收稿日期:2005-05-08
作者简介:于建华(1973-),男,河南民权人,主要从事商务英语研究。
第21卷第6期2005年12月商丘师范学院学报
JOU RNAL OF SHANGQIU TEACHERS COLLEGE Vol.21 No.6Dec. 2005
商务英语信函的措辞原则
于 建 华
(商丘师范学院外语系,河南商丘476000)
摘 要:商务英语措辞应遵循四个原则:
简洁原则;生动原则;周到原则;正确原则。
关键词:商务英语书信;措辞;简洁;生动;周到;正确
中图分类号:H315
文献标识码:A 文章编号:1672-3600(2005)06-0161-02
在当今日益频繁的国际交流,尤其是贸易活动中,书信
交流非常重要。尽管现代化的通信技术非常发达,有电报(telegram)、电传(telex )、传真(facsimile)和电子邮件(e -mail),但是商务书信仍为现代商务交流中经常使用的一种重要手段。一次贸易从建立商务关系到交易成功,这期间的磋商工作大多是通过英文商务书信进行的。尤为重要的是,商务书信具有法律责任。同时,商务书信也是商务英语教学的一个重要内容。
但是现在许多英语商务书信存在着许多问题,措辞方面尤为突出。主要表现为:1 信件冗长累赘而不着要点;2 表达模棱两可;3 信函中充满陈词滥调、晦涩的行话和难懂的专业术语:4 措辞粗鲁无理、空洞无物;5 拼写及语法错误。
U sing the right word at the rig ht time (Fow ler),这句话对于商务书信选词仍有指导意义。商务信函讲究实效,能准确无误、及时地传达信息,这就要求在草拟时做到用词简单易懂,平实简洁,使阅信人一目了然。应用文体有其特点和要求,而措辞更有自己的原则。为求达到有效交际的效果,本人想就以下四个方面谈一谈商务书信措辞原则。
一、简洁原则
简洁并非仅仅就是简单。写信时要做到简明扼要,短小精悍,切中要点。Jo hn Woods 在 商务信函 一书中提出 7C (clear,complete,concise,concrete,co nstruct ive,conversational,correct)方法,对我们很有借鉴之处。我门应注意以下几方面:
1.用简单词,避免使用累赘词。如下面例子:a number of some/many in or der to to
take into consideration co nsider dur ing the course of during prior to befor e
左边用词明显没有右边用词简洁。此外在英语词汇搭配上也有一些累赘现象。如 free g ift ,gift 不言而喻就是免费的,是馈赠的。再如 foreign import ,impor t 本身就是从国外进口。再如下面左边的就要用右边的替代:
small in size small absolutely perfect per fect past histor y history tuit ion fees tuitio n
2.使用小词。要熟悉和善于使用小词,用简单的言辞来交流思想,使人感到亲切。试比较下面两个句子:
1 We will or der all the mater ials on this list you furnished.
2 We will order all the mater ials on this list y ou sent.现代商务英语的词语日趋简练,平易和直率。长词,大词(pompous w ords)日渐不受欢迎。如P erspir atio n 远不如用sweat 简洁。
3.使用具体的词语。商业书信要力求具体,言之有物。要求对方做出明确回答,或是答复对方的要求,都要写得具体,避免笼统。多用能够得到的数字、比例和事实,而不是散文式的词语来替代。英语中有些词,如highly,soon,fair,good 等都比较抽象,应少用。如下面左边词应用右边的换掉:
most 80percent;often 37time out of;fruit banana
4.避免使用过时的、陈腐的用语。商业书信中遗留着较多的陈腐用语,如,
As per your request,Enclosed please find 。Pursuant to our conversatio n,
在措辞上应尽量用现代的、日常常用的语言来代替。如 T his w ill ackno wledg e your recent letter 就不如 T hank you for your recent letter ,让人看了舒服。
5.慎用专业术语。术语又称行话(jarg on),是一种隐语,私下的只有一部分人懂的语言,如OAG,V IP 等等。现代商
务书信中也有许多涉及进出口、金融和经济管理等方面的专业术语。如L/C(Letter of credit);B/L(Bill of L ading);M/T (M etr ic ton);S.S.(steam ship)等。在现代商业书信中,应使用大众的,大部分人都懂的语言。这是草拟书信应当遵循的一个重要原则。但也并不是说不用术语,合理的使用会使行文更加简洁明了。如果双方都熟悉术语,用了效果会好些,如果对方不了解术语,还是尽量少用,以免产生误解。
二、生动原则
书信的文字生动,能够吸引对方的注意(attention)、兴趣(inter est)和欲望(desire),从而达到发信人预期的目的。
1.信要写得生动活泼,就要求撰稿人多在文字修养上下工夫。试比较下列词组:
thin bony
worry fr et
inv est igate snoop
右边的词组较为生动、形象。
英语中的表意动词可增添信文的生气。如:
Planning is significant part of the manag er ial process.
Planning co ntributes significantly to the manag er ial process.
同时,主动和被动语态的巧用也会使信函有生气。如:
T he final decision must be made by me.
I must make t he final decision.
2.现代商务英语的趋势是日渐口语化,生动活泼,而非生意腔和官员腔。非正式的、交谈式的和生动活泼的语言更让人容易理解。信函中的责任和限制有时是无法避免的,但随意的文风会产生更有效的沟通效果。试比较下面两组句子:
Upon receipt of your check,further attention w ill be g iven to your r equest.
When we receive your check,we ll begin work on your re-quest.
很明显下面的句子要比上面的更让人容易接受。口语化也不是说要俚语化,而是使用简单(simple)、自然(natural),和直截了当(straig htforw ard)的词语来表达。
多选用口语化和非正式(info rmal)的语言。文绉绉的,咬文嚼字的正式语言(formal language),就会使信文缺少生气。
3.写作上应采用正面的,积极的词语,避免使用消极的词语。因为消极的词语会使人有怒气或者是无知,要劝说对方,使用积极的语言更有效。
三、周到原则
写商务书信时,要考虑对方,体谅对方,注意对方的要求、愿望和感情,措辞应做到以下几点:
1.信文多用礼节性词汇。要注意礼貌,不要盛气凌人,更不要以命令的口气待人。如可多用以下词组:please/thank you/may I/if you can等等。
2.要做到有礼有节,又要不卑不亢。
3.用词上尽量避免使用容易造成种族、残疾(handicap)、年龄、性别、宗教及偏见等使人产生不愉快感觉的词语。如下面左边词应用右边的来代替:
actress actor
waitress waiter
may girl may secretary
boy man
cleaning woman domestic housekeeper
adolescents young people
lame disabled
再如,在造句时,要避免使用一些有歧视的词语。例如:
T he manag er w ill call a meet ing with his staff.
此句明显表明这位是 男性 ,为避免这种感觉,应对此做出修改:
T he manag e w ill call a staff meeting.
四、正确原则
准确无误是书信写作中的最重要的原则。正确不仅要求用词、造句、语法、拼写、和标点符号规范而合乎习惯,更要求书信措辞的正确,恰如其分。
1.要注意常出错的词语的用法。在商业书信中,有些词语与其他词语由于发音或拼写上类似,容易混淆,导致错误。如hopefully是抱有希望,并不是 希望 和 盼望 的意思。
Hopefully the situatio n w ill improve.
其中的hopefully被当成hope来用,就是误用。
2.有些词是非正式和不常用的,如irregardless,而常用regardless。在这种情况下。应选用常用的,以免费解。
参考文献:
[1]Jo hn Woods.商务信函(中译本)[M].上海:上海人民出版
社,2002.
[2]戚云方.新编外经贸英语写作与套语[M].杭州:浙江大学
出版社,2002.
[3]欧阳延平.商务英语书信的用词特点[J].湛江师范学院
报,2002,(9).
W ording of the Business English Letter
YU Jian-hua
(English Department of Shangqiu T eachers College,Henan Shangqiu476000)
Abstract:T he aut hor discusses the wording of the Business English L etter fr om four aspects:
Concise、vivid、consideration、correct for the effect ive communicat ion.
Key words:business Eng lish letter,w ording,concise,vivid consideration,correct
162商丘师范学院学报 2005年
1 Introduction Business English can be regarded as an application of English language in commercial occasions, aiming at enabling speakers to communicate and interact effectively using the most correct and clearest business language. Business English Correspondence is an important carrier of international commercial activities which is used to deli ever information, address commercial issues and as a way of communication. Lexicon is an important factor of a passage. In the writing of business English correspondence, we should pay particular attention to the selection of lexicon. Different words may carry different meaning and even the mood of them can be very distinct. Therefore, it is of great necessity to do research of the features of lexicon in the writing of business English correspondence. This thesis attempts to do some researches on the following subjects: To have a good knowledge of characteristics of lexicon in business English correspondence. To make sense of the reason why the business English correspondence have such requirements of lexicon. To provide some suggestions that learners can improve their writing skills. 2 Description of Business English correspondence 2.1 Definition of business English correspondence Nowadays more and more people choose to work in companies and do commercial work. As China joined the WTO, enterprises are all choosing to open their markets and expand them into the international world, thus making English inevitably become the most used language in the world. And in this way a new subject appeared that we call it “business English”. In terms of business English, we refer to the language used in order to adapt to the job market whose contents include a lot of aspects (Kansi, 1983; 134). Unlike the general English learners, people who learn business English are more
商务英语书信的格式与结构 [摘要] 商务英语书信的格式与结构基本上是固定的,一旦选定其中一种便不能随意更改。商务英语的内容与其结构相应,其中七项是必不可缺的。熟练掌握商务英语书信的格式与结构是从事对外贸易工作的必备技能。 [关键词] 商务英语书信;格式;结构 [中国图书分类号] H315 [文献标识码] B [文章编号] 1008 - 9144(2004) 06 - 0078 - 01 我国实行对外开放以来,对外贸易得到迅速发展。WTO的成功加入,使我国的对外贸易事业有了突破和发展。作为对外贸易中的一种基本的通讯联络方式,商务英语书信也得到广泛应用。对于外贸专业的学生以及从事对外贸易的工作者来说,熟练掌握商务英语书信的格式与结构并加以应用,是不可或缺的一项技能。 商务英语书信有自己独特的格式与结构。虽然现在的人们喜欢标新立异,喜欢以一种更随意、更友好的方式进行交往,但是,为了避免寄信方和收信方之间由于格式、结构的不统一而引起的混乱,以及由此而带来的查找不便、使双方花费不必要的时间,所以,最安全、最有效的方法就是遵循国际上常用的、约定俗成的格式与结构。一旦选定一种格式与结构,最好是坚持使用,不能想改就改,想换就换,否则就会给对方一种不稳定、不踏实的感觉,会引起一些意想不到的麻烦,有可能最后导致交易的失败。 一般来说,现在使用的商务英语书信的格式主要有两种:传统的缩头式(the conventionalindented form) 和现代的齐头式(the modern blocked form) 。 根据英国传统做法,缩头式要在信文每一段缩进五或六个字母的空间,有时可能会缩进更多。现在,齐头式在商务英语书信中使用得非常普遍。它的突出特点就是所有信的内容都从信纸的左边开始,段落与段落之间要比缩头式多空出两到三行,以便于区分。这种格式被称作齐头式(the fullblocked form) 。但是,有时把日期放在信纸的左边会给查找带来不便,所以,人们使用了一种改良的齐头式(the modifiedblocked form) ,即把日期放在右边,而把其他内容放在左边。 一般来说,我们通常使用单行距来布局一封信,这会使我们所写的信有一种紧凑感,但有些人在写短信的时候,更喜欢用双行距。 根据个人或公司的喜好,可以选择使用齐头式或缩头式。但不论选择哪一种格式,一般商务英语书信的结构都包括以下几部分内容: (1) 信头(the letter - head)
竭诚为您提供优质文档/双击可除 商务英语信函地址 篇一：英语商务信函 商务信函businessletter 英文信头写法heading 信头也称信端，其内容包括发件公司的名称、标志、通信地址、电话号码、传真号、电子邮箱等。书写信头的目的是为了方便收件人了解信函来自何处，并为回复提供联系方式。 很多公司都会印制带信头的信纸。一般来说，人们喜欢将简单的信头放在信纸上端居中，将复杂的信头放在信纸的右侧或上下两端。在使用这种信纸打印信函时，一定要注意为信头留出足够的空间。 对于私人商务信函，如求职信等，信头通常写在信纸的右上方。 如果信函的长度超过两页，那么从第2页开始就不再需要信头了，只需写上页码、收件人姓名及日期。 英文地址的书写和中文地址的书写有很大区别，应遵循
从小到大的原则。特别值得注意的是，地址中的标点符号需正确使用。当前的习惯做法是，行末一般不加标点符号，但行中间该加标点的地方，还是不应省略。门牌号码与街道名称之间不加标点，但是在城市与国家名称之间必须用逗号分开。 英文信函编号写法Referencenumber 如果信函上有编号，收件人和发件人都能快速了解所指的是哪一封信。这样既便于文件存档，又便于日后查阅。 信函编号常见的书写形式有两种： 一种比较简单的形式“Re:xxx”，例如,Re:Invoice12345或Re:YourletterdatedJanuary20,20XX。 一种比较常用的形式“Yourref:xxx,ourref:xxx”，提供一组缩写信息，包括：文件编号、起草人、录入人的姓名缩写和部门 代号等。例如一封由我方Juttabrawn起草，由hughJohnDavies录入的信函编号为“ourref:Jb/hJD” 英文日期写法Date 商务信函必须写日期，它对于文件存档及信息查考都有重要意义。 书写日期应注意以下几点： 1.“年”应完全写出，如20XX，不能简写成06； 2.在正式信函中“月”最好不用缩写，而是完整地写出
摘要: 英国论文随着时代的发展, 使用简洁通俗的语言已成为现代商务英语, 尤其是商务英语信函的突出特点。本文从这一特点形成的根源简易英语运动出发, 分析了简易英语的定义, 遵循的原则, 最后在此基础上通过大量例证的对照比较, 总结了简易英语趋势在现代商务交际中的体现。 商务英语和法律英语一样, 通常被认为是充斥着技术性术语和诘屈聱牙语句的典型书面语。不可否认, 很长时间以来, 商务文书给人的印象确实如此。然而随着时代的发展, 这种情况已得到极大的改观, 商务交际用语渐趋简明易懂。使用简洁通俗的语言已成为现代商务英语的突出特点。我们可以比较一下下面的两句商务信函中的用语: 1. We beg respectfully to state that we are in receipt ofyour L/C in the amount of USD×××for which we thankyou. 2. We inform you that we have received your L/C forUSD×××. 可以看出, 这两句表达的意思完全相同, 但是第一句使用了beg respectfully to state, in receipt of, inthe amount of, 以及包括定语从句for which we thank you等表达极为繁杂的用语, 而第二句用语简洁明快, 但是它所包含的信息量较第一句而言没有丝毫的减少。现代商务英语正是提倡使用简单词语( plain words) , 而不用复杂的语句( complicated words) , 尤其是那些繁复老套的用语, 即我们所说的陈词滥调( cliché)。现代商务英语的这一显著特点, 其实与这些年来在英美等国出现的英语简化趋势, 尤其是在美国大张旗鼓推行的简易英语运动( Plain English Movement)有直接的联系。这一运动要求革除商业契约上的繁文缛节, 简化法律用语, 从而起到方便民众, 减少因繁复用语而引起不必要争端的作用。1978 年 3 月24 日, 当时的美国总统卡特更是签署了第12044 号行政命令, 要求联邦政府各部切实保证颁布的每项法令必须以简单易懂的英语撰写, 以便须依照有关法令办事的人都能看懂。这一法令理所当然受到普通老百姓的欢迎, 而简易英语运动在这一法令的推动之下也得到了更为蓬勃的开展[1]。 一、什么是“简易英语” 所谓简易英语( Plain English) , 美国学者考特兰?博维(Courtland Bovèe)和约翰?席尔( John Thill)认为简易英语是用简易的文字和结构写成的语句, 读者都能看懂, 很接近于我们的口语[2]。可见, “简易英语”是指书面表达中使用清晰正确的英语简明扼要而有效地传递信息。“简易英语”并不幼稚, 也并非过分简单化的英语。“简易英语”重视信息的传递。它并不堆积词藻, 而且不会不必要地使用行话、术语等难懂的表达。换句话说,“简易英语”彻底抛弃了繁文赘语和让人无所适从的表达。用“简易英语”书写的文件是为了让人们读懂, 因此所用的词语都是读者能够理解的。只要读者能够理解, “简易英语”用到技术性较强的专业术语也并非不可。比如,一篇医学学报上的论文面向的是医学专家, 使用专业术语是可以的, 因为这些读者能够理解。只要表达恰当, 这篇论文的语言仍然可被称为“简易英语”。当然, 如果这篇文章是出现在面向公众的通俗杂志上, 那么再包含很多专业术语就很可能出现普通读者无法理解的状况。这个时候, 只有使用普通大众能够理解的字眼那它才是“简易英语”。我们应该看到非常复杂的概念也是可以用“简易英语”加以解释的。许多法律文书, 比如合同和法令, 用“简易英语”改写后仍然能做到表达精确无误。 二、“简易英语”所遵循的原则 “简易英语”最重要的原则就是读者为先。即为读者着想, 考虑读者的需求。要“简易”, 就得好好考虑如下的问题:读者需要知道些什么? 他们对这个问题的理解程度如何? 怎样才能更好地把意思组织起来以便读者更好地理解? 要想有效传递你的信息, 首要的是要清楚什么样的人会阅读你写的东西。具体来讲, “简易英语”遵循如下的原则: (一)写作前做好规划起草文书之前, 首先得明确自己的写作目的。读者是谁? 他们对于所涉及的话题是非常了解, 了解一点还是一无所知? 他们想知道些什么? 找到这些问题的答案, 做到心中有数。一旦知道了读者是谁, 就应该尽可能从他们的角度来看问题, 来表达
启头句: 1)We have (take) pleasure in informing you that../ We have the pleasure of informing you that../ We are pleased (glad) to inform you that..兹欣告你方.... 16) Refering to your letter of ......we are pleased to .关于你方...月...日来信,我们很高兴... 19) We wish to refer to your letter of ...concerning 现复你方...月...日关于...的来信 20) In compliance with the request in your letter of ... we...按你方...月...日来函要求,我方... 37) We thank you for your letter of https://www.doczj.com/doc/3e10831467.html,rming us that..我们感激贵方...月...日的来函,惠告... 21) In connection with the question of supplying you with ..., we are pleased to say that...关于向你方供应...的问题,欣告你方... 29) We owe your address to ..我方从...获得你方地址。 36) In replay to your letter of ...concerning...we are glad to be able to /story to have tell you that...兹复贵方...月...日有关...的来函,很高兴/抱歉告知贵方... 41)We must apologize for the delay in replying to your letter of...迟复贵方...月...日函,甚歉! 43)In reply to your letter/inquiry of ... , we wish to inform you that...兹复贵方...月...日函/询盘,我们愿意告诉贵方... 77)As requested/ In accordance with your wishes we are sending you... 按你方的要求,现奉上.. 商业信函常用开头语 3.惠请告知某某事项等 1)Please inform me that (of) ；13)We shall be pleased to have your information regarding (on, as to; about) 6.特回答贵公司某月某日函所叙述有关事项等7)In response to your letter of l0th May, I wish to say that； 10)In reply to your letter of February 8th, I inform you that (of) ； 7.非常遗憾，我们奉告您关于，等。 l)We regret to inform/say/advise you that (of) ； 9.我们对于您某月某日来函的询价，深表谢意等。2)I thank you for your inquiry of the 10th May ； 10.兹函附某某，请查收，等。 1)Enclosed please find ；3)We enclose herewith ；7)We are pleased to enclose herewith 11.遵照某月某日来函指示，等。2)According to the directions contained in yours of the 6th May ； 4)In conformity with (to) your instructions of the l0th ult. 12.关于详情，下次叙述，等。 2)Particulars will be related in the following. 3)I will relate further details in the following. 13. 如下列所记，如附件所述，1)As stated below, 10)As already mentioned,
27种常用英文商务信函 1请求建立商业关系 Rogers Chemical Supply Co. 10E.22Street Omaha8,Neb Gentlemen: We have obtained your name and address fro m Aristo Shoes, Milan , and we are writing to enquire whether you would be willing to establish business re lations with us. We have been importers of shoes for many years. At present, We are interested in extending our, range and would appreciate your catalogues and q uotations.If your prices are competitive we would expect to transact a significant volume of business. We look forward to your early reply. Very truly yours 自米兰职权里斯托鞋类公司取得贵公司和地址，特此修函，祈能发展关系。多年来，本公司经营鞋类进口生意，现欲扩展业务范围。盼能惠赐商品目录和报价表。如价格公道，本公司必大额订购。烦请早日赐复。此致 2.回复对方建立商业关系的请求 Thank your for your letter of the 16th of this month. We shall be glad to enter into business relat ions with your company. In compliance with your request, we are sending you, under separate cov er, our latest catalogue and price list covering our export range. Payment should be made by irrevo cable and confirmed letter of credit. Should you wish to place an order, please telex or fax us. 本月16日收到有关商务关系的来函，不胜欣喜。谨遵要求另函奉上最新之出口商品目录和报价单。款项烦请以不可撤销保兑之信用状支付。如欲订货，请电传或传真为盼。此致敬礼 3.请求担任独家代理 We would like to inform you that we act on a sole agency basis fora number of manufacturers. We specialize in finished cotton goods for the Middle eastern market: Our activities cover all types of household linen. Until now , we have been working with your textiles department and our colla boration has proved to be mutually beneficial. Please refer to them for any information regarding o ur company. We are very interested in an exclusive arrangement with your factoryfor the promotio n of your products in Bahrain. We look forward to your early reply. `本公司担任多家厂家的独家代理，专营精制棉织品，包括各灯家用亚麻制品，行销中东。与贵公司向有业务联系，互利互作。贵公司纺织部亦十分了解有关业务合作之情况。盼望能成为贵公司独家代理，促销在巴林市场的货品。上述建议，烦请早日赐复，以便进一步联系合作。此致敬礼
通知与确认商务英语信函写作 一、通知对方收到来信的确认函 1. dear mr/mrs, thank you for your letter no. a-3 of 6th may, offering us 6 ui-4 viewdatas. we have passed it on to our technical department for their consideration. we shall reply as soon as possible. yours faithfully 尊敬的先生/小姐， 谢谢您五月六日标号为a-3的来信，该信向我们提供6 ui-4图像数据。我们已把该信转给了技术部，备他们考虑。 我们将尽快回信 你诚挚的 2. dear mr/mrs, we have today received with thanks information concerning transactions onthe new york wheat exchange which will be made full use of by our researchdepartment. we look forward to further cooperation with you. yours faithfully 尊敬的先生/小姐， 我们今天收到了有关纽约小麦交易所的业务信息，非常感谢，我们的研究部门将充分利用这些信息。
期待与你进一步合作。 你诚挚的 二、确认达成的协议 confirming agreements reached 3. dear mr/mrs, last friday, when we were discussing the problems of defectivecontainers.you suggested that i simply mail you a report each month on thenumber of return by customers rather than send the defective containers to you. i plan to put this into effect at once. but, i first wantto make sure that i understand you correctly. if i don’thear from you within the coming week, i’ll assume that youapprove. yours faithfully 尊敬的先生/小姐， 上周五，我们讨论了次品集装箱的问题，你建议我只需把顾客每月退回的次品集装箱 的数量写个报告给你，而不是直接退集装箱。 我计划立即付诸现实。但我想确认我理解正确，到下周为止，如我不能收到你的来信，我即认为你没有异议。 你诚挚的 4. dear mr/mrs, we write to confirm our agreement reached during ourconversation on 9th june about special discountson m-s acoustical partitions as describedon page 8of our catalogue. these prices will prevail through30 june.partition regular price special
全日制英语学习，选择尚语国际语言村https://www.doczj.com/doc/3e10831467.html, 随着全球商务活动日益频繁，互联网迅猛发展，商务信函成为国际贸易中客户沟通的主要方式，广泛运用于外贸、海外资本运营、国际货运等商务活动。它涵盖询问、洽谈、答复，涉及到询盘、报盘、发盘、还盘、交易达成、支付方式、装运等业务细节，是商务活动中不可或缺的沟通媒介，高质量的商务英语信函翻译对国际商务活动的重要性不言而喻。 一、商务信函的语言特点 与其他文体相比，商务信函具有商务文体正式、简洁、专业、礼貌等特点。 (一)正式。商务信函是公文性质函件，用词布局上比普通信函讲究，较多使用书面语。如请您给我发送一份申请表格，在此表示感谢。一般使用We would be grateful if you could send me an application form。而不使用Could you send me an application form? Thank you!。文体布局上商务信函也比一般信函严谨规范，有其特定布局结构。如道歉信通常开头致歉(We must apologize for …/We apologize for…)，接下来解释事情发生的原因，寻求对方谅解(this is owing to…)，在结尾处再次致歉(We hope that this has not caused you any inconvenience./With apologies once again.)一般道歉信都会遵循这样层层递进的规范布局，翻译时也要注意符合其布局。 (二)简洁。商务人士求实重效率。商务信函必须言简意赅，目的突出，层次分明。一般信件开头就说明来意，如：We are writing to enquire about the prices of your cabinets/ we are writing in connection with the advertisement in the newspaper yesterday. 如果开头东拉西扯，会使繁忙的商务人士无暇向下，不明所以。此外信件中措辞也较少使用冗繁的词语句式。例：Please contact us whenever we can be helpful. (如需帮助请告知)而一般不会使用Whenever there is anything we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us。 (三)专业。商务信函用于业内往来，广泛使用商业术语和缩略语，包括外贸业务术语、公司名称及单证等，规范程度很高。常见如外贸术语CIF(Cost, Insurance and Freight) 成本、运费加保险价，FCA(Free carrier)货交承运人，B/L(Bill of Loading)运输单等在信函中都大量使用。此外商务信函也常使用here，where, there 与in, by, with, after 等构成复合词如hereafter(after this),wherein (in which) therefrom (from that)。如：Seller is bound to reimburse Buyer for any loss sustained therefrom. 长期的商务书信交流中逐步形成了商务英语信函句式的套语和行话。如：收到对方询盘的套话：Thank you for your letter of 23 July, asking if we sell photocopiers.希望得到对方回函、订单时的套话：Looking forward to your favorable /early reply. (四)礼貌。西方人交往中非常重视态度，商务信函应礼貌友好，礼貌可以使对方阅读后心生好感，从而保持友好贸易关系。在信函中采用“You attitude”，从对方角度考虑问题，较多使用第二人称，较少使用
As the season is rapidly approaching,```由于季节很快来临，······· We shall be very much obliged ```原义是“我们将非常感激”。在商业信函中，意思相同的套语有好几个，目前多倾向于用We shall appreciate it very much```. There is a brisk demand for these goods.对这些的需求很旺盛 询盘与请求有用句型 1. Could you please``` This company specializes in student exchanges between Europe and China. Could you please send us a copy of your summer calendar of forthcoming cultural and educational events? 本公司专门举办中欧学生的交流活动，敬请寄送暑假文化教育活动日程表一份。 You have previously supplied us with cotton piece goods. Could you please now quote for the supply of the items listed on the enclosed form? 贵公司曾向我们提供过棉匹布，现在请提供所附表格上列举的货物的报价。 2. Will you please``` Will you please quote inclusive of transportation and insurance, and inform us the delivery time. 烦请贵公司提供包括运输和保险在内的报价，并告知装运时间。Will you please send us your completed/general/latest/current catalogue and price-list? 请寄送贵公司总的、普通的、最新的、最近的目录和价格表。 3. We will be interested in``` We will be interested in discussing terms with you. When the final decision has been made, would you please tell us what discounts you offer on bulk purchased？请告知贵公司对批量购买提供的折扣率，待我方做出最终决定后与贵方洽谈具体事宜。 We will be interested in importing American furniture and would be pleased to know the specifications or details of your display cabinets together with prices and the terms of payment.我公司愿意进口美国家具，请寄送有关鬼子的价格和付款条件的详情。 4. ```we are interested in``` We have been importers of shirts for many years. At present, we are interested in extending our range and appreciate your catalogues and quotations. 多年来，本公司经营衬衫进口生意，现欲扩展业务范围，盼能惠赐商品目录和报价单。 Please send us your keenest quotation for snooker tables. We are interested in purchasing them but we need to have further details of the costs before making a final decision. 请寄给我们贵公司台球桌的最优报价，我们有兴趣购买，但需要进一步
Dear Sirs, We have obtained your address from the Commercial Counsellor ofyour Embassy in London and are now writing you for theestablishment of business relations. We are very well connected with all the major dealers here oflight industrial products, and feel sure we can sell largequantities of Chinese goods if we get your offers at competitiveprices. As to our standing, we are permitted to mention the Bank ofEngland, London, as a reference. Please let us have all necessary information regarding yourproducts for export. Yours faithfully。 求商务函电还盘函翻译。1.5月21日来信收到，得知贵方对我们的文具很感兴趣，但以为我方4月30日的价格偏高，无法成交。 2. 我们的报价已被贵地其他客户所接受，已有大批成交而且询价单滔滔而至，我方无奈下降报价。 3. 希望贵方从新考虑，早日来传真告知。 counter offer thank you for your e-mail of May 21.we learn that you areinterested in our school tools ,but you cann't accept our higherprice of Api.30. our quotation has been accepted by other clients ,a greet oforders have been bargained and large enquiries are pouring in ourcompany.so we cann't cut down our price. please think better of above,we are looking forward to your earlyfax. 求商务函电翻译 1.潜在的客户the potential customers 2.粗暴搬运rough handling 3.经营范围scope of business 4.中性包装neutral packing 5.样品本samples 6.分批装运partial shipment
1.Utilize common and reasonable international practices in a flexible way. 灵活运用通行的合理的国际惯例 2.Be enclosed for your reference.随函附上，供参考 3.Enclose our illustrated catalog and price list giving the details you ask for. 随函附上目录和价格明细单 4.Excellent in quality and reasonable in price. 5.On regular purchase in quantities of not less than five gross of individual items we would allow you a discount of 2%. 若每项货品不少于五箩的话，我们可以给2%的回扣。 6.Payment is to be made by irrecoverable L/C at sight.付款是凭不可撤销的即期信用证支付。 7.But if you place your order not later than the end of this month, we would ensure prompt shipment.但是，若你方订货不迟于本月底，我方保证即期装运。 8.We look forward to your early reply.早复为盼。 9.We are in receipt of your order of the 21st March, which has been immediately booked for delivery at the time you stated.你方3月21日订单收到并立即定妥，将按规定的日期交货。10.Enclosed is a sample of a similar cloth, of exactly the same color, which we have in stock.随函附寄同类布料的剪样，颜色完全相同，并备有现货。 11.You have not instructed us as to the shipping of these goods, nor as to how you wish them packed.你方尚未通告我方货物的发运和包装事宜。 12.If you prefer to leave this to us we will act to best of your interest, but if you have any special preference in this matter we should be glad if you would inform us as early as possible.倘若你方愿意由我方决定，我方将尽全力考虑你方的利益。但若你方对此有特殊要求，望你方尽早通知。 13.Although our usual price is two cents per yard more than that for M3, we are prepared to quota it at the same price. Please state by return whether we may substitute this cloth for M3.虽然我们的价格比M3每码高出2美分，但是我方愿报与之相同的价格。请速说明我方是否可用此料代替M3。 14.We sincerely hope to establish business relations with your company so as to promote trade between our two countries.我们切盼与贵公司建立贸易关系，发展我们两国之间的贸易。15.While quoting, please state the earliest shipment and quantity available.报价时请说明最早交货期和可供数量。 16.Quotation: mainly consisted by unit price, period of shipment. It is a kind of reference price, changeable, non-binding. 主要包括单价、装期，是一种参考价格，可变动，无约束力。 Offer: it concludes price, quantity, period of shipment, terms of payment and validity date of quotation. 除了价格之外还包括数量、装期、付款方式和报价的有效期。一般firm order（不可撤销的发价或实盘）在卖方接受后，卖方不能变动。 17.Re: Claim on Machine Tools 事由：机床索赔 18.Re: Catalog and Price List 事由：目录和价格明细单 19.Documents against acceptance 承兑交单Documents against payment 付款交单 1. Your firm has been recommended to us by the Chamber of Commerce in Seoul, Korea, which told us that you export Chinese textiles and cotton goods. Our company is specialized in handling the import business of textiles and we wish to establish business relations with you.韩国汉城商会将贵公司推荐给我们，并告知你们出口中国纺织品和棉织品。我公司专营纺织品的进口业务，希望与贵方建立商业往来。 2. We are enclosing herewith a booklet of our products. As soon as we have received your inquiry,