(3)分譯:介詞短語(yǔ)作定語(yǔ)時(shí),往往是定語(yǔ)從句的一種簡(jiǎn)略形式。介詞短語(yǔ)作狀語(yǔ)時(shí),有時(shí)是狀語(yǔ)從句的簡(jiǎn)略形式。有些介詞短語(yǔ)還是并列句的簡(jiǎn)略形式。因此漢譯時(shí),有的可以拆句分譯。
①譯成并列分句。
The porous wall acts as a kind of seine for separating molecules.多孔壁的作用就象一把篩子,它把不同質(zhì)量的分子分開。
②譯成讓步分句。
With all its disadvantages this design is considered to be one of the best.這個(gè)設(shè)計(jì)盡管有種種缺點(diǎn),仍被認(rèn)為最佳設(shè)計(jì)之一。
③譯成真實(shí)或虛擬條件分句。
Mans warm blood makes it difficult for him to live long in the sea without some kind warmth.人的血液是熱的,如果得不到一定的熱量,人就難以長(zhǎng)期在海水中生活。
④譯成原因分句。
We cannot see it clearly for the fog.由于有霧,我們看不清它。
The machine is working none the worse for its long service.
這部機(jī)器并不因使用的時(shí)間長(zhǎng)而性能變差了。
⑤譯成目的分句。
This body of knowledge is customarily divided for convenience of study into the classifications: mechanics, heat, light, electricity and sound.。為了便于研究起見,通常將這門學(xué)科分為力學(xué)、熱學(xué)、光學(xué)、電學(xué)和聲學(xué)。
(4)不譯:不譯或省略翻譯是在確切表達(dá)原文內(nèi)容的前提下使譯文簡(jiǎn)練,合乎漢語(yǔ)規(guī)范,決不是任意省略某些介詞。
①表示時(shí)間或地點(diǎn)的英語(yǔ)介詞,譯成漢語(yǔ)如出現(xiàn)在句首,大都不譯。如:
There are four seasons in a year. 一年有四季。
Many water power stations have been built in the country.我國(guó)已建成許多水電站。
②有些介詞如for(為了),from(從……),to(對(duì)……),on(在……時(shí))等,可以不譯。如:
The barometer is a good instrument for measuring air pressure.氣壓計(jì)是測(cè)量氣壓的好儀器。
The air was removed from between the two pipes.兩根管子之間的空氣已經(jīng)抽出。
Answers to questions 2 and 3 may be obtained in the laboratory.問題2和3的答案可以在實(shí)驗(yàn)室里得到。
Most substances expand on heating and contract on cooling.大多數(shù)物質(zhì)熱脹冷縮。
③表示與主語(yǔ)有關(guān)的某一方面、范圍或內(nèi)容的介詞有時(shí)不譯,可把介詞的賓語(yǔ)譯成漢語(yǔ)主語(yǔ)。如:
Something has gone wrong with the engine.這臺(tái)發(fā)動(dòng)機(jī)出了毛病。
Gold is similar in color to brass金子的顏色和黃銅相似。
It’s never occurred to me that bats are really guided by their ears.我從未想到蝙蝠居然是靠耳朵引路的。
④不少of介詞短語(yǔ)在句中作定語(yǔ)。其中of(……的)往往不譯。如:
The change of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done in motors.電能變?yōu)闄C(jī)械能是通過電動(dòng)機(jī)實(shí)現(xiàn)的。 (of短語(yǔ)和change在邏輯上有主謂關(guān)系,可譯成立謂結(jié)構(gòu)。)
Some of the properties of cathode rays listed below.現(xiàn)將陰極射線的一些特性開列如下。(第一個(gè)of短語(yǔ)和some在邏輯上有部分關(guān)系,Of不譯出。)