20180105
四合院The Quadrangle
四合院(the quadrangle )是中国的一种传统合院式住宅。
The quadrangle is a traditional courtyard residence in China.
一个标准的四合院通常由一个庭院及其四周独立的房屋构成。
A standard quadrangle usually consists of a courtyard with independent houses along its four sides.
不同方位的房屋有着不同的名称。坐北对着庭院入口处的称为正房(main house),东西两边的称为厢房(side house),坐南朝北的称为倒座房(reversely-set house)。
Houses in different directions have their own names. The house on the north facing the courtyard’s entrance is called the main house; the house which lies on the east or west is called the side house; and the one stands on the south is called reversely-set house.
长辈或一家之主住正房,晚辈住厢房。
The older generation or the head of the household lives in the main house, while the younger generation lives in the side houses.
倒座房可以用作厨房、储物间、客厅或书房。
The reversely-set house can be used as a kitchen, a storeroom, a sitting-room or a study.
四合院如今已经成为观光景点,并为世界各地的游客所熟知。
The quadrangle has now become a tourist attraction and is well-known to tourists from all over the world.
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翻译讲解
1.合院式住宅:译为courtyard residence即可,其中residence意为“住宅, 民居”。
2.坐北对着…东西两边…坐南朝北:这个句子含有三个并列分句,且结构基本一致,所以可以用三个相同结构的连续的分句来表达。为了避免表达单调,三个分句可选择不同的谓语动词,使译文既有一致性又富有变化。
3.观光景点:可译为a tourist attraction 或 a sightseeing spot。
4.世界各地的:英语中可把定语前置或者后置,所以此修饰语可译成all over the world或worldwide.