眾所周知，信函是雙方來(lái)往交流的重要工具，信函在外貿當中也占有重要的地位。今天我們就為大家帶來(lái)外貿信函的翻譯技巧。 第五章 外貿英譯漢信函翻譯 外貿英語(yǔ)信函作為國際外貿往來(lái)經(jīng)常使用的聯(lián)系方式，是開(kāi)展對外經(jīng)濟貿易業(yè)務(wù)和有關(guān)外貿活動(dòng)的重要工具，也是眾所周知，信函是雙方來(lái)往交流的重要工具，信函在外貿當中也占有重要的地位。今天我們就為大家帶來(lái)外貿信函的翻譯技巧。
第五章 外貿英譯漢信函翻譯
外貿英語(yǔ)信函作為國際外貿往來(lái)經(jīng)常使用的聯(lián)系方式，是開(kāi)展對外經(jīng)濟貿易業(yè)務(wù)和有關(guān)外貿活動(dòng)的重要工具，也是幫助公司建立友誼、樹(shù)立企業(yè)形象的重要媒體。外貿函電作為其中最主要的、應用范圍最廣泛的涉外文書(shū)在國際貿易中扮演著(zhù)非常重要的角色。如何把函電準確、完整、貼切地翻譯成中文，已成為越來(lái)越多的外貿工作人員日常工作任務(wù)。
1外貿信函特點(diǎn)
1.1文體特點(diǎn)
1.1.1用詞規范正式
外貿英語(yǔ)信函經(jīng)常以意義相同或詳盡的書(shū)面詞語(yǔ)代替基本詞匯和口語(yǔ)詞匯，如以 inform 或 advice 代替 tell ，以 duplicate 代替 copy ，以 dispatch 代替 send ，以 otherwise 代替 or, 以 therefore 代替 so ；以介詞短語(yǔ)代替簡(jiǎn)單的介詞和連詞，如以 as for 、 in respect to 、 in connection with 和 with regarding to 代替 about 等。
例1 We are pleased to advice you that your order No.103 has been dispatched in accordance with your instruction.
譯文：我高興地通知你們：第103號訂單貨物已遵照你方指示運出。
例2：We will meet you half way by offering a discount of 5% in view of our long pleasant relations.
譯文：鑒于我們之間長(cháng)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。
例3：All offers and sales are subject to the terms and conditions printed on the reverse side hereof. (hereof = of the offer letter)
譯文：所有報盤(pán)和銷(xiāo)售均應以本報價(jià)單背面所印的條件為準。
1.1.2表意準確、專(zhuān)業(yè)性強
外貿信函用語(yǔ)另一特點(diǎn)是表意準確、專(zhuān)業(yè)性強，主要表現為使用大量的專(zhuān)業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ)、行話(huà)、外來(lái)借詞、縮略語(yǔ)、以及一般詞語(yǔ)在外貿語(yǔ)境中的特殊用法，如： trimming charges （平倉費）、 insurance policy （保險單）、 coverage （險別）、 premium （保險費）、 underwriter （保險人）、 establishment （開(kāi)證）、 counter-offer （還盤(pán)）、 counter-suggestion （反還盤(pán)）、 bid （遞盤(pán)）、 surcharges （附加費）、 proforma invoice （形式發(fā)票）等等。由于經(jīng)過(guò)長(cháng)期的使用時(shí)間或相關(guān)的規定，這些術(shù)語(yǔ)的內涵特定，意思清楚明確，成為實(shí)現外貿信函英語(yǔ)準確表達的有效手段。
例4 We shall cover TPND on your order. 譯文：我們將為你方的貨物投保。
此句TPND是很專(zhuān)業(yè)的保險術(shù)語(yǔ)，意思為 “偷竊、提貨不著(zhù)險 ”，cover在外貿英語(yǔ)中的意思是“投保/保險”。
例5 It would be appreciated if you would let us know by return your lowest possible price for the following goods FOB London.
譯文：請報下列商品倫敦船上交貨之最低價(jià)。
此句使用了FOB這一有關(guān)價(jià)格的商貿術(shù)語(yǔ)。
例6 Average is of two kinds；General Average and Particular Average．
譯文：海損有兩種，一種是共同海損，另一種是單獨海損。
average是保險業(yè)用語(yǔ)，意為“海損費用”。
1.1.3濃于樸素、 淡于修飾
外貿信函的主要功能是傳遞信息，使收、發(fā)雙方發(fā)生貿易往來(lái)、達成協(xié)議，因此，除了使用專(zhuān)業(yè)術(shù)語(yǔ)準確表達信息外，還要求信函語(yǔ)言明白易懂、樸實(shí)平易、直達意圖。
例7 Dear Sirs,
Thank you for your interest in our fireworks.
In reply to your enquiry of november10, 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.
譯文：
先生：
承蒙貴方對我們的煙花感興趣,十分感謝。
茲復貴方11月10日詢(xún)價(jià)函，我們非常抱歉地奉告，我們不能泄露我方任何銷(xiāo)售情況。我們希望這不會(huì )給貴方帶來(lái)諸多不便。
謹上！
1.2句式結構特點(diǎn)
1.2.1句式正規完整
外貿信函英語(yǔ)是一種正式體書(shū)面英語(yǔ)，其從句層次復雜，長(cháng)句的使用通常高于非正式英語(yǔ)，其中復句、分詞短語(yǔ)、不定式短語(yǔ)、插入語(yǔ)、同位結構、獨立主格結構的頻繁使用是書(shū)面語(yǔ)體的典型特征，它們適合于表達多層次的復雜邏輯關(guān)系，可以充分完整地表達相互關(guān)聯(lián)的意義，這種效果是段、句無(wú)法達到的。
例8 In order to facilitate business in consideration of the present monetary stringency, the corporation, on behalf of which I am studying this proposition, is willing to base transaction trade by barter and would import any articles, which you would ship to the United States.
譯文：
最近資金很緊，為謀求達成交易，本人代表公司正在研究如何作成這筆交易。我們希望以易貨貿易為基礎，進(jìn)口你方能運到美國的任何商品。
1.2.2用陳述句表示委婉的祈使意義
信函涉及的雙方為貿易伙伴，地位是平等的。因此，一方如果希望另一方采取某種行為，一般都不使用祈使句型，而用陳述句表示自己的愿望，這種行文在外貿函電中非常廣泛。十分委婉的語(yǔ)氣能夠受到禮貌的效果。
例9 We should be glad to have your immediate shipping instructions.
譯文：謹希盡快收到貴方的裝運通知。
例10 We should be obliged if you would send us by air a copy of the packing list for the shipment to be dispatched by sea.
譯文：謹希收到貴公司空郵海運裝船單副件一份。
1.2.3大量使用套語(yǔ)
①表示自己收到對方的來(lái)函時(shí)可常用：We re in receipt of your letter; we admit receipt of your letter; we acknowledge receipt of.
②表示自己是在回復某份函電時(shí)使用：regarding your letter of; in reply to your letter of; referring to your letter of.
③說(shuō)明自己是從何處得知對方時(shí)可用：We owe your name and address to; your name and address has been given by; … has referred us to you
④表示希望得到回函時(shí)可用：to hear from you in the affirmative; to receive your positive/favorable reply.
⑤說(shuō)明寄上某物時(shí)可用：Enclosed please find; we are enclosing…
1.2.4使用倒裝句
為了保持句子平衡或是為了強調句中的某個(gè)成分而將其放置到句首或其他突出的位置。
例11 Enclosed please find a full range of catalogues covering the textile accessories inquired in your letter.
譯文：貴公司來(lái)函所需的紡織品附件全部清單，隨函已附，請查收。
例12 Should there be any breakage, please do not hesitate to let us know.
譯文：若有破損，敬請告知。
例13 Should you require the insurance to be covered as per institute cargo clauses, we would be glad to comply.
譯文：假如貴公司需要依據協(xié)會(huì )貨運條款承保，我方愿意履行。
1.3禮貌、委婉語(yǔ)氣的準確把握
外貿信函一般都注重信函的禮貌和各種語(yǔ)氣的準確傳達。禮貌可以帶來(lái)友誼，使對方閱讀后產(chǎn)生好感。委婉禮貌用語(yǔ)在外貿信函中既可委婉地拒絕對方的要求或條件，而又能保持友好的貿易關(guān)系。
例14
①We have not received your payment of the balance of US$5, 000.
②We regret having to remind you that we have not received your payment of the balance of US$5, 000. (revised)
譯文：貴公司5，000美元的付款，至今未收，來(lái)函告知。
例15
①You have to replace the damaged records.
②We will appreciate it if you replace the damaged records. . (revised)
譯文：謹希貴公司更換受損部分。
例16
①Your letter is not clear at all, I cannot understand it.
②If I understood your letter correctly, I would immediately accept your offer. . (revised)
譯文：貴公司來(lái)函陳述不清，我方不能立刻接受貴公司報盤(pán)，
例17 We should be grateful/obliged if you could provide us with all possible information on your market.
譯文：謹希貴公司盡可能提供貴方市場(chǎng)信息。
例18 With reference to your letter of May 6, we are pleased to give an order for the following.
譯文：鑒于貴公司5月6日來(lái)函，我方樂(lè )意訂購以下產(chǎn)品。
2外貿英語(yǔ)信函翻譯要點(diǎn)
2.1內容完整
在翻譯外貿信函時(shí)，要求譯者完整的把信息表達出來(lái)，不能有誤，尤其是在翻譯外貿術(shù)語(yǔ)，縮略語(yǔ)，要力求準確。
例如：
CFR (Cost and Freight成本加運費)
CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight成本保險費加運費)
DES (Delivered Ex Ship目的港船上交貨)
DEQ (Delivered Ex Quay目的港碼頭交貨)
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid未完稅交貨)
2.2體現專(zhuān)業(yè)
在國際貿易中，價(jià)格條件、付款方式、包裝、裝運、保險、索賠等在長(cháng)期的實(shí)踐中已形成了各種術(shù)語(yǔ)、外來(lái)詞匯、套語(yǔ)和習慣表達法，在翻譯過(guò)程中，我們必須首先徹底準確地理解這些獨特詞匯的專(zhuān)業(yè)含義和固定譯法，體現專(zhuān)業(yè)性。
例19 The duplicate shipping documents including bill of lading, invoice, packing list and inspection certification were airmailed to you today.
譯文：包括提單、發(fā)票、裝箱單和檢驗證書(shū)在內的裝運單正、副本，今日已通過(guò)航空方式郵寄貴方。
例20 Please be informed that, on account of the fluctuations of foreign exchanges the quotation is subject to change without previous notice.
譯文：茲告知貴方，由于外匯的波動(dòng)，報價(jià)隨時(shí)可能改變，不另行通知。
例21 We shall take out insurance at this end under our Open Policy.
譯文：我們將在我方預約保單項下按其規定在此辦理保險。
例22 The goods we received contrary to our instructions are packed in wooden cases without iron hoops. (The goods we received are packed in wooden cases without iron hoops, which is contrary to our instructions.)
譯文：收到的貨物是包裝在沒(méi)有鐵腰子的木箱里，而這種包裝與我們的指示不符。
2.3譯文得體
2.3.1稱(chēng)呼語(yǔ)與結尾禮辭
英語(yǔ)外貿信件最常見(jiàn)的稱(chēng)呼語(yǔ)和結尾禮辭有：
Dear Sirs：
Dear Madam ：
Dear M Smith•
Dear Mrs.Smith：
Gentlemen：
Yours truly,
Yours sincerely,
Yours faithfully,
翻譯外貿信函中的這些稱(chēng)呼語(yǔ)和結尾禮辭時(shí)，要充分考慮語(yǔ)體以及漢語(yǔ)公函的表達習慣，切忌將“Dear Madam”譯成“親愛(ài)的夫人”，或將“Yours sincerely”譯為“您真誠的”，這樣的稱(chēng)呼與結尾不符合漢語(yǔ)公函的語(yǔ)體，翻譯的痕跡太過(guò)明顯。
英語(yǔ)商務(wù)信函中的“Dear”是對收信人的尊稱(chēng)，是一種禮節；而漢語(yǔ)的書(shū)信稱(chēng)呼中，“親愛(ài)的”是一種呢稱(chēng)，多用于家人或情侶之間。因此，“Dear”和“親愛(ài)的”并不等值。翻譯時(shí)如果是泛稱(chēng)“Dear Sirs”，“Dear Madam”或“Gentlemen”，可采用我國舊式書(shū)信中的用法，譯為“敬啟者”，“謹啟者”，在對方較為傳統的情況下可以采取這種譯法：或者可以簡(jiǎn)單地譯作“先生”，“女士”，這多適用于年輕的現代人之間。如果知道對方的稱(chēng)謂，如“Dear Mr．Zhang”，則可譯為“張先生臺鑒”；或者按照現代書(shū)信的格式，簡(jiǎn)單地譯成：
某某先生／某某女士：
您好!
英語(yǔ)外貿信函的結尾禮辭“Yours sincerely”等也是寫(xiě)信人對收信人的一種謙稱(chēng)，不必照字面直接翻譯，可套澤我國公函中的禮辭，如“謹上”，“敬上”，或寫(xiě)成兩行：
此致
敬禮!
需要指出的是結尾禮辭的翻譯應與前邊的稱(chēng)呼語(yǔ)相對應，如稱(chēng)呼語(yǔ)譯為“敬啟者”，結尾譯為“此致/敬禮”就不太合適，而譯為“謹上”效果會(huì )更好些。
2.3.2 敬謙語(yǔ)
外貿信函的一大特點(diǎn)是措詞婉約，大量使用客套語(yǔ)，如“appreciate”，“be grateful”，“be obliged”，“kindly”等，翻譯時(shí)既要語(yǔ)氣相仿，又要用詞得當，符合漢語(yǔ)的表達習慣，具體方法歸納如下：
㈠套譯
我們可以按照我國公函的常用表達習慣進(jìn)行套譯
We would appreciate your early reply．
Your early reply would be highly appreciated．
It would be appreciated if you can send us your reply early．
We shall appreciate it if you can send us your reply early．
We shall be grateful／obliged ifyou can send us your reply early．
以上兒種表達方式，均可套譯為：
如蒙早日答復將不勝感激?；颍赫堅缛沾饛蜑楹?。
還有一些表示請求的疑問(wèn)句和被動(dòng)句，在翻譯的時(shí)候可以套譯為“請⋯”。
例23 Will you kindly send us all the details about the Chunlan Brand Air conditioners?
譯文：請寄來(lái)有關(guān)春蘭空調的詳情。
例24 You are kindly requested to provide us with all possible information on your market．
譯文：請告你方市場(chǎng)詳情。
㈡錯位補償 ．
有些英文敬謙語(yǔ)很難找到合適的對應詞，這種情況下可以略去不譯，但為了體現原文的語(yǔ)氣，可以進(jìn)行錯位補償。
例25 In reply to your inquiry of 25 March，we are pleased to offer you the following．
譯文：茲復貴方3月25日詢(xún)價(jià)，并報盤(pán)如下。
原文中的“are pleased”只是客套用語(yǔ)，如果翻譯反倒顯得生硬，可以省略不譯，為了體現原文語(yǔ)氣，可以進(jìn)行“錯位補償”，將“your inquiry”譯為“貴方洵價(jià)”，使整個(gè)譯文不僅意思正確，而且語(yǔ)氣一致。再看下面幾個(gè)例子：
例26 We are pleased to inform you that goods have been dispatched today．
譯文：貨物今日業(yè)已啟運，特此奉告。(使用漢語(yǔ)敬辭，將“are pleased to inform”譯為“奉告” )
例27 We hope to have the pleasure of serving you I the near future
譯文：我們希望在不久的將來(lái)能為貴方效勞。(省譯“have the pleasure of”，使用漢語(yǔ)敬謙詞，將“serving you”譯為“為貴方效勞”)
2.3.3代詞翻譯
代詞(主要是人稱(chēng)代詞)在外貿信函中出現較多，而且起著(zhù)“主導”作用(通常作句子的主語(yǔ))，它們的恰當翻譯就非常重要。在外貿英語(yǔ)中，我們通常將“商業(yè)味”很濃的人稱(chēng)代詞we，you，they譯作“我方、我公司、本公司”；“貴方、貴公司”；“他方、他公司”。
例28 We manufacture crackers chocolates，caramels，and chewing gums．
譯文：本公司產(chǎn)品有餅干、巧克力、牛奶糖和口香糖等。
例29 The glass sheets ordered from you on April 8 was delivered yesterday．
譯文：4月8日向貴公司所訂購的玻璃板已于昨日收到。
例30 They haven’t yet opened the L／C in spite of our repeated reminders．
譯文：盡管我方一再提醒，他方仍未將信用證開(kāi)出。
此外，our，your，their，us，you，them也要作相應的翻譯。
例31 Please let have information as to your lowest price for the goods．
譯文：請貴公司告知該商品最低價(jià)格。
有時(shí)，人稱(chēng)代詞也可不直接譯出。
例32 We thank you for your favor of the 3rd May，and we hand you here—with the samples of our various productions，for which we can quote you as follows：
譯文：感謝5月3日來(lái)函，現隨函寄上各種產(chǎn)品之樣品，并報價(jià)如下：
Try to translate the following letters into Chinese.
Letter 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
Att: Purchasing Dept.
We would like the opportunity to introduce ourselves to you. Glove Nation is a manufacturer of industrial safety gloves and clothing，including anti-vibration gloves. Our goal is to provide solutions to your needs for industrial safety products based on our 35 years of experience, expertise, and understanding. With manufacturers both in the United States and overseas we offer our products at an extremely competitive price with a quality that is second to none. We are one of the world’s major manufacturers, selling direct, specialized in custom design and private labeling. We have no minimum order requirements. Additionally we will be more than happy to submit to you our samples. Please send us your logo along with details of your required samples. You can visit our websites at: www.glovenation.com and also www.sixstars.com.pk . Please feel free to contact us with any questions. You may contact us at either Sixstarsusa@aol.com or at vnsafety.@fuse.net .
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Vicki Dowers
先生/女士：
提示：采購部
茲來(lái)函介紹本公司，Glove Nation生產(chǎn)各種工業(yè)安全手套和服裝，其中包括防震手套，本公司擁有35年專(zhuān)業(yè)生產(chǎn)歷史、擁有專(zhuān)業(yè)生產(chǎn)人員、以及專(zhuān)業(yè)生產(chǎn)工藝，安全產(chǎn)品能夠滿(mǎn)足您的需求。在美國國內外設有生產(chǎn)廠(chǎng)，產(chǎn)品價(jià)格十分優(yōu)惠，質(zhì)量無(wú)與倫比。在全球，本公司是一家主要安全產(chǎn)品生產(chǎn)企業(yè)，產(chǎn)品直銷(xiāo)，為客戶(hù)專(zhuān)業(yè)設計、個(gè)性標簽，訂單數量不限。另外，我們可以向您提供樣品。請把貴公司標識語(yǔ)以及所需樣品細節告知我方。歡迎訪(fǎng)問(wèn)本公司網(wǎng)站：www.glovenation.com或www.sixstars.com.pk。若有疑問(wèn)，請聯(lián)系我方，聯(lián)系郵箱：Sixstarsusa@aol.com 或vnsafety.@fuse.net。
盼復！
Vicki Dowers
Letter 2
Dear Sirs,
RE: TABLECLOTH
We have your name and address from the Commercial Office of Chinese Embassy in Pakistan. We take this opportunity to write to you with a view to set up friend business relations with you.
We are a state-owned company dealing specially with the export of tablecloth. We are in a position to accept orders according to the customer’s samples. In the customer’s samples, request about the assorted pattern, specification and package of the needed goods can be indicated particularly.
In order to give you a general idea of various kinds of the tablecloth we are handling, we are airmailing you under separate cover our latest catalogue for your reference. Please let us know immediately if you are interested in our products. We will send you our price list and sample to you as soon as we receive your specific inquiry.
We are looking forward to your early reply.
Yours faithfully
先生：
主題：桌布
我方從中國駐巴基斯坦大使館商務(wù)部門(mén)得知貴公司信息，茲來(lái)函想與貴公司建立業(yè)務(wù)關(guān)系。
本公司是一家國營(yíng)企業(yè)，專(zhuān)營(yíng)桌布出口業(yè)務(wù)，可以滿(mǎn)足客戶(hù)樣品特殊需要。在客戶(hù)樣品中，所需桌布花色款式、產(chǎn)品規格以及包裝要求應該詳細說(shuō)明。為了使貴公司對我們經(jīng)營(yíng)的各種桌布有個(gè)大致的了解，本公司最新產(chǎn)品價(jià)目表將另郵給貴方參考。若對本公司產(chǎn)品感興趣，請告知。一收到貴公司具體詢(xún)盤(pán)，我方將立刻把價(jià)格表以及樣品寄過(guò)來(lái)。
盼復！
Letter 3
Gentlemen:
We have learned from World Trade News, a weekly magazine, that you are one of the leading importers of cameras in your country. We, therefore, take pleasure in informing you that we have recently completed the production of a new model entitled PANEX whose high efficiency has been proven by a scrupulous test of its mechanism and functions as clearly explained in our illustrated catalog enclosed.
We believe that considering the improvements it offers, you will find our PANEX a very good seller at the competitive price of US$110.00 CIF San Francisco including the cost of accessories. Like all other cameras we handle, PANEX is also accompanied with a two-year guarantee as our after-sale service.
If you have interest in dealing with us in PANEX or other types of cameras shown in our catalog, please inform us of your requirements as well as your bankers' name and address.
We assure you of our best service.
Yours very truly
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