Don't translate it word by word
WHAT do you do when you have a perfect Chinese expression but don't know its English equivalent? Translating it word by word might end up with a perfect Chinglish sentence.Here are some typical Chinglish expressions and their correct English versions.
1. 人山人海
Chinglish:
People mountain people sea.
English:
1) There is a large/huge crowd of people.
2) A sea of faces.
Looking out upon the sea of faces, Mr Green delivered a touching speech.
(看着一片人山人海的听众，格林先生发表了一篇动人的演说。)
2. 天下没有不散的宴席
Chinglish:
There are no feasts in the world that do not break up at last.
English:
1) All good things come to an end.
2) Eventually, even close friends drift apart.
3. 一箭双雕
Chinglish:
One arrow, two birds.
English:
Kill two birds with one stone.
4. 挂羊头，卖狗肉
Chinglish:
The store hangs up a sheep's head and sells dog meat.
English:
1) The store uses false advertising. (这家店打了虚假广告。)
2) They say one thing and do another. (他们说一套做一套。)
5. 一言既出，驷马难追
Chinglish:
One word lets loose and four horses will fail to catch it.
English:
1) A word once let go cannot be recalled.
2) You can't take back what you've said. (你说出去的话，就不能再收回来。)
6. 祸从口出，言多必失
Chinglish:
The mouth is the gate of misfortune and evil.
English:
1) Careless talk leads to trouble.
2) The less said the better.
3) Loose lips sink ships (from World War II).
页:
[1]