名词从句的译法
1. 主语从句
A. 以从属连词或连词代词位于句首的主语从句翻译时语序一般不变。如：
例1. That a man could live for so many years alone in the mountains is really something unthinkable.
一个人能够单独在山里生活这么多年真是不可思议。
例2. That substances expand when heated and contract when cooled is a common physical phenomenon.
例3. What the students find most difficult in a foreign language is its idiomatic usage.
学生感到，一种外国语最困难的地方是它的习惯用法。
例4. What struck me most in this book was the author’s true-to-life description of the people’s life in that country.
B. 以形式主语it引出的主语从句，翻译时有下述三种处理办法
（1）如主语从句较短，可提前与主句合译为“是”字结构。如：
例1. It is dangerous that you have a smattering of superficial knowledge on a
subject.
对任何问题一知半解都是危险的。
例2. It is good news that our team has won the championship.
（2）如主语从句较长，不宜与主句合译为汉语的“是”字结构，一般可译为并列分句或独立的句子，即现译从句，而在主句之前加“这”字译出。如：
例1. It is a matter of common experience that bodies are lighter in water than they are in air.
物体在水中比在空气中轻，这是一种大家共有的经验
例2. It is common sense that a liquid has no definite shape, but it has a definite volume.
例3. It was really a mystery to the neighbors that Mary, the ugly woman, could succeed in ordering about her husband, the strong-armed blacksmith, well known far and wide, and having him where she wanted him.
玛丽这个丑女人把丈夫——远近闻名，胳膊粗力气大的铁匠——指使得滴溜溜转，让他往东他不敢往西，这对他们的邻居来说，简直是个谜。
例4. It therefore becomes more and more important that, if students are not to waste their opportunities, there will have to be much more detailed information about courses and more advice.
（3）以it作形式主语的谓语是被动语态的句子，一般宜转译为主动语态，可译为“据……”或补上泛指主语“有人”、“大家”、“人们”等，主语从句保留原文的语序。如：
例1. It is reported that the meeting will be held in June.
据报道，这个会将在六月间举行。
例2. It could be argued that the radio performs this service just as well; but on television everything is much more living, much more real.
可能有人会提出，无线电广播也同样能够做到这一点；但是在电视屏幕上，每个节目都显得更加生动，更加真实。
2. 宾语从句
A. 以从属连词或连接代词引起的宾语从句汉译时，语序一般不变。如：
例1. Some people, however, maintain that this is precisely where the danger lies. 可是，有些人则坚持认为，这恰恰是危险所在。
例2. This shows that something unexpected may have turned up.
这表明可能出现了意外情况。
例3. Realizing that it was just a difference in custom, the foreigner smiled and said nothing.
例4. Marie always thought how she could do more for mankind.
例5. He has fully lived up to what he promised.
B. 英语中的宾语从句有时置于句首，其修辞作用在于强调宾语。为了使译文达到相同的修辞效果，翻译时也宜将宾语从句前置。
例1. Whether they like it or not, I don’t care.
他们喜欢不喜欢，我可不管。
例2. What they were asked to do in 10 days, they finished in two.
让他们十天做的事，他们两天就做完了。
例3. What he has once heard he never forgets.
例4. What the country thinks and worries about we should think and worry about. C. 用it作形式宾语的句子，汉译时that引起的宾语从句一般可按原文语序，it不必译出。
例1. We think it certain that American English does have a considerable influence upon British English. 我们认为美语必然对英语产生相当大的影响。
例2. I make it clear that I was determined to carry out the plan.
我已表明决心去执行这个计划。
例3. I leave it to your own judgment whether you should do it.
汉译英时也可将that 引起的宾语从句提前。如：
例1. I regarded it as an honor that I am chosen to attend the meeting.
我被遴选参加会议，感到光荣。
例2. We think it true that the election in Britain is mainly a contest between the two big parties, Labor and Conservative.
3. 表语从句
表语从句汉译时语序一般不变。如：
例1. That’s what we should do.
这正是我们的本分。
例2. Time factor is what we have to take into consideration. 时间因素是我们应考虑的。
例3. The question which worries everyone today is: how long will these fuels last?
例4. The result of invention of steam engine was that human power was replaced by mechanical power.
4. 同位语从句
英语中的同位语从句与其所修饰的名词处于同等的地位，只作进一步解释的作用，汉译时一般用下述方法处理。
A. 同位语从句不提前，如：
例1. We expressed the hope that they would come over to visit China again. 我们表示希望他们再到中国来访问。
例2. There can be no doubt that he is qualified for the job.
毫无疑问他做这工作很合适。
例3. Can you produce any evidence that he was not at home that night?
例4. Now we have little idea what a hard life they were then leading.
B. 同位语从句提前，如：
例1. Do away with the mistaken metaphysical notions that “gold must be pure”
and “man must be perfect”.
要打破“金要足赤”，“人要完人”的形而上学的错误思想。
例2. Obviously there was little probability that they would succeed, but they don’t mind.
很显然，他们成功的可能性很小，但是他们不在乎。
例3. The question whether the aircraft should have two engines or three was finally decided in September, 1959.
例4. This is a universally accepted principle of international law that the territorial sovereignty doesn’t admit infringement.
C. 把同位语从句译成独立的句子，并在其前加“即”，或在从句所修饰的名词之后加冒号。
例1. We are familiar with the idea that all matter consists of atoms. 我们都熟悉这样一个概念，即一切物质都是由原子组成的。
例2. Through many years’ practice of teaching foreign language, I have derived a new experience that translation is the best possible approach to studying English. 通过多年的外语教学经验，我获得了一条新经验：翻译是学习英语的最好办法。
例3. Then arose the question where we were to get the machines needed.
练习五
翻译下列各句
1. That theory must go hand in hand with practice is a principle we should always keep in mind.
2. It was a mistake that they didn’t support us.
3. The story is about how the old lady expected to receive a birthday present from her daughter.
4. One often hears it said that travel broadens the mind.
5. My idea is that we should stick to our original plan.
6. The thought came to him that maybe the enemy had fled the city.
7. The question whether an electric current can be produced by magnetism has long been solved.
8. At the end of last century, an important discovery was made that everything was built partly of electrons.
状语从句的翻译
英语状语从句包括表示时间、地点、条件、让步、原因等各种从句，汉译时要注意英汉两种语言使用状语方面的共同性及其各自的特殊性。
翻译下列各句
1. As I was looking for my bag, the inn-keeper came in.
2. The monkey was feeling a bit scared when suddenly the crocodile dived under the water.
3. While I admit that the problems are difficult, I don’t agree that they cannot be solved.
4. As long as we don’t lose heart, we’ll find a way to overcome the difficulty.
5. If we have carried on thorough investigation, we can draw a correct conclusion.
6. However hard the task, we must fulfill it in time.
7. Where there is nothing in the path of the beam of light, nothing is seen.
8. Since we live near the sea, we can often go swimming.
9. As he had lots of time, he decided to go to the embankment first.
1. 时间状语从句
A. 译成相应的时间状语，如：
例1. When the wall fell down, all the people ran away in a panic.
墙倒塌的时候，所有的人都争先恐后地跑开了。
例2. Even when we turn off the bedside lamp and are fast asleep, electricity is working for us, driving our refrigerators, heating our water, or keep our rooms air-conditioned.
即使在我们关掉了床头灯深深地进入梦乡时，电也在为我们工作，它为我们开动冰箱，烧水或使我们房间的空调机保持运转。
B. 译成并列分句
例1. The set him free when his ransom had not yet been paid. 他的赎金尚未交来，他们就把他放了。
例2. Mr. Smith was arrested when he himself was not aware what crime he had committed. 史密斯先生自己还不知道犯了什么罪，人家就把他逮捕了。
C. 英语中存在着内容和形式不一致的情况。有些时间状语从句有时可以按其逻辑关系译成表示原因、条件、让步等的分句。
例1. When you have finished your homework, you can go and play ball-games.
做完了家庭作业，你就可以出去打球了。
例2. He usually walks when he might ride.
虽然有车可坐，但他通常总是步行。
例3. The defense lawyer decided to petition for a new trial when they found an important new witness. 由于发现了一名新的重要证人，辩护律师决定申请重新开庭审讯。
2. 条件状语从句的译法
A. 译成表示“条件”或“假设”的分句
例1. Everybody here has a chance to study unless he doesn’t want to. 这里任何人都有学习的机会，除非他不愿学。
例2. Once you understand the rule, you will have no further difficulty.
你一旦懂了这条规则，你就不会再有困难了。
例3. If you want something done in a hurry, don’t go to the man who has clearly not much to do.
要是你有急事要办，不要去找那种显然没有多少事可做的人。
B. 译成补充说明情况的分句
例1. If he is too old to work much, the retired worker is very enthusiastic about neighborhood affairs.
虽然这位退休老工人年迈不能多操劳，但他对街道工作非常热心。
例2. If he was so able as to solve such a difficult math problem known to the world, it is because he was extremely diligent and absolutely absorbed in mathematics.
他之所以解决了这样一个世界上有名的数学难题，是因为他非常勤奋。
例3. If you can come, I’ll be only too glad.
你要能来，我就太高兴了。
3. 让步状语从句的译法 A. 译成表示“让步”的分句
例1. Though he was defeated in the election, he became famous for his fiery speeches against slavery.
虽然他竞选失败了，却以其反对蓄奴制度的激烈演说而出了名。
例2. Nothing could have saved him even if he had been tended without delay.
纵然当时他得到了及时的救护，他的生命也无法挽救。
B. 译成表示“无条件”的条件分句，如：
例1. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.
不管需要多长时间才能挫败这种预谋的侵略，美国人民将以其正义的力量赢得彻底的胜利。
例2. But it is the way I am, and try as I might, I have not been able to change it.
但这就是我的作风，不管怎样努力，也改变不了。
例3. Whatever the consequence may be, I shall speak the truth. 不论后果如何，我都要说实话
4. 地点状语从句译法 A. 译成相应的地点状语
例1. Where water resources are plentiful, hydroelectric power stations are being built in large numbers.
哪里有充足的水源，哪里就在兴建大批的水电站。
例2. Why don’t you put your number where it can be seen?
你为何不把号码挂在醒目的地方呢？
B. 按逻辑关系转译为表示“条件”的状语，如：
例1. The materials are excellent for use where the value of work pieces is not so high.
如果零件价值不高，最好使用这种材料。
5. 原因状语的译法
A. 译成表示“原因”的分句
例1. Tragedies can be written in literature since there is tragedy in life.
生活中既有悲剧，文学作品就可以写悲剧。
例2. The prince in rags was thrown out of the palace because the guard couldn’t recognize him.
穿着破衣裳的王子被赶出了王宫，因为那个卫兵认不出他来了。
B. 译成因果偏正复句中的主句
例1. Mr. Smith didn’t go to college because he had no money.
史密斯先生没钱，所以没有上大学。
C. 译成因果关系内含的并列分句
例1. We had to put the meeting off since so many people were absent.
很多人没有来，会议只好延期。
例2. As he had not much money, he couldn’t afford to buy a TV set.
他没有多少钱，买不起电视机。
长句的译法
1. 顺序法
例1. When our ship cleared harbor, taking my family and me on the first leg of our journey home to the United States, I watched the receding coastline of Japan with mingled relief and regret: relief from the oppressive feeling that I was being watched; regret that the book I envisaged writing would not make me welcome again in the land of my birth.
当轮船离开港口，带着我们一家人在返回美国的旅途中戗风直驶第一段航程的时候， 我怀着既宽慰又怅然的心情凝视着从视野中逐渐消失的日本海岸——我因从被人监视的令人窒息的气氛中解脱出来而感到宽慰；又因我要写的书将是我在我的出生之地成为不受欢迎的人而惆怅。
例2. I reviewed and reconsidered all the notes I had taken in my reading of source documents, and I became convinced that the modern history of Japan, as presented since World War II, was a skillfully contrived illusion fabricated later in the war, partly by
counter-intelligence specialists in the General Staff and partly by high-ranking palace courtiers.
我复审并重新推敲了我在阅读原始材料所做的笔记，确信自第二次世界大战结束后所推出的日本当代史是一部精心勾画的伪史，这部伪史是战争后期部分由参谋本部中心反谍专家，部分地由身居高位的廷臣们杜撰的。
2. 变序法
例1. It may seem rather quaint①for an alliance of democratic governments to wage war upon an autocratic government at great expense in life and material, and then the chief autocrat of that government in a position of leadership②.
民主国家结成同盟，不惜牺牲大量的生命和物质力量，向一个专制政府开战，而最终却把这个政府的专制君主留置领袖地位②，看来这是令人感到奇怪的①。
例2. Solutions of the problem of old age have to be considered against a historical back-ground① of slow but substantial changes in Chinese family structure②, caused by rising living standards and family planning③.
必须根据这一历史背景考虑到老年的问题①
中国的家庭结构发生着缓慢却又具有实质性的变化②
由于人民生活水平的不断提高以及计划生育③
例3. I make the direct statement to the American people① that there is a far less chance of the United States getting into war②, if we do all we can now to support the nations defending them against attack by the Axis than if we acquiesce in their defeat, submit, tamely to an Axis victory, and wait our turn to be the object of attack in another war later on③.
我开诚布公地向美国人民声明①
如果我们竭尽全力支援那些保卫自己抵御轴心国的进攻的国家，而不是默认他们的失败，驯服地屈从于轴心国的胜利，并坐待我们自己成为今后另一次战争的攻击目标②
那么，美国卷入战争的可能性就会小得多③。
例4. I consider a human soul without education, like marble in the quarry①, which shows none of its inherent beauties②, until the skill of the polisher fetches out the colors, makes the surface shine, and discovers every ornamental cloud, spot and vein that runs through the body③.
我认为一个没受教育的人，他的心灵就如采石场里的大理石①
才能展现其天生丽质②
只有经过能工巧匠的加工，研磨出斑斓的色彩，光洁的面层，使之显露大户悦目的云纹和彩点，以及贯穿通体的石理③
例5. Tess and the other three were dressing themselves rapidly①, the whole bevy having agreed to go together to Mellstock Church②, which lay some three or four miles distant from the dairy-house③.
所以现在都在屋里急急忙忙换衣裳①。
苔丝和她那三个伙伴译商议好了，要一块儿到那儿去做礼拜②
离牛奶厂三四英里地是梅勒陶教堂③
例6. The problem① of possible genetic damage to human populations② from
radiation exposures, including those resulting from the fallout from testing of atomic weapons③, has quite properly claimed much popular attention in recent years④.
这一问题①
很可能造成基因损伤②
人类由于面临辐射威胁，其中包括原子武器试验产生的放射性散落物所造成的辐射威胁③
近年来已经理所当然地引起了人们的广泛重视④。
3. 分句法
例1. Having just left school or technical institute①, where they had their place and a task to fulfill and where they were known and esteemed by their colleagues②, those young people who do not land that first job they were so eagerly looking forward to have to face up for the first time to unemployment③, a situation for which neither family nor school has prepared them④.
而现在，他们刚刚离校①
青年人在学校或技术学院都各得其所各有自己需要完成的任务，受到同学的了解和尊重②
却找不到自己孜孜以求的第一个职业，不得不面对有生以来的第一次失业③
对于这种情况，无论是家庭还是学校都没有为帮助他们做好准备④。
例2. Here in the train there is the sound of youth, loud and alive, but out there I know all the sounds in all the world have gone and earth is just a blue dusk coming fast① and I know this is a dying beautiful day②, that day I remembered those times in the
desert and in the mountains of Lebanon, when loneliness came with the night, and I sat there listening to the bombers going over or to the jackals howling, and wished that at that very minute I could go back to the peace and the beauty and the living of the days I used to know③.
车厢里是朝气蓬勃的震耳的青春声音；可是，我却知道，车厢以外，整个世界都已寂静无声，大地为迅速到来的幽暗的暮色所笼罩①
这是一个美丽的傍晚②
我记得在黎巴嫩的沙漠和山地度过的日子里，也有过这样的时刻，当孤寂伴随着夜幕降临时我坐在那里倾听着头上轰炸机的嘶鸣或者豺狼的嚎叫，心里盼望着能马上重温我旧日所熟悉的平静美好的生活③
例3. At the same time Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr., a newspaper columnist① who provided Roosevelt with accurate surveys in the past②, sent him disturbing reports based on 2000 miles of travel through eight southern and Midwestern states③.
与此同时，报纸专栏作者小科尼厄斯.范德比尔呈交罗斯福的报告也令人不安①
这位作者过去曾向罗斯福供过一些准确的调查材料②
这次报告是他跋涉2000英里，走遍南部和中西部八个州之后写成的③。
例4. After that two-and-a half-year’s trial①, which was commended for its fairness even by the Japanese vernacular press②, the Tribunal sentenced twenty-five Japanese leaders to death or imprisonment③ for having conspired to wage aggressive war and for being responsible for the conventional war crimes— the atrocities— which hade been committed by their subordinate④.
经过两年半的审讯①
法庭审判之公正，甚至日本本国报界也予以褒扬②
法庭判决二十五名日本国家领导人死刑或徒刑③
这是因为他们阴谋发动侵略战争，并对常规的战争罪行——即他们部署的累累暴行——承担责任④
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