英语习语翻总结.ppt

The Translation of Idioms Teaching Contents I. Definition of Idioms In the narrow sense, idioms refer to the set phrases or clauses used in a language. I. Definition of Idioms Broadly speaking, they comprise all the idiomatic and special expressions in that language, including all the set phrases, colloquialisms, proverbs, slang, and clichés in English and all the four-character set phrases, common sayings, proverbs and two-part allegorical sayings in Chinese. I. Definition of Idioms Definition: an idiom can be defined as a group of words with a meaning different from the combined meanings of its component words. It is a combination of two or more words which are usually structurally fixed and semantically hard to understand, and function as a single unit of meaning. II. Methods of Translating Idioms 1. Borrowing or Idiom for Idiom 滴水石穿 Constant dripping wears the stone. 破釜沉舟 To burn one’s boats. 隔墙有耳 Walls have ears. 积少成多 Many a little makes a mickle. 1. Borrowing or Idiom for Idiom 三思而后行 Look before you leap. 无风不起浪 There is no smoke without fire. 一箭双雕 To kill two birds with one stone 一言既出，驷马难追 What is said cannot be unsaid. 1. Borrowing or Idiom for Idiom 一个和尚挑水吃，两个和尚抬水吃，三个和尚没水吃 One boy is a boy, two boys half a boy, three boys no boy. 谋事在人，成事在天 Man proposes, God disposes.(tr.by David Hawkes) Man proposes, heaven disposes.(tr.by Yang Xianyi Gladys Yang) 1. Borrowing or Idiom for Idiom 1. Borrowing or Idiom for Idiom The burnt child dreads the fire. 一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳 Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion. 宁为鸡头，不为凤尾 Where there is a will, there is a way. 有志者事竟成 To kill the goose that lays golden eggs 杀鸡取卵 1. Borrowing or Idiom for Idiom Strike while the iron is hot 趁热打铁 To fish in the air 缘木求鱼 Don’t wash your dirty linen in public. 家丑不可外扬 All good things must come to an end. 天下无不散的筵席 1. Borrowing or Idiom