Translation can be a tricky business. Some words and expressions have a clear equivalent in another language, but others just don’t translate easily. Here are a few Chinese ones with cultural connotations that make them hard to express simply in English.
Ji? You
Literally, this means “add oil,” but this phrase is frequently used as encouragement. Depending on the context, the expression can also be used to cheer people up after a disappointment, or wish people good luck. In English, each of these situations has its own saying.
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Xiao Shun
Your parents will approve of this phrase. The plain translation is simply “filial”— but the term carries so much more meaning in Chinese culture. It encompasses showing respect to one’s parents as well as treating them in a manner consistent with society’s expectations. Children are expected to listen to their parents, obey their instructions and spend plenty of time with them. Expressing the same concept in English takes a lot more words.
X?n K?
There are multiple uses for this term, so let’s discover what it means. It roughly translates as “laborious,” but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The term is used to show gratitude to people for their efforts on your behalf, as well as to express sympathy for people dealing with hard times. It can also be used to request a favor. This is definitely one hard-working expression.
加油
翻譯可以是一件棘手的事情。有些詞語和表達方式在另一種語言中有明確的對應詞，但有些卻無法輕易地翻譯。以下是一些因為帶有隱藏的文化內涵而難以簡單用英語表達的中文詞語。
字面上，這個詞的意思是「添加油料」，但這個詞語經常用於表示鼓勵。根據上下文，這個詞語也可以用於鼓勵人在失望之後振作起來，或祝人好運。在英語中，這些情境的每一種都有自己的說法。
孝順
你的父母會認同這個詞語！這個詞語單純的英文翻譯為「filial」──但在中國文化中，這個詞語承載了更多的含義。它包含對父母表示尊重，以及以符合社會期望的方式對待他們。孩子們被期望要聽從父母的話、遵守他們的指示，並花夠多的時間陪伴他們。用英語表達相同的概念需要更多字！
辛苦
這個詞語有多種用法，讓我們來看看它的意思。它大致翻譯為「laborious」，但這並不能表達它全部的含義。這個詞語用於感謝人們替你所做的努力，也用於對正在經歷困難時期的人表示同情。這個詞語還可以用於請求協助。這絕對是一個用途多到很辛苦的詞語！
MORE INFORMATION
untranslatable adj. 無法翻譯的
equivalent n. 對應詞
connotation n. 內涵；隱藏含意
literally adv. 字面上地
filial adj. 子女的；與子女對待父母的方式有關的
encompass vt. 包含
laborious adj. 勤勉的；辛勞的
on one’s behalf 代表某人
KEY VOCABULARY
1. translation n. 翻譯；譯文
translate v. 翻譯；轉化
Accurate translation of literary works requires a deep understanding of both languages and cultures. 文學作品的準確翻譯需要對兩種語言和文化都有深刻的理解。
2. tricky adj. 棘手的；難處理的
Learning a new language can be tricky, but practice and patience are the keys to success.
學一門新語言可能會很棘手，但練習和耐心是成功的關鍵。
3. approve v. 同意；讚許；批准 ; approve of sth 認同……
Helen’s parents don’t approve of her new job, but she likes her workplace.
雖然海倫的父母不認同她的新工作，但她喜歡她的工作場所。
4. expectation n. 預料；期待
The coach has high expectations for the team’s performance in the upcoming championship game.
教練對隊伍在即將來臨的冠軍賽中的表現寄予厚望。
5. roughly adv. 大約；粗略地
The population of the entire country of Canada is roughly equal to that of California, US.
加拿大全國的人口大約等於美國加州的人口。
6. sympathy n. 同情（心）
No one feels sympathy for Matt because what happened to him is his own fault.
沒有人為麥特感到同情，因為發生在他身上的事是他自己的錯。
7. request vt. 要求；請求
The company has requested that I provide two references as part of my application.
這間公司要求我提供兩封推薦信作為我申請書的一部分。
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