Don't translate it word by word

gzlaser

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).