眾所周知，信函是雙方來往交流的重要工具，信函在外貿(mào)當(dāng)中也占有重要的地位。今天我們就為大家?guī)�來外貿(mào)信函的翻譯技巧。
外貿(mào)英語信函作為國際外貿(mào)往來經(jīng)常使用的聯(lián)系方式，是開展對外經(jīng)濟貿(mào)易業(yè)務(wù)和有關(guān)外貿(mào)活動的重要工具，也是幫助公司建立友誼、樹立企業(yè)形象的重要媒體。外貿(mào)函電作為其中最主要的、應(yīng)用范圍最廣泛的涉外文書在國際貿(mào)易中扮演著非常重要的角色。如何把函電準(zhǔn)確、完整、貼切地翻譯成中文，已成為越來越多的外貿(mào)工作人員日常工作任務(wù)。

1外貿(mào)信函特點

1.1文體特點

1.1.1用詞規(guī)范正式

外貿(mào)英語信函經(jīng)常以意義相同或詳盡的書面詞語代替基本詞匯和口語詞匯，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 ；以介詞短語代替簡單的介詞和連詞，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：所有報盤和銷售均應(yīng)以本報價單背面所印的條件為準(zhǔn)。

1.1.2表意準(zhǔn)確、專業(yè)性強

外貿(mào)信函用語另一特點是表意準(zhǔn)確、專業(yè)性強，主要表現(xiàn)為使用大量的專業(yè)術(shù)語、行話、外來借詞、縮略語、以及一般詞語在外貿(mào)語境中的特殊用法，如： trimming charges （平倉費）、 insurance policy （保險單）、 coverage （險別）、 premium （保險費）、 underwriter （保險人）、 establishment （開證）、 counter-offer （還盤）、 counter-suggestion （反還盤）、 bid （遞盤）、 surcharges （附加費）、 proforma invoice （形式發(fā)票）等等。由于經(jīng)過長期的使用時間或相關(guān)的規(guī)定，這些術(shù)語的內(nèi)涵特定，意思清楚明確，成為實現(xiàn)外貿(mào)信函英語準(zhǔn)確表達(dá)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是很專業(yè)的保險術(shù)語，意思為 “偷竊、提貨不著險 ”，cover在外貿(mào)英語中的意思是“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。

此句使用了FOB這一有關(guān)價格的商貿(mào)術(shù)語。

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，意為“海損費用”。

1.1.3濃于樸素、 淡于修飾

外貿(mào)信函的主要功能是傳遞信息，使收、發(fā)雙方發(fā)生貿(mào)易往來、達(dá)成協(xié)議，因此，除了使用專業(yè)術(shù)語準(zhǔn)確表達(dá)信息外，還要求信函語言明白易懂、樸實平易、直達(dá)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(fù)貴方11月10日詢價函，我們非常抱歉地奉告，我們不能泄露我方任何銷售情況。我們希望這不會給貴方帶來諸多不便。

謹(jǐn)上！

1.2句式結(jié)構(gòu)特點

1.2.1句式正規(guī)完整

外貿(mào)信函英語是一種正式體書面英語，其從句層次復(fù)雜，長句的使用通常高于非正式英語，其中復(fù)句、分詞短語、不定式短語、插入語、同位結(jié)構(gòu)、獨立主格結(jié)構(gòu)的頻繁使用是書面語體的典型特征，它們適合于表達(dá)多層次的復(fù)雜邏輯關(guān)系，可以充分完整地表達(dá)相互關(guān)聯(lián)的意義，這種效果是段、句無法達(dá)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(dá)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(mào)易為基礎(chǔ)，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(mào)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(mào)函電中非常廣泛。十分委婉的語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(jǐn)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(jǐn)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

①表示自己收到對方的來函時可常用：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(fù)某份函電時使用：regarding your letter of; in reply to your letter of; referring to your letter of.

③說明自己是從何處得知對方時可用：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可用：to hear from you in the affirmative; to receive your positive/favorable reply.

⑤說明寄上某物時可用：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(diào)句中的某個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(jù)協(xié)會貨運條款承保，我方愿意履行。

1.3禮貌、委婉語氣的準(zhǔn)確把握

外貿(mào)信函一般都注重信函的禮貌和各種語氣的準(zhǔn)確傳達(dá)。禮貌可以帶來友誼，使對方閱讀后產(chǎn)生好感。委婉禮貌用語在外貿(mào)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(mào)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(jǐn)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：貴公司來函陳述不清，我方不能立刻接受貴公司報盤，

 

例17 We should be grateful/obliged if you could provide us with all possible information on your market.

譯文：謹(jǐn)希貴公司盡可能提供貴方市場信息。

 

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日來函，我方樂意訂購以下產(chǎn)品。

2外貿(mào)英語信函翻譯要點

2.1內(nèi)容完整

在翻譯外貿(mào)信函時，要求譯者完整的把信息表達(dá)出來，不能有誤，尤其是在翻譯外貿(mào)術(shù)語，縮略語，要力求準(zhǔn)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(xiàn)專業(yè)

在國際貿(mào)易中，價格條件、付款方式、包裝、裝運、保險、索賠等在長期的實踐中已形成了各種術(shù)語、外來詞匯、套語和習(xí)慣表達(dá)法，在翻譯過程中，我們必須首先徹底準(zhǔn)確地理解這些獨特詞匯的專業(yè)含義和固定譯法，體現(xiàn)專業(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、裝箱單和檢驗證書在內(nèi)的裝運單正、副本，今日已通過航空方式郵寄貴方。

 

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，報價隨時可能改變，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(yù)約保單項下按其規(guī)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稱呼語與結(jié)尾禮辭

英語外貿(mào)信件最常見的稱呼語和結(jié)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(mào)信函中的這些稱呼語和結(jié)尾禮辭時，要充分考慮語體以及漢語公函的表達(dá)習(xí)慣，切忌將“Dear Madam”譯成“親愛的夫人”，或?qū)?ldquo;Yours sincerely”譯為“您真誠的”，這樣的稱呼與結(jié)尾不符合漢語公函的語體，翻譯的痕跡太過明顯。

英語商務(wù)信函中的“Dear”是對收信人的尊稱，是一種禮節(jié)；而漢語的書信稱呼中，“親愛的”是一種呢稱，多用于家人或情侶之間。因此，“Dear”和“親愛的”并不等值。翻譯時如果是泛稱“Dear Sirs”，“Dear Madam”或“Gentlemen”，可采用我國舊式書信中的用法，譯為“敬啟者”，“謹(jǐn)啟者”，在對方較為傳統(tǒng)的情況下可以采取這種譯法：或者可以簡單地譯作“先生”，“女士”，這多適用于年輕的現(xiàn)代人之間。如果知道對方的稱謂，如“Dear Mr．Zhang”，則可譯為“張先生臺鑒”；或者按照現(xiàn)代書信的格式，簡單地譯成：

某某先生／某某女士：

您好!

英語外貿(mào)信函的結(jié)尾禮辭“Yours sincerely”等也是寫信人對收信人的一種謙稱，不必照字面直接翻譯，可套澤我國公函中的禮辭，如“謹(jǐn)上”，“敬上”，或?qū)懗蓛尚校?br />
此致

敬禮!

需要指出的是結(jié)尾禮辭的翻譯應(yīng)與前邊的稱呼語相對應(yīng)，如稱呼語譯為“敬啟者”，結(jié)尾譯為“此致/敬禮”就不太合適，而譯為“謹(jǐn)上”效果會更好些。

2.3.2 敬謙語

外貿(mào)信函的一大特點是措詞婉約，大量使用客套語，如“appreciate”，“be grateful”，“be obliged”，“kindly”等，翻譯時既要語氣相仿，又要用詞得當(dāng)，符合漢語的表達(dá)習(xí)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(dá)習(xí)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(dá)方式，均可套譯為：

如蒙早日答復(fù)將不勝感激�；颍赫堅缛沾饛�(fù)為荷。

還有一些表示請求的疑問句和被動句，在翻譯的時候可以套譯為“請⋯”。

例23 Will you kindly send us all the details about the Chunlan Brand Air conditioners?

譯文：請寄來有關(guān)春蘭空調(diào)的詳情。

 

例24 You are kindly requested to provide us with all possible information on your market．

譯文：請告你方市場詳情。

㈡錯位補償 ．

有些英文敬謙語很難找到合適的對應(yīng)詞，這種情況下可以略去不譯，但為了體現(xiàn)原文的語氣，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(fù)貴方3月25日詢價，并報盤如下。

原文中的“are pleased”只是客套用語，如果翻譯反倒顯得生硬，可以省略不譯，為了體現(xiàn)原文語氣，可以進(jìn)行“錯位補償”，將“your inquiry”譯為“貴方洵價”，使整個譯文不僅意思正確，而且語氣一致。再看下面幾個例子：

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能為貴方效勞。(省譯“have the pleasure of”，使用漢語敬謙詞，將“serving you”譯為“為貴方效勞”)

2.3.3代詞翻譯

代詞(主要是人稱代詞)在外貿(mào)信函中出現(xiàn)較多，而且起著“主導(dǎo)”作用(通常作句子的主語)，它們的恰當(dāng)翻譯就非常重要。在外貿(mào)英語中，我們通常將“商業(yè)味”很濃的人稱代詞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出。

此外，our，your，their，us，you，them也要作相應(yīng)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格。

有時，人稱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日來函，現(xiàn)隨函寄上各種產(chǎn)品之樣品，并報價如下：

 

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年專業(yè)生產(chǎn)歷史、擁有專業(yè)生產(chǎn)人員、以及專業(yè)生產(chǎn)工藝，安全產(chǎn)品能夠滿足您的需求。在美國國內(nèi)外設(shè)有生產(chǎn)廠，產(chǎn)品價格十分優(yōu)惠，質(zhì)量無與倫比。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，為客戶專業(yè)設(shè)計、個性標(biāo)簽，訂單數(shù)量不限。另外，我們可以向您提供樣品。請把貴公司標(biāo)識語以及所需樣品細(xì)節(jié)告知我方。歡迎訪問本公司網(wǎng)站：www.glovenation.com或www.sixstars.com.pk。若有疑問，請聯(lián)系我方，聯(lián)系郵箱：Sixstarsusa@aol.com 或vnsafety.@fuse.net。

盼復(fù)！

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)部門得知貴公司信息，茲來函想與貴公司建立業(yè)務(wù)關(guān)系。

本公司是一家國營企業(yè)，專營桌布出口業(yè)務(wù)，可以滿足客戶樣品特殊需要。在客戶樣品中，所需桌布花色款式、產(chǎn)品規(guī)格以及包裝要求應(yīng)該詳細(xì)說明。為了使貴公司對我們經(jīng)營的各種桌布有個大致的了解，本公司最新產(chǎn)品價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盤，我方將立刻把價格表以及樣品寄過來。

盼復(fù)！

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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