This article will further introduce the conversion of characteristics of words used in English-Chinese translation.

b. Conversion of characteristics of words

(I) The structure of “adjective + noun” in the original text could be translated into the structure of “Adverb + verb/adjective”.

Example I

My immediate manager/supervisor gives me regular feedback on my performance.

我的直接主管/直属上司会定期对我的绩效给予反馈。

In this example, “regular” and “feedback” are respectively translated into “adverb” and “verb”, which enables the translation to be more compliant with the expression mode of Chinese. If we translate the sentence as “我的直接主管/直属上司会给予关于我绩效的定期反馈”, the readability of the target text will be extremely poor.

Example II

You truly are the key to our continued success

您是公司不断获得成功的真实关键所在！

In this example, “continued” and “success” are respectively translated into “adverb” and “verb”, which enables the translation to be more compliant with the expression mode of Chinese. If we translate the sentence as “您是公司不断成功的真正关键所在”, the translation obviously is of poor fluency.

Example III

There is no question that your strong support is necessary to achieve these goals, and the organization must foster a working environment which allows you to be highly engaged and fully exert your maximum capabilities.

毋庸置疑，您是我们实现这些目标必不可少的坚强后盾，公司必须营造出这样一种工作环境，您可于此全情投入工作及全面、最大限度地发挥才能。

In this example, “maximum” is translated into “adverb”. If the latter half of sentence is translated into “您可于此全情投入工作及全面发挥最大才能”, the expression mode is not in conformity with the expression mode of Chinese.

Example IV

It is conductive to an immediate and deep sleep.

帮助迅速进入深度睡眠。

In this example, “immediate” and “sleep” are respectively translated into “adverb” and “verb”, which enables the translation to be more compliant with the expression mode of Chinese. If we translate the sentence as “帮助迅速地深度睡眠”, the readability of the translation will be extremely poor.

(II) The “verb” or “adjective” in original text could be translated into “noun” in the target text.

Read Also: Some Notes for E-C Translation (1)

Example I

In my opinion, this company is socially responsible in the community.

我认为公司在社区内担负着社会责任。

In this example, “responsible” is translated into “noun” instead of keeping its original characteristic of word.

Example II

The product is priced lower than the one next to it.

该产品的价格比其相邻产品要低。

Example III

It is elegantly designed with smooth curves.

弧度设计圆润富贵。

Example IV

This article is authored by Mr. Wang.

此文章的作者是王先生。

In these three examples above, “priced”, “designed” and “authored” are all translated into “noun”. Generally speaking, the common feature of such “verb” is that it can also be used as a noun.

We need to make appropriate conversion during translation to produce a desirable translation. Otherwise the translation will be of poor readability.