2.1. 1 Convert English Nouns into Chinese Verbs,Ad...

2.1. 1 Convert English Nouns into Chinese Verbs,Adjectives,or Adverbs英语名词转换成汉语动词、形容词或副词

2.1. 1. 1 Convert nouns into verbs英语名词转换成汉语动词

In translation,it is necessary for us to convert some English nouns into Chinese verbs because they usually indicate sorts of actions,are derivatives of English verbs,or can be used both as nouns and verbs.Now compare and analyze the following sentences,paying attention to the conversion of English nouns into Chinese verbs.

img9International trade is the exchange of goods and services produced in one country for goods and services produced in another.

 国际贸易就是将一个国家生产的商品和提供的服务与另一个国家生产的商品和提供的服务进行交换。

img10The application of electronic computers makes a tremendous rise in labour productivity.

 使用电子计算机可以大大提高劳动生产率。

img11I am afraid I can't teach you swimming.I think my little brother is a better teacher than I.

 我未必会教你游泳。我想我的小弟弟比我教得好。

img12They took a final look at the tower,still intact in the darkness.

 他们最后看了那座塔一眼——它依旧安然无恙地耸立在黑暗中。

img13The government called for the establishment of more technical schools.

 政府号召建立更多的技术学校。

img14My suggestion is that he should quit smoking at once.

 我建议他立刻戒烟。

Comments In the 6 sentences above,we've probably found the ways that some nouns are employed in the original.When we translate them,we use Chinese verbs,not nouns.That is,we may convert these nouns into Chinese verbs.At the same time,we notice that these nouns remain the way that we can follow:

1)The nouns containing action may be converted into Chinese verbs.

2)The nouns derived from verbs can be converted into Chinese verbs.

3)The nouns with the suffix -er or -or can be converted into Chinese verbs.Here are two more examples to examine: I am no drinker,nor smoker.我既不喝酒,也不抽烟。He is both a bibliomaniac and a lover of calligraphy.他不仅热衷藏书,而且爱好书法。

4)The nouns contained in such English idioms as“to have a look,have a look at” ,etc.are often converted into Chinese verbs.

Look at the last sentence carefully.This conversion from English noun to Chinese verb is a very typical case for us to follow.The modifier“my”is converted into the subject in Chinese version,in a sense that the noun “suggestion”should be converted into a verb,which really suits the Chinese expression.

2.1. 1. 2 Convert nouns into adjectives英语名词转换成汉语形容词

Now let us compare and analyze the versions of following sentences and find the way in which the underlined words are converted.

img15This experiment was a success.

 这次实验是成功的。

img16Independent thinking is an absolute necessity in study.

 独立思考对学习是绝对必要的。

img17We found difficulty in solving this complicated problem.

 我们感到,解决这个复杂的问题是困难的。

img18The spokesman admitted the feasibility of the American proposals.

 发言人承认,美国的建议是可取的。

Comments 1)Some English nouns with indefinite articles as a subject complement can be converted

into Chinese adjectives.The first two sentences are the examples.

2)In other cases,nouns may be changed into adjectives if necessary so as to agree with Chinese grammatical features just like sentences 3~4.

2.1. 1. 3 Convert nouns into adverbs英语名词转换成汉语副词

Now compare and study the following sentences and find the way in which some nouns or phrases are converted into Chinese adverbs.

img19The new mayor earned some appreciation by thecourtesy of coming to visit the city poor.

 新市长有礼貌地来看望城市贫民,获得了人们的一些好感。

img20When he catches a glimpse of a potential antagonist,his instinct is to win him over with charm and humor.

 只要一发现有可能反对他的人,他就本能地要用他的魅力和风趣将这个人争取过来。

img21I had the fortune to meet him.

 我幸运地遇到了他。

img22I have the honour to inform you that your request is granted.

 我荣幸地通知您,您的请求已得到批准。

Comments On the one hand,some English nouns or phrases with abstract conceptions can be converted into Chinese adverbs in translating when they are systematically related to the other parts of sentences.On the other hand,we can follow the regulation that the nouns with abstract conceptions,followed by the infinitive“to” ,may be converted into Chinese adverbs.The last two examples belong to the case.