商務(wù)信函的翻譯

1、商務(wù)信函的翻譯Part 1: 商務(wù)信函的基礎(chǔ)1. 商務(wù)信函分類：便函，正式商務(wù)信函2. 涉外商務(wù)信函語篇風(fēng)格的特點，也稱7C原則符合7C原則的信函實例Dear Sirs, Our client in Mumbai requests us to obtain from you a pro forma invoice for color TV sets with the following specifications: “Haier” brand color TV sets 25-inch and 34-inch(each 500sets). Would you please airmail u

2、s the soonest possible your pro forma invoice for 1,000 color TV sets with prices CIF Mumbai, so that we obtain our clients confirmation. There is no question about our getting the necessary import license from our authorities. As soon as the said license is approved, we shall establish an L/C in yo

3、ur favour. Thank you for your close cooperation in this respect. Yours Sincerely,John Smith敬啟者： 我們的一個孟買客戶要求我們從貴方取得下列規(guī)格的彩色電視機形式發(fā)票：“海爾” 彩色電視機25英寸和34英寸各500臺。 請盡快航郵注有孟買到岸價格的1，000臺彩色電視機的形式發(fā)票，以便我們?nèi)〉每蛻粽J可。從當局取得必要的進口許可證當無問題。 一俟獲得許可證即開以貴方為受益人的信用證。 感謝貴方的密切合作。 約翰史密斯Part Two 商務(wù)信函的文體特點及其翻譯1 商務(wù)信函的文體特點11 詞匯使用特點 111

4、 用詞規(guī)范正式 （1）試譯：l We are pleased to advise you that your order NO.105 has been dispatched in accordance with your instruction. 我們很高興地通知你們：第105號訂單貨物已遵照你方指示運出。l We will meet you half way by offering a discount of 5% in view of our long pleasant relations.鑒于我們之間長期愉快的業(yè)務(wù)關(guān)系，本公司將酌情考慮給予5%的折扣。商務(wù)英語信函經(jīng)常以意義相同或相近的

5、書面詞語代替基本詞匯和口語詞匯，如以inform或advise代替tell，以duplicate代替copy，以dispatch代替send，以otherwise代替or；以介詞短語代替簡單的介詞，如以as for，in respect to，in connection with和with regarding to等代替about等。對比以下句子，判斷哪一句更符合商務(wù)信函的用詞規(guī)范。 1)We are happy to tell you that your order No. 57 has been sent according to your instruction.2)We are ple

6、ased to advice you that your order No. 57 has been dispatched in accordance with your instruction.（2） 古體詞：試譯：l All offers and sales are subject to the terms and conditions printed on the reverse side hereof. 所有報盤和銷售均應(yīng)遵守本報價單背面所印的條款。l In such a case, Seller is bound to reimburse buyer for any loss or

7、damage sustained therefrom. 在次情況下，賣方負責償還買方由此所遭受的損失。商務(wù)信函中經(jīng)常使用here/there +介詞構(gòu)成的復(fù)合詞，如hereafter，hereby，hereunder，hereto，hereinafter，herewith，thereafter，therein，therefrom等。翻譯：隨函附上報價單，所有報盤和銷售均應(yīng)以本報價單背面所印條件為準.Enclosed please find the quotation sheet. All offers and sales are subject to the terms and conditi

8、ons printed on the reverse side hereof.112 表意準確、專業(yè)性強 商務(wù)信函用詞表意準確、專業(yè)性強，主要表現(xiàn)在使用大量的專業(yè)術(shù)語、行話、外來詞、縮略語以及一般詞語在商務(wù)英語語境中的特殊用法。 （1）專業(yè)術(shù)語類：l Trimming charges 平倉費 l insurance policy 保險單l coverage 保險項目 establishment 開證 counter-offer 反還盤l surcharges附加費l pro forma invoice形式發(fā)票 premium保險費 clearance sale清倉削價銷售 l underwri

9、ter 保險人 L/C 信用證 CIF 到岸價格 FOB離岸價格 l bid 遞盤 counter-offer還盤 l irrevocable letter of credit 不可撤消信用證例如： We shall cover TPND on your order. 我們將為你方的貨物投保盜竊和提貨不著險。 It would be appreciated if you would let us know by returning your lowest possible price for the following goods on FOB London. 請報下列商品倫敦船上交貨之最低價

10、。（2）外來詞類： 拉丁語的status quo（現(xiàn)狀），意大利語的del credere（保付貨價的），漢語中的litchi（荔枝），tungoil（桐油），mango（芒果）等。（3）行話：長期的函電交往使人們在使用術(shù)語上形成共識，本來意義差異很大的詞匯在特定的語境中所表達的內(nèi)涵和外延卻非常相似。 Offer, quotation表示“報價，發(fā)盤” Pamphlet, brochure, booklet, sales literature 表示商家用于宣傳介紹自己公司或產(chǎn)品的“說明材料” Shipment和consignment 表示“所發(fā)出的貨物” Financial standing/

11、 reputation/ condition/ position 用于表示公司的“資信財務(wù)情況” Fulfill/complete/execute an order用于表示“執(zhí)行訂單” A draft contract或a specimen contract 表示“合同樣本”（4）商務(wù)信函準確性主要體現(xiàn)在數(shù)量詞的大量運用。商務(wù)信函中的時間，價格，數(shù)量，金額，規(guī)格等問題貫穿商貿(mào)活動始終，數(shù)字的表達應(yīng)言之確鑿，避免摸棱兩可。分析以下句子的譯文是否有問題，如何修改？（1）原文：賣方須于9月10日前（不含9月10日）將貨物交給買方。譯文：The vendor shall deliver the goo

12、ds to the vendee by September 10. “by” 改為“before”（2）原文：該產(chǎn)品在本地的銷售看好，我方出價可達每噸150美元或以上。試修改以下譯文：The market here for this product is active, and the best price we can offer is over US $150 per ton. 改為.offer is US$150 or over per ton113 用語樸素、淡于修飾 商貿(mào)信函的主要功能是傳遞信息，使收、發(fā)信函雙方發(fā)生貿(mào)易往來、達成交易，因此除了必須使用專業(yè)術(shù)語等手段準確傳達自己的信息

13、意圖外，還要求信函語言明白易懂，樸實平易。 試譯以下商函：Dear Sirs, Thank you for your interest in our fireworks. In reply to your enquiry of November 15, we are really sorry to say that we cannot divulge any of our sales information. We hope this will not bring you too much inconvenience. Yours truly, 敬啟者： 承蒙貴方對我們的煙花感興趣，十分感謝。

14、 茲復(fù)貴方11月15日詢價函，我們非常抱歉地奉告，我們不泄露我方任何銷售情況。我們希望這不會給貴方帶來很多不便。 此致12 語法使用特點 121 句子類型 英語句子按使用目的可以分為四類： 陳述句（Declarative Sentences） 疑問句（Interrogative Sentence） 祈使句（Imperative Sentences） 感嘆句（Exclamatory Sentences）（1）商務(wù)信函主要使用陳述句。例如： Dear Sirs, We thank you for your promptness in delivering the coffee we ordered

15、 on 20th, July. The number of bags delivered by your carrier this morning was, however, 160 whereas our order was for only 120. Unfortunately, our present needs are completely covered and as we cannot make use of the 40 bags in excess of order, we have put them in our warehouse to be held for you un

16、til we receive your instructions. Yours Truly, 敬啟者： 收到我方7月20日訂購的咖啡，并對你方迅速交貨表示感謝。但是，你方承運人上午交來160袋，而我們只訂購120袋。 遺憾的是，我方需求已滿，無法接受你方多交的40袋。我們已將此貨入庫保存，等候你方指示。 此致（2）祈使句表示請求、勸告、命令等。例如： Please look into the matter at once and let us have your definite reply by cable without any further delay. 請立即調(diào)查此事，并盡快電告確切

17、答復(fù)。但是相對而言，英語比起漢語商函中少用祈使句。比較以下譯文：原文：敬請立刻修改信用證以便我方及時發(fā)貨。譯文（1）Please immediately amend the L/C to enable us to make timely shipment.譯文（2）We should be obliged for your immediate amendment of the L/C to enable us to make timely shipment.譯文（2）更客氣，譯文（1）更適合于緊急情況或多次催促未果之時的語氣。 （3）疑問句也可用來表達寫信人的觀點或向?qū)Ψ教嶙h，疑問句給對方留有

18、更大的余地，更有禮貌，它的使用頻率比祈使句相對要多。 Would you please send us a copy of your catalogue? 能否向我公司郵寄一份貴公司的產(chǎn)品目錄？（4）感嘆句雖然可以渲染氣氛，增強語勢，但與函電英語講求客觀、嚴謹?shù)奈捏w不符，因此感嘆句在函電英語中極少使用。122 句式結(jié)構(gòu)從結(jié)構(gòu)看，英文句子可以分成三種類型： 簡單句（Simple Sentences），并列句（Compound Sentences）， 復(fù)合句（Complex Sentences）,函電英語采用大量的并列句和復(fù)合句。 （1）復(fù)合句與簡單句結(jié)合，以復(fù)合句為主：為了保證考究的句式和嚴密的

19、邏輯性，函電英語往往需要將連續(xù)的短句結(jié)合成一個獨立的主從復(fù)合句或并列句。例如： The credit could cover 85% of the local expenses if they are made under the responsibility of the British Contractor and within the limit of the down payments paid on the Contract, i.e., 15% as a maximum. 此項貸款可支付當?shù)刭M用的85%。但此項費用必須是英國承包商直接負責支付的，且必須在合同付款的幅度以內(nèi)，即最高不

20、得超過合同金額的15%。 該句是主從復(fù)合句，由從屬連詞if引導(dǎo)的狀語從句包含了兩個前提條件，使主句的行為范圍受到嚴格限制，從而使全句邏輯嚴密。 復(fù)合句結(jié)構(gòu)復(fù)雜，表達完備周密；簡單句則結(jié)構(gòu)簡單，簡潔明快。函電英語對嚴謹和簡潔都有要求，目的在于追求準確嚴謹?shù)恼Z言風(fēng)格，因此復(fù)合句的使用雖普遍，但不排斥簡單句的使用。（2）常用并列結(jié)構(gòu) 用and連接并列結(jié)構(gòu)，使表達更精確。 Eg：This contract is made by and between the two parties. 雙方簽定本合同。 用or引導(dǎo)的選擇性并列結(jié)構(gòu)，是內(nèi)容更嚴謹全面。 Eg：Any dispute arising fro

21、m the execution of, or in connection with the agreement, shall be settled through friendly consultations between the two parties. 在本合同執(zhí)行中引起的或與本合同有關(guān)的爭議應(yīng)有雙方通過友好協(xié)商解決。 函電英語中常用的連用同義詞還有： amendments to/or alterations of 修改 force and effect 效力 fulfill and provide履行 furnish and provide 提供 obligations and res

22、ponsibilities 義務(wù) make and enter into達成（3）狀語位置獨特 商務(wù)英語函電中，較長的狀語經(jīng)常出現(xiàn)在主謂語之間，一般文體的主謂語間不放長狀語。 Eg：The Contractor shall, if called upon so to do, enter into and execute the Contract, to be prepared and completed at the cost of the employer, in the form annexed to these conditions with such modification as m

23、ay be necessary.在被邀簽約時，承包人應(yīng)同意簽訂并履行合同，該合同是由業(yè)主按照本合同條件所附格式擬定，如有必要可對其進行修改。該合同的擬定和簽訂費用由業(yè)主承擔。商務(wù)函電的狀語從句中，if，when，in case等連詞與從句的主體之間可放謂語。 Eg：If, after 30 days from the commencement of such informal consultations, the parties fail to resolve amicably a contract dispute, either party hereto may require that t

24、he dispute be submitted to arbitration for resolution.在非正式協(xié)商開始30天后，如果雙方仍不能友好地解決合同爭端，任何一方都可以要求將爭端提交仲裁解決。在進行英漢漢英翻譯時，要注意狀語插入語的位置調(diào)整。123 虛擬語氣的運用 英語中共有三種語氣：陳述語氣（the Indicative Mood），祈使語氣（the Imperative Mood），虛擬語氣（the Subjunctive Mood）。 虛擬語氣可表主觀愿望和假想虛擬的情況，并可使語氣委婉，謂語有should，would，could，might加動詞原形構(gòu)成。 Dear Mr

25、. Smith, Thanks for your promptness in sending us the credit information we requested. We are glad to report that all of your credit references spoke favorably of you as a businessman. The new store which you are opening in Broadway should eventually prosper, since yours is a thriving community. But

26、 its location within 20 miles of New York forces you to compete with the larger stocks and lower prices of the metropolitan department stores, so readily accessible to commute from Broadway and similar communications. Because your resources do not indicate that you can meet such competition by start

27、ing with a large indebtedness, we must refuse your credit application. We would suggest, therefore, that you cut your order to half and pay cash for it. This will entitle you to our 2 percent cash discount, a saving which you may pass on to your customers. By ordering frequently in small quantities,

28、 you can best meet the competition of the New York stores through keeping up-to-date on a sound basis that will entitle you to an excellent credit reputation. The enclosed duplicate of your order will assist you in making your selection. Just check the items you wish and sign the order. Your merchan

29、dise will arrive C.O.D. within two days after our receipt of the order in plenty of time for your opening sale. Sincerely yours, 這封資信調(diào)查回復(fù)函使用了should, can, must, would, will, may六個情態(tài)動詞，準確表達了寫信人的預(yù)測、能力、允諾等語氣和態(tài)度，也表現(xiàn)出寫信人的禮貌。其中共使用了10次情態(tài)動詞，如此高的使用頻率，說明情態(tài)動詞在準確傳達語氣和寫信人意圖方面具有很重要的作用。124 語態(tài)英語商務(wù)信函適當使用被動語態(tài)；漢語則很少使用被

30、動語態(tài) 例如：（1）望盡快報盤。v Make the offer as soon as possible.v It is hoped that the offer is made as soon as possible.（2）貴公司所提供的價格已經(jīng)同意，但有一項例外。 v Your prices have been agreed on with one exception.（3）敬請告知貴公司628型100套、CIF紐約的最低價格。 v We shall be obliged if you will let us know your lowest CIF New York price for

31、100 sets of your classical furniture No. 628. 商務(wù)信函翻譯練習(xí)1. 茲回復(fù)貴方2010年9月20日來函，特隨函奉上我方最新報價。 v In reply to your enquiry of September 20, 2010, I respectfully offer my latest quotation herewith. 2. 敬請優(yōu)先考慮上述請求。v Your priority to the consideration of the above request will be appreciated.3. 承蒙早日回復(fù)，不勝感激。 v Y

32、our early reply is highly appreciated.4. 現(xiàn)確認已向貴方電發(fā)實盤，10月10日前復(fù)到有效。v We confirm having cabled you a firm offer subject to your reply reaching us by October 5. 由于艙位嚴重不足，我們無法在10月11日之前發(fā)貨。 v Due to a serious shortage of shipping space, we cannot deliver these goods until October 11. 6. 有關(guān)匯票之承兌事宜，本公司希望由臺北的

33、臺灣銀行完成。 v As to the affairs on negotiation of draft, we would like to have them preformed at the Bank of Taiwan, Taipei. 2 商務(wù)信函的翻譯要點及相關(guān)練習(xí) 21 商務(wù)英語信函翻譯的原則 22 商務(wù)英語信函翻譯的注意事項21 商務(wù)英語信函翻譯的原則準確規(guī)范，功能對等 準確不僅指用詞用句和語言結(jié)構(gòu)上的準確，還包括對信函內(nèi)容的準確把握；規(guī)范指譯文必須符合本行業(yè)的專業(yè)規(guī)范（1）要準確理解各種術(shù)語、外來詞匯、套語和習(xí)慣表達的專業(yè)含義和固定譯法（套譯），盡量保留原文風(fēng)格，譯成符合漢語商務(wù)

34、語言規(guī)范的術(shù)語或套語。試譯以下英語函文： The duplicate shipping documents including bill of loading, invoice, packing list and inspection certification were airmailed to you today.包括提單、發(fā)票、裝相單和檢驗證書在內(nèi)的裝運單證副本今日已航郵貴處。 Please be informed that, on account of the fluctuations of foreign exchanges the quotation is subject to c

35、hange without previous notice.茲告知貴方，由于外匯的波動，報價隨時可能改變，不另行通知。 Full information as to prices, quality, quantity available and other relative particulars would be appreciated. 敬請詳告價格、質(zhì)量、可供數(shù)量和其他有關(guān)情況。 We are looking forward to a favorable reply. 靜候（貴方）佳音。（2）了解詞匯的特定含義例如：Discharge 可做名詞或動詞，一般為“卸貨”，但要分場合。 Rou

36、tine duties of the Joint Venture Company are to be discharged by the general manager appointed by the Board of Directors. 董事會任命的總經(jīng)理，負責履行合資公司的日常職權(quán)。 Party A agrees that the expiration of this license shall not discharge party B from its obligation. 甲方同意在許可證到期時并不免除乙方應(yīng)盡的義務(wù)。 Mr. Smith, chartered accounta

37、nt, has been appointed as liquidator to wind up the business and will discharge all the firms liabilities and receive all payments due to it. 注冊會計師史密斯先生已被任命為本公司結(jié)束業(yè)務(wù)的清算人，他將代理本公司清償一切債務(wù)并收取一切應(yīng)收的欠款。 Party B shall check the quality of each discharge in accordance with the contract.乙方應(yīng)按合同規(guī)定檢查發(fā)出的每批貨物的質(zhì)量。 Co

38、mmission 做名詞，但有兩個意思，“傭金”或“委員會” Please let us have your quotation in USD on the basis of CIF Port Shanghai including our 5% commission. 請用美元報上海港到岸價，包括我方5%的傭金。 The decision made by the Arbitration Commission shall be regarded as final and binding on both parties. 仲裁委員會所作的決定應(yīng)視為終局決定，對雙方都有約束力。（3）要正確理解原文結(jié)

39、構(gòu)，理清全文的句法結(jié)構(gòu)和邏輯關(guān)系。 The goods we received contrary to our instructions are packed in wooden cases without iron hoops. 收到的貨物是包裝在沒有鐵箍的木箱里，而這種包裝和我們的指示不符。22 商務(wù)英語信函翻譯的注意事項（1）商務(wù)信函大都以傳遞信息的功能為主，較少運用修辭手段，一般不存在語言與文化的差異，在翻譯時無須作太多變動，多數(shù)情況下可按原句結(jié)構(gòu)直譯。 I have pleasure in apprising you that, under the auspices of sever

40、al highly respected and influential houses here, I have commenced business as a shipping and assurance broker and general agent. 我十分高興地通知您，在本地幾家有名望、有影響力的公司的支持下，我做起了運輸與保險經(jīng)紀以及總代理的生意。（2）由于商務(wù)英語信函重在紀實，因此要求譯文不求虛飾但求簡潔、嚴謹、準確。確保術(shù)語、縮略語、具有商務(wù)術(shù)語性質(zhì)的詞語以及商務(wù)套語翻譯的規(guī)范性和準確性，就要采用對應(yīng)的漢語術(shù)語翻譯原文中的商貿(mào)術(shù)語。 原文中的一般性敘述，在翻譯時應(yīng)當采用簡明、易懂的漢語加以傳譯，保留原文的簡潔流暢與易懂性。此外，還須確保事實細節(jié)（如日期、數(shù)量、金額等）等的準確翻譯，不得疏漏。（3）翻譯時應(yīng)注意保留原文的文體正式性和委婉禮貌性，對原文情態(tài)、禮貌程度、語氣和態(tài)度應(yīng)當仔細分析、整體把握并在譯文中充分再現(xiàn)。為了緩和過分強調(diào)或刺激對方，常用: We are afraid, we would say, we may(or, might) say, we(would) think, it seems(or would seem) to us, we(would) suggest, as you are