when和before的译法,本文主要内容关键词为:,此文献不代表本站观点,内容供学术参考,文章仅供参考阅读下载。
在很多情况下,连词when、before译成汉语时不必总是译为“在……时候”“在……之前”。究竟如何译,应该根据上下文来考虑,只有充分理解句子的含义,才能译得妥当。
一、when的译法
1.when引导的从句与although引导的让步状语从句类似,可译为“虽然、尽管”。如:
He came to help us when he had plenty of work to do.
尽管有很多工作要做,但他还是来帮助我们。
They kept trying when they must have known it was hopeless.
明明知道这事没有希望,但他们还是继续努力。
2.when引导的从句相当于条件状语从句,可译为“如果、只要”。如:
Turn off the switch when anything goes wrong with the machine.
如果机器发生故障,就关开关。
Our national economy will attain stable and high-speed growth when there is really planned and proportionate development.只要真正做到按计划、按比例地发展,我们的国民经济就能实现稳定、高速的增长。
3.when引导的从句相当于原因状语从句,可译为“既然、由于”。如:
Why use metal when you can use plastic?既然可用塑料,为什么用金属呢?
But when the mountain was so steep,the PLA detachment decided to take the enemy fort by stratagem.但由于山太陡,解放军小分队决定智取敌据点。
4.when用作并列连词,两个分句一般要用逗号隔开,相当于and then,可译为“那时、然后”。如:
I stayed till noon,when I went home.我呆到中午,然后就回家了。
We'll go to the countryside at the beginning of June,when the summer harvest will start.
我们六月初下乡去,那时夏收就开始了。
二、before的译法
1.before引导的从句其实表示否定的含义。如:
It grew dark before we finished our work.我们还没干完活,天就黑了。
Before I could insert a word,the owner of the shop measured me.我还没有来得及插语,店老板就量了我的尺寸。
2.before引导的从句表示一种因果关系。如:
You must sow before you can reap.有播种才能有收获。
3.如果语义重点是在before引导的从句中,常常需要将before译成“以后”。如:
I shaved before I went to the party.我修了面,然后才去参加晚会。
The lawn mower needs repairing before the grass can be cut.
这割草机需要修理后才能割草。
标签:从句论文;