(3)分译:介词短语作定语时,总是是定语从句的一种简略形式。介词短语作状语时,有时是状语从句的简略形式。有的介词短语还是并列句的简略形式。因此汉译时,有些可以拆句分译。
①译成并列分句。
The porous1 wall acts as a kind of seine for separating molecules2.多孔壁有哪些用途就象一把筛子,它把不同水平的分子分开。
②译成让步分句。
With all its disadvantages this design is considered to be one of the best.这个设计尽管有种种缺点,仍被觉得最好设计之一。
③译成真实或虚拟条件分句。
Mans warm blood makes it difficult for him to live long in the sea without some kind warmth.人的血液是热的,假如得不到肯定的热量,人就很难长期在海水中生活。
④译成缘由分句。
We cannot see it clearly for the fog.因为有雾,大家看不清它。
The machine is working none the worse for its long service.
这部机器并不因用的时间长而性能变差了。
⑤译成目的分句。
This body of knowledge is customarily pided for convenience of study into the classifications: mechanics, heat, light, electricity and sound..为了便于研究起见,一般将这门学科分为力学、热学、光学、电学和声学。
(4)不译:不译或省略翻译是在确切表达原文内容的首要条件下使译文简练,合乎汉语规范,决不是任意省略某些介词。
①表示时间或地址的英语介词,译成汉语如出目前句首,大都不译。如:
There are four seasons in a year. 一年有四季。
Many water power stations have been built in the country.国内已建成很多水电站。
②有的介词如for(为了),from(从),to(对),on(在时)等,可以不译。如:
The barometer3 is a good instrument for measuring air pressure.充气压力计是测量充气压力的好仪器。
The air was removed from between the two pipes.两根管子之间的空气已经抽出。
Answers to questions 2 and 3 may be obtained in the laboratory.问题2和3的答案可以在实验室里得到。
Most substances expand on heating and contract on cooling.
大部分物质热胀冷缩。
③表示与主语有关的某一方面、范围或内容的介词有时不译,可把介词的宾语译成汉语主语。如:
Something has gone wrong with the engine.这台发动机出了问题。
Gold is similar in color to brass4金子的颜色和黄铜相似。
Its never occurred to me that bats are really guided by their ears.我从未想到蝙蝠居然是靠耳朵引路的。
④不少of介词短语在句中作定语。其中of(的)总是不译。如:
The change of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done in motors.电能变为机械能是通过电动机达成的。 (of短语和change在逻辑上有主谓关系,可译成立谓结构。)
Some of the properties of cathode rays listed below.现将阴极射线的一些特质开列如下。(第一个of短语和some在逻辑上有部分关系,Of不译出。)