成语故事英文版简短读

Title: Translating Chinese Idioms into English

Introduction:

Chinese idioms, known as "chengyu" (成语), are a unique aspect of Chinese language and culture. These idiomatic expressions often carry profound meanings rooted in historical stories, classical literature, and cultural beliefs. Translating them into English poses a challenge due to cultural nuances and linguistic differences. Let's explore some common Chinese idioms and their English translations along with the stories behind them.

1. 马到成功 (mǎ dào chénggōng) "Success Comes Immediately Upon Arrival"

Story:

During the Han Dynasty, there was a scholar named Su Qin who wanted to meet the king of Qin to discuss his strategy for unifying China. Su Qin traveled a long distance and finally arrived at the capital. The king was impressed by his determination and accepted his proposal, leading to success in his mission.

Translation:

"Instant Success" or "Immediate Triumph"

2. 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú) "Drawing Legs on a Snake"

Story:

Legend has it that a man was asked to draw a snake for someone. Wanting to be helpful, he drew a snake but felt it looked incomplete. So, he added legs to the snake, ruining the drawing since snakes don't have legs.

Translation:

"Gilding the Lily" or "Adding Legs to a Snake"

3. 杯弓蛇影 (bēi gōng shé yǐng) "Seeing a Bow in a Cup and a Snake in a Rope"

Story:

This idiom originates from a story about a man who, after hearing a bowstring snap and seeing a coiled rope, mistakenly thought he saw a bow and a snake. His mind played tricks on him due to fear, creating imaginary threats.

Translation:

"Seeing Things That Aren't There" or "Paranoia"

4. 守株待兔 (shǒu zhū dài tù) "Waiting by a Stump for a Hare"

Story:

A man was sitting by a tree stump, idly waiting for a hare to hit itself against it and die so he could catch it without effort. This idiom warns against passive waiting for opportunities instead of actively seeking them.

Translation:

"Waiting for Something That Will Never Happen" or "Waiting in Vain"

5. 望梅止渴 (wàng méi zhǐ kě) "Quenching Thirst by Thinking of Plums"

Story:

During a drought, a man was extremely thirsty. To distract himself from his thirst, he imagined plums, which made him feel as if his thirst was quenched momentarily. This idiom emphasizes the power of distraction in relieving discomfort.

Translation:

"Distracting Oneself from Desire" or "Finding Comfort in Thoughts"

Conclusion:

Translating Chinese idioms into English involves more than just literal translation; it requires capturing the essence of the idiom along with its cultural and historical significance. While direct translations may not always convey the full meaning, providing context through stories can help bridge the gap and enrich understanding across languages and cultures.