Monday, September 17, 2012

A Crossword Puzzle (Ⅲ) : Translate English to Chinese

Frankly speaking, I have learnt a lot from these crossword puzzles, which are not just for fun, but more importantly, I learn the skills of how to translate English to Chinese in a natural and native way. I start to seek for counterparts in Chinese for the English idioms, slangs, phrases that may be included in the following crosswords. Whether you are an English Chinese translator or the one who try to learn English or Chinese, I hope you can learn a lot from the crossword puzzles here.


Translate English to Chinese: A Crossword Puzzle (Ⅲ)
English Chinese translation Services: A Crossword Puzzle (Ⅲ)


Across
1. Every cloud has a ___ lining (6)
4. ___ and carry (5)
8. Growing ___ (5)
10. Cold ___ (7)
11. Hand in ___ (5)
12. Nest ___ (3)
13. ___ and ladders (6)
15. A ___ in time saves nine (6)
20. ___ of the iceberg (3)
22. Left on the ___ (5)
24. Lead by ___ (7)
25. A ___ of cards (5)
26. Time ___ time (5)
27. Ready, ___ , Go! (6)
Down
2. The ___ on the cake (5)
3. Rages to ___ (6)
4. A ___ fatale (5)
5. Food for ___ (7)
6. Pet ___ (5)
7. Thrills and ___ (6)
9. There's no ___ without fire (5)
14. Opposites ___ (7)
16. Armed to the ___ (5)
17. ___ for courses (6)
18. ___ and liabilities (6)
19. A laughing ___ (5)
21. A ___ chase (5)
23. Lost and ___ (5)


















Please come to englishchinesetranslations.com for solution, enjoy English Chinese translation from our interesting analysis!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

English Chinese translation on Chinese Online Catchwords

As one of the many netizens in China, I am quite familiar with the Chinese catchwords on the internet. While, to be an English Chinese translator, I am wondering whether the non-native Chinese speakers can understand these online catchwords with Chinese characteristics. In translating English to Chinese, or vice versa, it is quite important to take full account of the target language and its culture, to seek for counterparts in the target language.


English Chinese translation Services - Chinese Online Catchword - Diaosi
Translate English to Chinese - Chinese Online Catchword - Diaosi
  
Today, I’d like to talk something about the Chinese online catchword –屌丝(diǎo sī).

This catchword is originated in a top Chinese BBS for Chinese soccer player Li yi, whose fans called “yisi” complained about their jobs and lives from time to time, gradually they are given the name – “屌丝”. Soon after, this word prevails over both internet and real life.

“diaosi” refers to the single, young men who have plain looks without enough earnings, who have slim hopes for working promotion, for they don’t have good family background. Nowadays in China, more and more young people are proud of the label of “diaosi” to self-mock.

In the meantime, this Chinese catchword reminds me of an American movie named Underdog released in 2007. In English, the underdog in a competition or situation is the person who seems least likely to succeed or win, to some degree, which echoes with the Chinese word “屌丝”.




Translate English to Chinese -Knaller Frauen
English Chinese translation Services-Knaller Frauen
 
Besides, some people might be familiar with the German sitcom Knaller Frauen, or Crazy Lady. To translate it into Chinese, it is “疯狂女郎”. However, as the popularity of “屌丝”, it was successfully translated into “屌丝女郎(diǎo sī nǚ láng)”. This German sitcom soon swept China and gained more and more fans among Chinese young men – diaosi. The beautiful heroine is played by German actress Martina Hill. Martina plays various female characters: a white-collar worker, a housewife, a single mom, a bride in a wedding, and more. She acts with exaggerated facial expressions and almost crazy motions, however, Chinese young men still love watching, somewhat because these situations can be encountered in our actual daily life. Instead of suppressing the existing pressures either from work or life, the Crazy Lady tends to release them through her crazy but reasonable actions. This might be what most Chinese “diaosi” dream of.

Similarly, out of Chinese mainland, we have other corresponding words. “宅男(zhái nán)” is originated from Taiwan, referring to the young men who keep staying at home and barely going out. “毒男(dú nán)” is from Japan, meaning the single and lonely men.

Despite of the different words, they reflect the similar culture. As the economy grow rapidly and social structure changes dramatically, quite a lot of people feel a sense of loss, which calls for the birth of above mentioned catchwords.



Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Kiddie Ride – translate English to Chinese


The other day, when my cousin, her son and I passed by a supermarket, the little boy begged his mother to ride the kiddies ride at the entrance. So my cousin dropped a coin, and the ride began to rock forth and back. I talked with my cousin when we were waiting for my nephew. That’s when we discussed the Chinese name of kiddie ride.


English Chinese translators - Kiddie Ride
Kiddie Ride - translate English to Chinese


To be frank, I did not know what it is called in Chinese until I searched it on the Internet. We call it “摇摇乐(yáoyáolè)” or “摇摆车(yáobǎichē)”. As one of the English Chinese translators, I’d always like to share information with others, coz we all agree that wide knowledge is of great help when you translate English to Chinese. So hope readers enjoy the following English Chinese translation of kiddie ride.

A kiddie ride is a coin-operated amusement ride for small children. Kiddie rides are commonly available in amusement parks, malls, hotel game rooms and outside supermarkets and discount department stores.

摇摇乐/摇摆车是一种供小朋友玩耍的投币式娱乐设备,常见于游乐园、商场、宾馆游戏室以及超市和打折商场门外。


When activated by a coin, a kiddie ride entertains the rider with motion, depending on the ride type (miniature Ferris wheel, miniature carousel, track ride or stationary platform ride). Most rides include sounds and music, and some feature flashing lights, pedals, and buttons.

投入硬币激活后,不同类型的摇摇乐也会依据不同的模式(迷你摩天轮、迷你转盘、轨道车或者原地平行晃动等)而运行起来,从而达到娱乐儿童的目的。大部分摇摇乐运行时都会配有音乐,有些还装有闪灯、脚踏板以及按钮。

No matter whether you’re an English Chinese translator yourself, or you’re in need of any English Chinese translation services, you can always go to English Chinese translations for more ideas.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

English Chinese translation: A Crossword Puzzle (Ⅱ)

Did you enjoy the  crossword puzzle? Have you sought for solution at English Chinese translation website? Are you interested in this kind of English Chinese translation learning? Any suggestions, questions or requirements, you can feel free to contact our English Chinese translators. Anyway, here below is a new round of cross-word puzzle!



English Chinese translation Services  - A Crossword Puzzle (Ⅱ)
Translate English to Chinese  - A Crossword Puzzle (Ⅱ)
  


Across
1. Like a bull in a __ shop (5)
3. Input and ___ (6)
7. Just what the doctor ___ (7)
9. The ___ road to success (5)
10. ___ Ho! (5)
11. Cops and ___ (7)
14. Signed, ___ and delivered (6)
16. Watched with ___ breath (6)
20. The Loch Ness ___ (7)
22. ___ boom (5)
23. On the ___ (5)
25. A rough ___ (7)
26. ___ the gap (6)
27. ___ and Queens (5)
Down
1. The Emperor’s new ___ (7)
2. A gentleman’s ___ (9)
3. Given his ___ (6)
4. Jack ___ (3)
5. Bob’s your ___ (5)
6. A sight for sore ___ (4)
8. Don’t make a ___ out of a crisis (5)
12. Jack and the (9)
13. The Catcher in the ___ (3)
15. Alter ___ (3)
17. It takes two to ___ (5)
18. Who ___ when doctors disagree? (7)
19. From ___ to grave (6)
20. The ___ of human kindness (4)
21. ___ say die (5)
24. Keep a ___ on it (3)



















Please come to englishchinesetranslations.com for solution, enjoy translation from our interesting analysis!

Monday, August 27, 2012

English Chinese translation: A Crossword Puzzle (Ⅰ)

As we know, successful transition between two languages calls for proficiency of both languages, while English Chinese translation is of no exception. To translate English to Chinese, it is quite necessary to grasp some native language elements of both English and Chinese, like idioms, phrases and proverbs etc. Here we will present a CROSSWORD puzzle for you to enjoy your English Chinese translation!




Translate English to Chinese: A Crossword Puzzle
English Chinese translation Services: A Crossword Puzzle
 
Across
1. ___ before you leap (4 characters)
3. ___ speak louder than words (7)
8. Cutting ___ (7)
10. Water ___ the bridge (5)
11. ___ the knot (3)
12. United ___ (7)
14. ___ fracture (6)
15. Old ___ die hard (6)
19. ___ makes the heart grow fonder (7)
21. Apres- ___ (3)
22. Song and ___ (5)
24. The other man's grass is always ___ (7)
25. Safety- ___ box (7)
26. Hide and ___ (4)
Down
2. Finders ___ (7)
3. ___ without leave (6)
4. A breach of ___ (5)
5. As ___ as the hills (3)
6. It takes all ___ (5)
7. Behind the ___ (6)
9. Many happy ___ of the day (7)
13. A difference of ___ (7)
16. Questions and ___ (7)
17. Fair and ___ (6)
18. ___ - lifter (6)
19. ___ and abetted (5)
20. ___ must (5)
23. ___ it in the bud (3)



















Please come to englishchinesetranslations.com for solution, enjoy translation from our interesting analysis!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Translate English to Chinese - International Famous Brand Name

For the international famous brands from different fields, Chinese citizens are familiar with the Chinese names, rather than their original English name. Generally speaking, in China, the brands that enjoy large market share tend to own its appropriate and successful Chinese names. For this reason, when translate English to Chinese, international corporations should be fully aware of the culture, language as well as consumers’ behaviors of their target market – China. English Chinese translation on international famous brands not only should respect for linguistic principles, but make utmost use of the Chinese consumption culture.

Take the example of the famous mobile phone maker “Nokia”, in fact, the brand was named after the town where the factory located in, and apparently, the name implies nothing special. But its Chinese name “诺基亚” seems to take the sense of high – tech, besides, literally we can get the meaning of “make promise to the Asia” .




English Chinese translation -  International Famous Brand Name - BMW
Translate English to Chinese - International Famous Brand Name - BMW
     
Then let’s talk about Bayerische Motoren Werke, isn’t it strange at first glance? Well, read the capital of each words, yes, it is “BMW”. Due to length and complexity of its original German name, it is necessary to shorten and simplify the name for the purpose of marketing. Now in China, “BMW” is widely popular and becomes a symbol of success and status.

As we know, brand names for cosmetics are especially important, since consumption from women occupy a large portion of the whole consumption, besides, women are emotional and intuitional. For instance, a famous lipstick brand – KissMe, it is inappropriate to directly translate it into “吻我”, because Chinese people are implicit. Instead they feel comfortable with the name of “奇士美”, which implies the story between the hero and the beauty, for “奇士” sounds the same as “骑士”, the knights.



English Chinese translation Services -  Clean & Clear
English Chinese translation -  Clean & Clear

 Another typical case is about the Japanese skin care brand – “Clean & Clear”, which means “干净清爽”. Apparently, it is not proper to take it as a Chinese brand name. However, “可伶可俐” fully deserves the perfect Chinese name of this brand, for not only it preserves the rhythm of original English, but it sounds clear and vital, echoing with its target consumers – modern young girls.


In any case, brand name is an indispensable factor that corporations should fully consider if they are eager to enter the market of China. As for English Chinese translators, a successful translation of brand name can largely promote the popularity of its products in China.


Tuesday, August 21, 2012

English Chinese translation on Politeness (Ⅱ)


translate English to Chinese - Being Polite in a Chinese Way
Being Polite in a Chinese Way - English Chinese translation


As we all know, in English Chinese translation or vice versa, cultural elements are playing a rather important role. Without a complete understanding of the culture, some may feel really frustrated or even annoyed. For instance, the first time I go to work with a foreign friend, and on the way to the company, we encountered several “上班去啦 (shàng bān qù lā)Go to work?”. Well, each time, my friend asked me what was just said, coz she was just learning Chinese and want to know everything others said in Chinese. So I need to translate English to Chinese repeatedly. Same thing happened on our way back home. “上班去啦” is replaced by “下班啦(xià bān lā) Off work?” and “回来啦(huí lái lā)Coming back?”. These conversations are repeated every day. Finally, my friend could not help to ask why all these useless talks. Well, she did not mean the bad side. She meant like it was so funny to say the obvious things again and again.

So, have you ever been confused or bothered by such social conventions in another country? I was very impressed by the English greeting of “How do you do”, coz our English teacher emphasized for several times that it was not a real question, just a way of greeting. But it still feels awkward to say it every time we meet others, especially when we have passed the initial phase of relationship. How should I explain the feeling? Maybe it feels not so intimate. It is too polite and makes me feel there is some gap/distance between people. As some may know the Chinese word “客气(kè qi)polite, politeness, stand on ceremony”, it is good to be polite at a socializing occasion or the initial stage of acquaintance, but kind of insincere when the two parties are very familiar with each other. It will widen the distance between the two. A Chinese is highly possible to think this way when they are in this situation: Oh, I’m wrong. He is still using the socializing remarks to greet me. That means he does not regard me as a good friend.


English Chinese translation services on politeness
English Chinese translation on politeness


That being said, “你好(nǐ hǎo)”, the Chinese equivalent of “How do you do” is not a good choice if you want to be solicitous or friendly. Instead, “起床啦(qǐ chuáng lā) got up, 出门啦(chū mén lā)going out, 上班啦(shàng bān lā) go to work, 吃饭啦(chī fàn lā) having your meal, 回来啦(huí lái lā)coming back” are used as basic greetings or sometimes as conversation starters. With all these cultural background being explained in English Chinese translation or vice versa, the understanding of certain phenomena will be much easier to get.

Furthermore, with a full understanding of the cultural factors, people can avoid bad collision raised by misunderstanding. For example, one friend once complained about the Chinese ways of showing care. Say, when others slip or cause some other sort of accidents, Chinese will say “小心(xiǎo xīn)be careful” to them. Even though we are showing care with good intention, but some may not take this. To them, it sounds like some sarcasm, saying that you should have been more careful. In such cases, it is very important to make clear the cultural elements when you translate English to Chinese or Chinese to English. Or people will take it wrong.

Cultural conflicts are always there. But as great translators, we should try our best to avoid it and make the cross-cultural communication goes smoothly. To translate English to Chinese in a natural way, translators need to clear off the cultural blocks in the way.