询盘的1000把折叠椅的报价高于市场平均价格，感谢告知。

 

1.2非限制性定语从句

由于非限制性定语从句与主句的关系比较松散，且中间由逗号分开，意义上与主句是相对独立的，因此，非限制性定语从句的译法主要是分译法。

1.2.1译成并列分句

例18 They are preparing to cover their requirements in a third country, where the prices are more competitive than those offered by you.

译文：他们打算到第三国购进基所需，那里的价格比你们的更优惠。

 

例19 We have offered to purchase various equipments for your factory，which will increase its products, improve quality and raise its efficiency.

译文：我方愿意为贵方工厂购买各种设备，以扩大生产，改进质量，提高效率。

 

例20 The seller shall get the signed B/L from forwarding agent, a copy of which will be sent to the buyer by airmail.

译文：卖方应向装运代理领取签署的提单，并将其中一份通过航空寄给买方。

 

例20 Another is called“Preference Stock”, which is adopted by part of corporations.

译文：另一种叫“优先股”，为部分公司所采用。

1.2.2译成独立句

例21 Large economic spaces involving key trading partners have emerged, which could contribute to trade liberalization as well as to the multilateral trading system.

译文：由主要贸易伙伴参加的大型经济区现已形成。这将有助于贸易自由化和多边贸易体系。

 

例22 This visit is a symbol of the good faith, with which we seek to build upon the strength of our friendship; our cultural and commercial ties, and our important strategic relationship.

译文：这一访问是一种诚意的象征。我们正是怀着这种诚意,力求加强我们之间的友谊，加强文化、贸易以及重要战略关系。

1.2.3译成相应的汉语偏正复句

在外贸英语中有些非限定性定语从句在逻辑上与主句存在原因、结果、目的、让步、假设等关系，翻译时应善于从英语原文的字里行间发现这些逻辑上的关系，然后翻译成汉语中相应的偏正复合句。

①表因果

例22 The report indicates that the loss was due to the use of substandard bags， for which you, the supplier, are responsible.

译文：该报告指出这次损失是由于使用不合标的包装袋，故应有贵公司负责。

 

②表目的

例26 In office figures，lists and information are compiled，which tell the managers heeds of the business what is happening in their shops or factories.

译文：在办公室里，工作人员将各种数据，表格和信息加以汇编，以便让经理或主管人员了解他们的商店或工厂目前正在发生的情况。

③表让步

例27 A commercial on TV, which is often considered as a trouble, is sometimes a help in the sales of products.

译文：广告虽然常被认为是一种麻烦，但有时却有助于产品的销售。

例28 If you have any queries, please don’t trouble my assistant, Jane Simmons, who will be visiting you on Tuesday,6 December.

译文：尽管我的助手简 西蒙兹将在12月6日星期二前去拜访你，如果你有什么问题，请不要麻烦她。

Exersise in or after class

Try to translate the following sentences into Chinese.

⑴Moreover, he is expected to maintain the goodwill of current customers and attract new customers who he considers will make good credit risks.

⑵Successful credit men are blessed with imaginative insight that breaks through and transcends the mechanical limits of routine activities, but does not destroy their validity .

⑶I certify that no information has been concealed which is essential to a proper decision in this case, and that no misrepresentations have been made on this credit statement.

⑷We are glad to be of help, but ask you to ensure that the information we have given you is treated as strictly confidential.

⑸So we are in a good position to serve our customers with the most reliable quality of the line you suggested.

⑹You can, however, be sure that any advantage we receive in the way of manufacturing costs is always passed on to you in the form of lower prices.

⑺Subject to reasonable reservation the feeling that the customer is always right saves a good ideal of trouble.

⑻As far as your charges for air freight are concerned; we agreed to pay the extra costs which you invoiced.

⑼As you know, we operate in a highly competitive market in which we have been forced to our prices to the minimum.

⑽We wish to express our sincere apology for the mistake in the captioned L/C, which is mainly due to an unfortunate over sight.

⑾You must sense that point in your sales message at which the prospect's desire is strongest.

⑿I have been told that your Bureau of Research and Education has recently compiled a booklet on advertising that contains much helpful information upon this subject.

⒀Thanks for your email, which l only got yesterday.

⒁This is true with many wholesalers who believe it in the interest of effective customer relation to write a personal letter thanking one of their outlets for a generous order.

⒂You were recommended to our company by the Bank of China, New York Branch, which told us that you export Chinese textiles and cotton piece goods。

⒃High-value items such as electronic components may have sufficient margins to allow for expensive rapid transportation, which also offers less risk of theft.

⒄You will see the advantages of this arrangement; which will save you at least 15% on paper purchases in the coming year.

⒅It's gratifying to see the friendly spirit of cooperation that exists in our company.

⒆That's a matter over which we could exercise no control.

⒇The Acme Quality plan of Paint merchandising is the most complete sales-building and profit-increasing plan there is.

(21) I had an opportunity to see the well-illustrated catalogues you sent to us. and I am very interested in your electronic products. Now I have come to discuss with you the possibility of importing the goods

(22) Since your products fall within the scope our of our business activities, I can see there are a lot of business opportunities we can cooperate in the future.

(23) We are sorry to say that we can’t accept your price. We have some suppliers who can do better.

(24) As the only direct steamer which calls at our port only a month has just departed, the goods can only be shipped next month.

 

2 名词从句翻译

英语名词从句包括主语从句、表语从句和同位语从句等。在外贸英语翻译过程中，大多数名词性从句可按原文的句序译成对应的汉语，但也还是一些其它处理方法。现分述如下：

2.1主语从句

①.以what, whatever, whoever等代词引导的主语从句翻译时，一般可按原文顺序翻译。

例1 Whatever he saw and heard on his trip to China gave him a very deep impression.

译文：中国之行的所见所闻给他留下深刻的印象。

 

例2 Whoever plans to do any carpentry will find mathematics a most useful tool.

译文：凡是打算干木匠活的人都会发现，数学是非常有用的工具。

 

例3 In fact, what we have done with Santana over the past few years and will do in the future coincides with the requirements of WTO.

译文：事实上，“桑塔那”轿车的生产，我们过去几年所做的以及在今后将要做的，都与国际贸易组织的要求相吻合。

 

例4 What we say here will not be long remembered. What we do here can change the world.

译文：我们在这里讲的话，人们很快就会遗忘。我们在这里所做的事却能改变世界。

②.以“it”作形式主语所引出的真主语从句，翻译时视情况可以提前，也可以不提前。

例5 From what you say it seems possible that some mistake has been made in the dispatch of the materials meant for you.

译文：据你的来函所述，似乎我们在为你备货发运时可能发生了一些差错。

 

例6 It is China’s policy to enter into joint ventures with foreign enterprises or companies in order to expand international economic cooperation and technological exchange.

译文：为了扩大经济合作和技术交流，中国与外国公司或企业搞合资经营，这是中国政策所允许的。

 

例7 It may well be that a buyer would wish to collect the goods at the seller’s premises under the terms EXW or to receive the goods alongside a ship under the trade terms FAS, but would like the seller to clear the goods for export.

译文：按照EXW（工厂交货）条件，买方希望在卖方地点受领货物；或按照FAS（船边交货）条件，在船边受领货物，但愿意卖方为出口货物结关。

 

例8 It has also been observed that in many countries it is difficult for a foreign company to obtain not only the import license, but also duty relieves.

译文：另外还应注意到，外国公司在许多国家不仅很难得到进口许可证，而且也难获得关税减免。

 

2.2宾语从句

①用that, what, how等引起的宾语从句汉译时一般不需改变它在原句中的顺序。

例9 To be sure to get exactly what is being ordered, accuracy and clarity are essential.

译文：为确保得到所订的货，（订单内容）准确清楚至关重要。

 

例10 Please let us know what we can do to reestablish our relationship.

译文：为重新恢复我们的关系，我们该如何做，望赐教。

 

例11 We very much regret that we shall not be able to accept your order for the Christmas packs of dates as supplied in previous years.

译文：我们深感遗憾不能象往年那样接受你方关于圣诞节罐装枣的盯单。

 

例12 We, therefore, trust that you will look into the matter and let us know when the sugar can be expected.

译文：我们相信你方会调查此事，并告知何时能收到这批糖。

 

例13 Please advise us how we can approach a reliable partner in your country.

译文：请告知在贵国怎样才能物色到可靠的合伙人。

 

例14 We understand from B/E Corporation of Kansas City that you are looking for a reliable firm with good connections in the textile trade to represent you in Brazilian.

译文：据堪萨斯B/E公司函告，贵司正在物色一家在纺织业有广泛联系的可靠公司来担任贵司在巴西利亚的代理。

②用it作形式宾语的句子，汉译英时that引起的宾语从句一般可按原文顺序，it不必译出。

例15 We would, therefore, appreciate it very much if you could give us whatever information you can in this regard.

译文：如能在这方面提供任何情况，将不胜感激。

 

例16 Since you have not cabled back, we take it for granted that you have already covered you requirements.

译文：由于你未回电，我们当然认为你已购足所需。

 

例17 I deem it my good fortune that I am today back in Beijing within a span of three months to meet my friend Mr. Foreign Minister.

译文：我很幸运三个月后的今天我又回到北京来会见我的朋友——外交部长先生。

 

例18 I wanted to make it clear whether he was a foreigner or not.

译文：我想弄清楚他究竟是不是外国人。

 

2.3表语从句

英语表语从句跟宾语从句一样，一般可按原文顺序翻译。

例19 This is what he is eager to do.  译文：这就是他所渴望做的。

例20 That is why we have taken concrete steps and positive initiatives on the basis of shared sacrifices, to create a climate of peace in this region.

译文：因此，我们在共同做出牺牲的基础上，采取了具体的步骤和积极的行动，以便在这一地区创造和平的气氛。

 

例21 My idea is that we should stick to our original plan.

译文：我的意见是我们应当按原来的计划办事。

 

例22 Raw material is what we are badly in needs of. 译文：我们急需的是原料。

2.4同位语从句

同位语是用来对名词或代词作进一步的解释，同位语可以是单词、短语或从句。这里主要介绍同位语从句的译法。

①同位语从句汉译时不提前

例23 They give no indication that they are willing to accept your conditions.

译文：他们没有表示愿意接受你方的条件。

 

例24 There is much indication that the price will rise. 译文：有很多迹象表明价格要上涨。

例25 He expressed the hope that he would come over to visit China again.

译文：他表示希望再到中国来访问。

②同位语从句提前

例26 The fact that we are the largest suppliers of woollen underwear in this country is itself evidence of the good value of our products.

译文：我们是本国羊毛衫的最大供货商，这一事实本身就是对我方产品质量的极好证明。

 

例27 It does not alter the fact he is the man responsible for the delay.

译文：迟延应由他负责，这个事实是改变不了的。

Exersise in or after class

Try to translate the following sentences into Chinese.

⑴Your embroideries sell very well in Europe. We are going to place an order. Please let us know what you can offer in this line as well as your sales terms, such as mode of payment, time of delivery, discount, the minimum order quantity, etc.

⑵You will reconsider your price and make a new bid, so that there can be a possibility of our meeting halfway to close a deal.

⑶We are confident that the fine quality of our products, especially the unique design of the packing will help you promote the sales of our products.

⑷We’ll make sure that the packing is seaworthy, but we can’t commit ourselves to being responsible for every kind of mishap.

⑸I’m sorry to say that we can\'t meet your requirements. The trouble is that there will be no shipping space next month.

⑹We feel it our duty to remind you once again that it is impossible to extend the L/C because of import license restriction.

⑺We are pleased to inform you that your bicycles have a ready market in our country and there is as steady demand for your product in our market. So we’d like to make an inquiry.  

⑻We believe through the cooperation between us, large transactions will be brought to speedy conclusion.

⑼One point I should add is that we’ll ship the goods duly, but your L/C must reach us 30 days before shipment.

⑽ Please take necessary precaution that the packing can protect the goods from dampness or rain (leaking，pilferage)．

⑾The price varies according to the quantity. So please tell us what quantity you require so that we can work out the offer.

⑿When making an enquiry, begin with the question or questions you want to ask; your reader then knows at once what your enquiry is about.

⒀We regret to note that you cannot make any headway with our offer.

⒁It is our hope that after knowing our sales ability, you will consider granting us the exclusive selling right for your portable cassette recorders.

 

3 状语从句翻译

英语状语从句包括表示时间、原因、条件、让步、目的等各种从句。由于英汉语言表达习惯不同，在词序和句子结构方面，均有许多差异。英语注重形合，大量使用关联词，叙述顺序比较灵活，状语位置可前置，也可后置；而汉语注重意合，语序比较固定，一般是先说时间，后说地点；先发生的在前，后发生的在后；原因在前，结果在后；条件在前，事实在后。为了使译文通顺易懂，翻译时可不必拘泥原文结构形式译介结构之间的关系。主要的是：要抓住它们所表达的语义，然后按照汉语表达习惯再现出来。为了符合汉语表达习惯，可增添表示逻辑关系的汉语词组或关联词。同时，也出于同样的原因，可将原文中虽有，但在汉语译文中成为赘余的词组省略。

3.1.原因状语从句

例1 Because every factory or business established in SEZs is new, imports of capital and consumer goods are exempted from customs duties.

译文：由于在经济开发区建立的工厂或企业是新的，所以进口的生产资料或消费品均免征进口税。（状语从句在原文和译文中均前置，但汉语译文中增加了“所以”二字）

 

例2 Developing countries may have comparative advantage in transferring technical services in service sector as such services normally do not require a high level of investment by the supplier.

译文：发展中国家在转让技术服务方面可能有相对优势，因为供货人一般不需要为这样的服务提供高水准的投资。（在这个句子中，状语从句在原文和译文中均后置，顺序一致）

 

例3 Since their purchase from China is only a small part of their total sales, the cost of doing so is absorbed by the large profit margin of their own material.

译文：由于他们从中国购进的货物在其销售总额中所占比重微乎其微，这一部分的高成本已被他们出售自己商品所得的高额利润所冲销。（“由于”、“因为”是汉语中常常用来表“因”的关联词。一般说来，汉语表因的分句在表果分句之前，英语则比较灵活。）

3.2.时间状语从句

例4 As soon as the new price-lists are ready, we shall be sending copies to all customers.

译文：一俟新价格单印妥，我们就寄给所有的客户。

 

例5 Since business relations between our two banks resumed two years ago, the letters of credit opened by either bank have so far been directed through a third bank.

译文：自从二年前我们两家银行恢复业务关系以来，各自开立的信用证一直由第三家银行保兑。

从以上二个例句我们看到：两例译文表示时间的状语置于句首，与原文一致。

3.3.让步状语从句

例6 Although not all published Chinese statistics tell the same story, there is no doubt that visible trade has built up a substantial surplus.

译文：虽然中国公开发表的（关于无形贸易额）统计数字口径并非一致，有形贸易已经积累起可观的盈余是不容置疑的。

 

例7 Even when a country has become an exporter of hardware technology, she will remain a net importer of software technology for a long time.

译文：即使一个国家成了硬件技术的出口国，在很长一段时间内,这个国家仍将是软件纯进口国。

 

例8 Now that we know each other well, we think there is no point to continue to open L/Cs through a third bank to add to the cost.

译文：而今既然我们彼此已很了解，没有必要继续通过第三家银行开出信用证而加大业务成本了。

从这些例句中可以看出：“虽然”、“尽管”、“即使”等是汉语中表示让步的常用关联词，汉语中表示让步的分句一般前置的为多，英语中则比较灵活。

3.4条件（假设）状语从句

例9  If only half of the remainder (say $11.5 billion of the total $23 billion) to be borrowed is raised from commercial sources it will still represent an annual average of $2.3 billion for each year of the five-year plan.

译文：假如剩下的资金（比如说230亿美元）一半（115亿美元）是从商业渠道筹措的话，那仍意味着在五年计划期间年平均筹措资金额为23亿美元。

 

例10 If the negotiations between the rich northerly nations and the poor southerly nations make headway, it is intended that a ministerial session in December should be arranged.

译文：要是北方富国和南方穷国的谈判获得进展的话，就打算在12月份安排召开一次部长级会议。

 

例11 Please let us know if your clients find the quotation acceptable.

译文：如客户能接受报价，望见告。

 

3.5目的状语从句

例12 But while we cannot close the gulf between us, we can try to bridge it so that we may be able to talk across it.

译文：但是，虽然我们不能弥合我们之间的鸿沟，我们却能够设法搭一座桥，以便我们能够越过它进行会谈。

汉语里表“目的”的分句常用的关联词有“为了”、“省得”、“以免”、“以便”等。“为了”往往用于前置分句，“省得”、“以便”等一般用于后置分句。

Exersise in or after class

Try to translate the following sentences into Chinese.

⑴The quality of our products is as good as that of many other suppliers, while our prices are not so high as theirs.

⑵If your price is competitive, quality superior and delivery acceptable, we will place large orders with you.

⑶As our stocks of these goods are limited, we would advise you to place your order without delay.

⑷I’m afraid that you’ll stand no chance if you don’t bring your price into line with the world market.

⑸I really can’t reduce my price to the level you require since it will leave us no margin.

⑹We shall be very much obliged if you will effect shipment as soon as possible，thus enabling them to catch the brisk demand at the start of the season．

⑺We shall be very glad to place our order with you if your quotation is competitive and delivery date acceptable.

⑻As a rule we do not allow any commission. But if the order is a sizable one, we’ll consider it.

⑼The prices of raw materials and produce change every day, so offers are usually only firm for about 24 hours.

⑽We’re shipping in two lots, because the buyer wants to get whatever we can supply as soon as possible.

 

4 被动句翻译

被动句在外贸英语中的应用也很广。在外贸英语中广泛使用的被动句翻译方法有:

4.1译为中文的定语

例1 We are well established as a manufacturer of Chemical Products and our goods are enjoying high Reputation for their excellent quality.

译文：本公司是信誉良好的化学制品厂商,由于品质优良,产品深受好评。

 

例2 As it is specially stipulated in the contract，the relevant L／C should reach the seller 1 5 days before the month of shipment，that is，the L／C covering the goods to be shipped in M ay should reach the seller not later than April 15．

译文：正如合同中具体规定的条款，有关信用证必须于装运前15天寄达卖方，也就是说，5月份装运的货物，信用证必须不迟于4月15日寄达。

4.2 译成汉语中的被动句

汉语中的被动句通常以“由”字句“受”字句等形式出现。

例3 Your name and address have been given to us by The China External Trade Development Council.

译文：我方由外贸协会获悉贵公司的名称与地址。

 

例4 As for our credit standing we are permitted to mention The XYZBank,Beijing Branch.

译文：至于我方信誉状况,由我方举出XYZ银行北京分行之名。

4.3用施动者作主语，译为主动句

有时英语中的被动句已给出了施动者,这时可以直接译为主语；在没有给出施动者的情况下,可以推测出施动者，然后译为主动句。

例5 Your firm has been recommended to me by Citizen Co.0f Singapore, with whom we have done business for many years.

译文：与敝公司有多年生意来往的新加坡Citizen公司,把贵公司推荐给我们。

 

例6 Large qualities of our chairs are being exported to the Middle East area at a price higher than that quoted in our letter of December5.

译文：本公司以高于12月5日信中的价格,正外销大量的座椅到中东地区。

4.4译成表示被动意味的主动句

当被动者是无生命的东西而主动者又不很明显时，往往采用这种方法。

例7 All commercial papers went for collection must be accompanied by a remittance letter giving complete and precise instructions.

译文：寄出托收的一切商业票据，必须附上一切托收函，上面要有完整而又确切的托收指示。

 

例8 If a letter of credit is not used by the beneficiary, it may be returned to the applicant for cancellation.

译文：如果受益人没有使用信用证，可以退还给开证人去注销。

该句如果译成“如果一个信用证没有被受益人使用，它可以退还给开证人注销”就非常别扭，不符合汉语表达习惯。

4.5译成无主句

与英语相比,汉语是结构比较松散的语言。在英语的书面正式语言中没有主语的句子一般比较少见,而在汉语的正式语言中,无主句却非常常用。因此在外贸英语中的被动语态有时可以译为无主句。

例9 Your inquiry of September 10 regarding the above subject has been received.

译文：已收到贵方9月10日有关上述主题的询盘。

 

例10 You are requested to look into the matter and give us an early reply.

译文：请你们查明此事并早日答复。（不必补出“我们”，否则句子显得别扭）

 

例11 Four major stages in the product life cycle have been identified: introduction, growth, maturity and decline.

译文：已经确定，产品的生命周期可以划分为四个阶段：引进市场阶段、成长阶段、成熟阶段和衰退阶段。

 

例12 Partial shipments are allowed, unless the credit specially states otherwise.

译文：除非信用证另有特殊规定，才可以分批装运。

 

例13 An irrevocable letter of credit may not be amended or cancelled without the consent of the beneficiary.

译文：不可撤消信用证未经受益人同意，不得任意修改或撤消。

4.6增加不确定的主语

在译文中加上不确定的主语，如“有人”“我们”“希望”等，译成主动句。

例14 In connection with the revision work within the ICC Working Party, suggestions were made to present the trade terms in another manner for the purpose of easier reading and understanding.

译文：在国际商会修订小组工作过程中，有人这样建议，采用另一种方式表达贸易术语，使之更加易于阅读和理解。

 

例15 It is hoped that these most favorable trends will persist in the future.

译文：希望这些好的趋势能够在今后保持下去。

4.7 以it作形式主语的被动语态句型

以it作形式主语的被动语态句型，译成汉语时，往往有其固定表达方式，如：

例16 It is rumoured that the accident was due to negligence.

译文：据谣传，那场事故是由于玩忽职守而造成的。

 

例17 It should be mentioned that the market situation is turning for the better.

译文：应该提及的是，市场情况正向好的方面转化。

类似的习惯用法及常用译法，还有：

It is considered (or: thought) that …人们（有人、大家）认为……

It is generally (usually) accepted (or: agreed, recognized) that   普遍、通常认为……

It is believed that …有人（人们、大家）相信……

It is well-known that …众所周知（大家知道）……

It is said that …据说（有人说）……

It is learned that …据悉（闻）……

It is supposed that …据推测……

It is estimated ( predicted, calculated ) that …据估计（预计）……

It is reported that …据报导（报告）……

It must be pointed out that …必须指出……

It will (should) be admitted that …应该（必须）承认……

It will be seen that …可以看出（可见）……

It is will be seen from this that …由此可见……

It is understood that …不用说（谁都明白）……

It cannot be denied that …无可否认……

It has been proved (or: demonstrated) that …业已证明……

It may be confirmed that …可以肯定……

It may be safely said that …可以有把握地说……

It is sometimes asked that …人们有时会问……

It is expected (hope) that…人们期望（希望）……

Exersise in or after class

Try to translate the following sentences into Chinese.

⑴The ship was destined for London.

⑵All items for which we have quoted are made from very best quality leather.

⑶The business is confirmed verbally by your Business Manager Mr. Grant to our Sales Manager Miss Li a price of US$40 per ton.

⑷All payment for the supply of goods under the barter contract shall be settled through the clearing account.

⑸ Your firm has been recommended to us by Coventry Chamber of Commerce.

⑹A large sum of money has been put aside for that purpose.

⑺It should be mentioned that the market situation is turning for the better.

⑻I am very much impressed by the hospitality and warmth by which you have received us.

⑼We have only been in Beijing for ten days ,but we have already been impressed by the careful planning and organizing that have obviously gone into the meeting.

⑽The present Contract is signed by representatives of both parties .

⑾In case of quality discrepancy, claim should be filed by the buyers within 30 days after the arrival of the goods at port of destination.

⑿It is agreed that the parties have considered what would be a reasonable estimate of the damages each would suffer if the other were to breach this agreement.

⒀The offer will be canceled if we do not receive an order from you by sept.9th.2004.

⒁Some bills of lading are marked “freight paid”, when a shipper is selling CIF or C&F, others may allow transshipment, which means that the cargo may be transferred from one ship to another at some intermediate port.

⒂There is also the question of promotion of the new line, and whether advertising expenses should be paid by the selling agent or by the manufacturer.

⒃If a term draft is not honored at maturity, it will be noted and protested by a Notary Public, and represented to the drawee.

 

5否定句翻译

由于英、汉语言中的否定概念使用的词汇、语法手段以及语言逻辑方式存在一定的差异，这给外贸英语中否定句翻译也就带来相应的困难。外贸英语中否定句的翻译从以下几个方面具体阐述：

5.1全部否定翻译

在外贸英语中表示全部否定词有：no,not,none,nothing,nowhere,neither, nor等，这些词翻译时照译不变，只不过词序需要调整。

例1 No chemical material is translated into production of such a product.

译文：生产这种产品不需要任何化学原料。

另外，not...half、not...nearly、not...possibly均表示强烈意味的完全否定，常译为“一点也不”、“根本不……”、“无论如何也没有……”、“远非”等。不能照字面误解为半否定含义而误译为“不到一半”、“几乎不”、“可能不……”等。

例2 The products imported from China are not half bad.

译文：从中国进口的产品质量很好。

 

例3 The damages to the machines are not nearly so bad as you think.

译文：机械破损远不是像你所想的那么坏。

 

例4 Our proposal cannot possibly be taken into consideration and adopted.

译文：我们的建议根本不会被考虑与采纳。

5.2部分否定翻译

含有总括意义的代词、形容词、副词，如all, both, everyone, everything, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everywhere, always, quite, entirely, wholly, altogether等与否定词连用时，只否定一部分，称为部分否定。一般译为“……不全是……”、“不都是”、“并非全都是……”。不能按字面译为“所有……都不是”等。

例5 Opportunities come to all, but all are not ready for them when they do come.

译文：机会是均等的，人人都有。但是当机会真的来临时，并非人人都已做好准备去接受它。

 

例6 Supersonic aircraft will not make all subsonic aircraft obsolete.

译文：超音速飞机不会使所有亚音速飞机都淘汰。

5.3否定转移翻译

否定词一般都具有一定的否定范围。否定词有时否定整个句子，有时否定句子的一部分，有时否定否定词本身。

①not...to do...结构

例7 They do not conduct the dangerous experiment to serve their private interest but to benefit man.

译文：他们没有进行这种危险的实验，不是为了图私利，而是为了造福人类。

②not...because(of )...结构

例8 We should not scamp our work because we are pressed for time or because we have our hands full.

译文：我们可不能因为时间太紧或工作太忙就对工作马马虎虎。

③think, suppose, believe 等动词的否定式

例9 They do not think that it is necessary to replace these cells.

译文：他们认为不必替换这些电池。

5.4暗含否定翻译

在外贸英语中，为了特定的语用目的，表面上运用肯定的表达方式，但他们实际上却又表达着一种否定的含义，我们权且称之为“暗含否定”。主要有：

①在虚拟语气中，有时省略掉主语，只用if引导假设条件句，实际上这在英语中是一种否定表示，翻译时应忠实于原意。

例10 I am sure！If this is our manners．译文：我敢肯定，这的确不是我们公司的做法。

例11 He pretends to know her better than he would，if he were a close friend of hers．

译文：他装出一副对她深有了解的样子，就像她是他的密友。（实际上他不是她的密友）

②比较级-er＋than…和more ＋原级＋than…将不同性质的形容词或副词加以比较时，有“不如……”“毋宁……”的否定意义。

例12 He is braver than wise．译文：他有勇无谋。

例13 She certainly knows better than to tackle such a problem by herself．

译文：她很明白不能独自去解决这个问题。

 

例14 He is wiser than to risk his money in that undertaking．

译文：他不会蠢到投资那项事业的地步。

③.more＋than…can… 这样的句型在翻译时不可依照字面直译，more than后面虽是肯定形式，实际意义却是“达不到可能的程度”、“简直不可能”等否定意义。

例15 The beauty of Hang Zhou is more than I can describe．

译文：杭州的美丽非语言所能描绘。

有时，单独使用more也表达一种否定意义。

例16 More imaginative might have done with what they had．

译文：任何人都会干得比他们出色（他们干得不出色）。

④英语句意的否定含义，通过下面的形式也能表现出来，即：the last．．．＋定语从句（或to inf．），意为“最不可能的”、“极少可能的”、“最不合适的”。从句式上看是表示一种最高级的肯定，但其实意是否定的。

例17 He would be the last man to say such things． 译文：他决不会说这种话。

例18 He is the last man for such a job．译文：他最不配担任这项工作。

例19 This is the last place where I expected to meet you．

译文：我怎么也没有想到在这里遇见你。

⑤far from ＋动名词也可表示否定意义。这里的far已不再表示距离，而成为比喻用法，翻译时汉语中要具有“远非……”、“决不……”的意思。

例20 He is far from being honest．译文：他决非诚实之人。

例21 I"m far from blaming him．译文：我决不是怪他。

例22 Your offer of June 6 is far from satisfaction．译文：贵公司六月六日报盘还不够满意。

⑥英语中某些词或词组也可以用来表示否定，尽管在形式上是肯定的，可句意是否定的，所以翻译时要考虑到这一点。如：副词beyond，介词except，动词avoid，stop， hate，fail（及名词failure）及一些短语free from ，free of，instead of，be out of等在句中的含义。

例23 Your request is beyond my power．译文：你的请求我办不到。

例24 His failure to observe the safety regulation resulted in an accident to the machine．

译文：他没有遵守安全规则，结果造成机器故障。

 

例25 You are free from any fault because of your carefulness.

译文：因为你小心谨慎，你一点过错也没有。

 

例25 This style of dress is out of fashion．译文：这种样式的服装已不时髦了。

5.5双重否定翻译

英语句中含有双重否定时，在译成汉语时，经常运用视点转移的技巧，处理成肯定句，使意思更加简洁、明确。

例26 I don't think we have asked for anything that they haven't done.

译文：我认为我们所要求的事情，他们都已经办到了。（译文运用否定的转移，将句中的双重否定译作肯定。）

 

例27 We can’t make any profit without your coporation.

译文：只有贵公司通力合作，我方才能有所收益。

Exersise in or after class

Try to translate the following sentences into Chinese.

⑴Both of the instruments are not precision ones

⑵This book is not instructive and interesting.

⑶He cannot speak English without making mistakes.

⑷The tool will fail to cut effectively as it becomes too worn.

⑸It is very important that a drawing be free from ambiguous and be subject only to a single interpretation.

⑹Before I could protest，he got to his feet.　

⑺I was past caring now，so I ordered coffee for myself and icecream and coffee for her.　

⑻It is a good goose that is always dropping.

⑼There is hardly an environment on earth to which some species of animal or other has not adapted successfully.

⑽His success is not so much by talent as by energy.

⑾None of these commodities are more competitive than our soybeans.

⑿Every machine here is not made in China.

⒀Without iron and steel we can’t develop heavy industry.

⒁Unless there is need, there is no exchange.

⒂There is no rule that has no exceptions.

⒃We shouldn’t be careless of consequences.

⒄We cannot be too careful in shipping the goods.

⒅Today we cannot walk a few steps without noticing advertising.

⒆We accepted neither offer in the end.

⒇With respect to quality, nothing can be said against.