English Chinese translation on Politeness (Ⅰ)

In the process of English Chinese translation, inevitably, we will be confronted with collision of different politeness expressions between China and the English – spoken countries. It is well known that politeness is advocated by most of the counties, and it is quite essential to be aware that what you said is appropriate in the specific occasion. While to some extent, language is the reflection of “politeness” in human beings’ culture stream.




English Chinese translation - Politeness

 

China is a state of ceremonies (礼仪之邦lǐ yí zhī bāng), where politeness and formality are highly promoted. Since ancient times, China has produced a good many politeness words or expressions.

Take the example of salutation, in English capital “I” generally refer to the first person, while in Chinese, from ancient Chinese emperors’ “朕(zhèn)” “寡人(guǎ rén)” to ordinary people’s “臣(chén)” “下官(xià guān)” “小民(xiǎo mín)” “奴才(nú cái)”, from females’ “小女子(xiǎo nǚ zǐ)” “妾(qiè)” to males’ “小生(xiǎo shēng)” “晚生(wǎn shēng)” “敝人(bì rén)” etc. For the second person, “you” stands for all the Chinese expression of second person, such as “您(nín)”, ordinary people call the Emperor “陛下(bì xià)” “圣主(shèng zhǔ)”, actually in English the corresponding address is “You Majesty”.

In written form, we are familiar with the English letter starting from “Dear …”, it is not an indication of “love” if we try to translate it to Chinese as “亲爱的(qīn ài de)…”, rather it is an essential part of English letter format. While another English expression is related to “love”, that is “Dear John Letter” which means in Chinese “绝情信(jué qíng xìn)”, the letter written by girl to break up with her boyfriend. In this kind of letter, “Dear” is far from Chinese “亲爱的(qīn ài de)”.

Besides, at the ending part of letters, it will occurs with expression like “Your Sincerely…”, which is very similar with Chinese letter format with an ending “此致敬礼(cǐ zhì jìng lǐ)”.




Translate English to Chinese -  Dear John Letter

 

“Politeness” is an indispensable principle of language exchange. People who try to translate English to Chinese should bear in mind of this principle and make native and natural English Chinese translations to people.

Whether you are a language learner or the one who try to translate English to Chinese, it is quite important to stick to the principle of “Practice makes Perfect.” How about trying to practice more English Chinese translation or just learning from good translation cases?