Old Chinese Idioms：历史典故的英文翻译

中华传统成语典故英语作文Chinese Traditional Idioms and their OriginsThe Chinese language is renowned for its rich and vibrant idioms, which often encapsulate centuries-old wisdom and cultural traditions. These succinct yet profound expressions, known as "chengyu," have become an integral part of the Chinese linguistic landscape, serving as a window into the country's storied history and deep-rooted values. In this essay, we will explore the fascinating origins and cultural significance of several renowned Chinese idioms.One of the most well-known Chinese idioms is "Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones," which translates to "Proceeding cautiously and experimentally, especially when dealing with an unfamiliar situation." This idiom is attributed to the legendary Chinese statesman and military strategist, Deng Xiaoping, who used it to describe his approach to economic reforms in the late 20th century. The metaphor of "feeling the stones" to cross a river reflects the importance of taking measured steps and adapting to changing circumstances, rather than rushing headlong into uncharted territory.Another iconic Chinese idiom is "Beating the Grass to Startle theSnake," which means "to do something in a roundabout way to achieve a goal." This phrase is believed to have originated from a military tactic used during the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC), where soldiers would create a disturbance in the grass to flush out hidden enemies. The idiom highlights the value of indirect action and strategic thinking, emphasizing the importance of subtlety and flexibility in problem-solving.The idiom "Painting the Dragon and Adding Eyes," which means "to add the finishing touches to something," is a testament to the Chinese reverence for the dragon, a mythical creature deeply ingrained in the country's cultural heritage. The phrase is derived from the belief that a dragon painting is only complete once the eyes are added, as this final detail is believed to imbue the creature with life and power. This idiom underscores the importance of attention to detail and the transformative power of the finishing touches in any endeavor.One of the most poetic Chinese idioms is "Watching the Clouds from the Shade of a Tree," which translates to "to enjoy a leisurely, carefree existence." This phrase evokes the image of a person taking respite under the shade of a tree, observing the natural world with a sense of tranquility and detachment. The idiom reflects the Chinese appreciation for the simple pleasures of life and the pursuit of inner peace, a sentiment that is deeply rooted in the country'sphilosophical traditions, such as Taoism and Buddhism.The idiom "Waiting for the Hare while Sitting on the Trap," which means "to be prepared and patient for an opportunity," is a testament to the Chinese emphasis on strategic foresight and delayed gratification. This phrase is believed to have originated from a hunting technique where a hunter would set a trap and then patiently wait for the right moment to strike. The idiom underscores the importance of planning, patience, and vigilance in achievingone's goals, a valuable lesson that transcends the realm of hunting and can be applied to various aspects of life.These are just a few examples of the rich tapestry of Chinese idioms and their captivating origins. Each idiom serves as a portal into the country's cultural heritage, revealing the wisdom, values, and traditions that have shaped the Chinese people over the centuries. By understanding the depth and nuance of these linguistic gems, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of Chinese civilization and the timeless insights it has to offer the world.。

2021年12月英语六级翻译练习题及答案解析(汇总)请将下面这段话翻译成英文：诸葛亮是三国时期(the Three Kingdoms Period)杰出的军事家和政治家。

他帮助刘备打了一系列的战争，联合盟友，不断扩张刘备的领地、增强刘备的实力。

蜀国(the ShuState)建立后，他被任命为丞相(Prime Minister)管理政务、军事、民族交流和农业生产等事务。

诸葛亮也是一位著名的艺术家，爱好书法(calligraphy)绘画和音乐。

他还发明或改造了一些运输工具和传统兵器，是一位优秀的发明家。

中国人认为诸葛亮是非常有智慧的人，他的传奇故事至今仍广泛流传。

中国很多的传统习语都与他有关。

参考翻译:Zhu Geliang was an outstanding strategist andstatesman in the Three Kingdoms period.He assistedLiu Bei in fighting a series of wars and uniting alliesto help expand Liu Bei's territory and enhance hisstrength. Appointed as the Prime Minister after thefoundation of the Shu state, he took charge of government affairs, military affairs, ethniccommunications and agricultural production and so on. Being a celebrated artist, he was fondof calligraphy, painting and music. He also invented and reformed some transportationtools and traditional weapons, which made him an excellent inventor. Zhu Geliang is regardedas a man of great wisdom by the Chinese and legendary stories about him are stillwidespread. A number of traditional Chinese idioms are relatedto him.1.第二句中，可将“他帮助刘备打了一系列的战争，联合盟友”作为主句;后面的“不断扩张刘备的领地、增强刘备实力”可视为前句所述行为的目的，因此采用不定式来表达tohelp expand...enhance...。

The Wisdom of Chinese Idioms: A Cross-Cultural ExplorationIdioms, rich in metaphor and cultural significance, are the jewels of any language. In the vast and profound cultural landscape of China, these idiomatic expressions stand as testament to the wisdom and experience of generations. From "The Man Who Moved the Mountain" to "Breaking the Ice," each idiom tells a story, offering a window into the hearts and minds of the Chinese people."The Man Who Moved the Mountain" tells a tale of perseverance and determination. It reminds us that no matter how seemingly impossible a task may seem, with enough effort and perseverance, it can be accomplished. This idiom resonates deeply with the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, which emphasizes the balance of opposing forces and the transformation of difficulties into opportunities.On the other hand, "Breaking the Ice" represents the courage and initiative to initiate change in a situation.It symbolizes the act of breaking through barriers, whether literal or figurative, to establish new connections orbring about positive transformation. This idiom embodies the Chinese value of adaptability and resilience, urging us to embrace challenges and seize opportunities for growth. These idioms are not just figurative expressions; they are cultural touchstones that connect us to the past and inform our understanding of the present. They reflect the values, beliefs, and wisdom of the Chinese people, making them relevant and valuable across cultures and languages. In conclusion, the study of Chinese idioms offers a unique perspective on the rich and diverse cultural heritage of China. They are not just words; they are stories, lessons, and insights into the human experience. As we delve into the world of Chinese idioms, we embark on a journey of discovery, learning, and understanding that transcends linguistic barriers and connects us to the universal themes of human life.**中华成语的智慧：跨文化探索**成语，充满隐喻和文化内涵，是任何语言的瑰宝。

Chinese idiom:对牛弹琴: (play the harp to a cow), to describe telling complicated things to the fool or picking the wrong audience to talk with.“对牛弹琴（duìniútán qín）is widely used by Chinese to describe someone who is telling something complicated to the fool , besides, this idiom is sometimes used to describe the person who is trying to talk something to the wrong audience. In English, people sometimes joke around by sarcastically saying "whistle jigs to a milestone" or "play the harp to a cow" to mean 对牛弹琴（duìniútán qín）.”Key Learning Point (Preview):对牛弹琴（duì niú tán qín）:to describe telling complicated things to the fool or picking the wrong person to talk with.zhàn guó shí dài, yǒu yí gè jiào gōng míng yí de yīn yuè jiā, tā hěn huì tán qín.战国时代，有一个叫公明仪的音乐家，他很会弹琴。

Idioms| 典故语出希腊谚语“称无花果为无花果，称桶为桶。

”意为“直言不讳，开诚布公”。

翻译成英语时后半部分发生变化，成为“把铲子叫做铲子”（Call a spade a spade），而且前半部分又常被省略，便形成这个成语，表示“有啥说啥，直言不讳、开诚布公地发表意见”。

That old man hates long fancy words—he has always called a spade a spade. 老人憎恶拐弯抹角的话，他总是直言不讳。

2. cast pearls before swine 对牛弹琴语出《圣经·新约·马太福音》第7章第6节：“不要把圣物给狗，也不要把你们的珍珠丢在猪面前，恐怕它们践踏了珍珠，转过来咬你们。

”（Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearl before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.）后人常用此语比喻“把珍贵的东西丢给不识货者”或比喻“某人不考虑听者的水平而发表一通超出其理解力的演说”。

喻意上跟汉语的“对牛弹琴”相同。

Don’t waste good advice on Helen for she will never listen to it. Don’t cast pearls before swine. 不要再劝海伦了，她根本不会听，何必对牛弹琴呢？3. cry over the spilt milk 后悔无用始见加拿大幽默作家哈利伯顿（Thomas C. Haliburton, 1796~1865）的《钟表匠》（The Clockmaker ）一书。

书中的主人公山姆·斯利克（Sam Slick）是一个钟表匠。

中国优秀传统文化英语典故Chinese culture has a rich tapestry of history and tradition, and it has produced numerous idioms and proverbs that have become ingrained in the English language,reflecting the wisdom and values of the East. Here are a few examples of English idioms that have their roots in Chinese traditional culture:1. "The Sage in the Mountains" - This phrase is inspired by the Chinese respect for hermit sages or scholars who retreat to the mountains to gain wisdom and enlightenment. In English, it could be used to describe someone who is highly knowledgeable or skilled but chooses to live a secluded life.2. "Dragon among Men" - Dragons are revered in Chinese culture as symbols of power, strength, and good luck. This idiom is used to describe someone who stands out from the crowd due to their exceptional abilities or qualities.3. "A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words" - While this phrase is often attributed to Western culture, the concept of expressing complex ideas through a single image is very much in line with Chinese artistic and philosophical traditions, such as in calligraphy and landscape painting.4. "The Middle Way" - Derived from the concept of "Dao" (Tao) in Chinese philosophy, this idiom encourages finding a balance between extremes. It is similar to the English notionof moderation and is often used to suggest a compromise or a balanced approach to a problem.5. "Red Envelope Good Fortune" - The tradition of giving red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money during Chinese New Year symbolizes the transfer of luck and prosperity. In English, this could be used to describe the act of giving a gift that brings good fortune.6. "The Bamboo and the Tree" - Bamboo is a symbol of resilience and flexibility in Chinese culture. This idiom, which compares the ability of bamboo to bend without breaking to the rigidity of a tree that might snap, is used to describe the value of adaptability in the face of adversity.7. "The Great Wall of China" - While not an idiom, the Great Wall is often used metaphorically in English to describe an immense or insurmountable challenge or barrier.8. "The Paper Tiger" - This phrase comes from the Chinese concept of a seemingly fierce but actually weak opponent. In English, it is used to describe someone or something that appears threatening but is actually harmless.9. "The Willow's Flexibility" - Willows are known for their ability to bend with the wind. This idiom, which is similar to "The Bamboo and the Tree," is used to describe someone who is able to adapt to changing circumstances with grace.10. "The Phoenix Rises" - The phoenix is a mythical birdin Chinese culture that symbolizes rebirth and renewal. This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone or something makes a remarkable recovery or comeback.These idioms and proverbs are a testament to theinfluence of Chinese culture on the global lexicon and serveas a bridge between Eastern philosophy and Western expression.。