注意,以下每组的第一个句子是错误的或者是不为Native Speaker采用的说法,第二个句子是正确的表达。
1. 这个价格对我挺合适的。
The price is very suitable for me.
The price is right/ reasonable.
suitable(合适的、相配的)最常见的用法是以否定的形式出现在告示或通知上,如:下列节目儿童不宜。The following programme is not suitable for children.
2. 明天我有事情要做。
I have something to do tomorrow.
Sorry but I am tied up all day tomorrow.
用I have something to do.来表示您很忙,这也是中国式的说法。因为每时每刻我们都有事情要做,躺在那里睡大觉也是事情。所以您可以说“我很忙,脱不开身。I’m tied up.” 还有其他的说法:I’m afraid I can’t make it at that time. I’d love to, but I can’t, because I have to stay at home.
3. 我没有英文名。
I haven’t English name.
I don’t have an English name.
许多人讲英语都犯这样的错误,从语法角度来分析,可能是语法功底欠缺,因为have在这里是实义动词。所以,这句话由肯定句变成否定句要加助动词。明白道理是一回事,习惯是另一回事,请您再试着说几句:
我没有钱。
I don’t have any money.
我没有兄弟姐妹。
I don’t have any brothers or sisters.
我没有车。
I don’t have a car.
4. 我想我不行。
I think I can’t.
I don’t think I can.
这一组仍然是个习惯问题,在语法上称为否定前置,这就是汉语里面说“我想我不会”的时候,英语里面总是说“我不认为我会”。以后您在说类似的英语句子时,只要您留心,也会习惯英语的说法的。
5. 我的英语很糟糕。
My English is poor.
I am not 100% fluent, but at least I am improving.
有人开玩笑说,全中国人最擅长的一句英文是:My English is poor. 说实话,还从来没有听到一个美国人说:My Chinese is poor. 无论他们的汉语是好是坏,他们会说: I am st ill having a few problems, but I’m getting better.
6. 你愿意参加我们的晚会吗?
Would you like to join our party?
Would you like to come to our party?
join往往是指参加俱乐部或者协会,如:join a health club; join the Communist Party。事实上,常常与party搭配的动词是come 或者go。 如go to a wild party,或者come to a Christmas Party。
7. 我没有经验。
I have no experience.
I am afraid I don’t know much about that.
I have no experience. 这句话听起来古里古怪,因为您只需要说:那方面我懂得不多,或者这方面我不在行,就行了。I am not really an expert in this area.
8. 价钱很昂贵/便宜。
The price is too expensive / cheap.
The price is too high / rather low.
要记住:“物”有贵贱,“价”有高低。你可以说某件东西贵还是贱,价格高还是低,但不可以弄反。譬如:This book is very expensive. The price is too high.
9. 他的身体很健康。
His body is healthy.
He is in good health.或者He’s healthy.
在英语中,“健康”是“人健康”,而我们汉语中则说“身体健康”。在这个问题上不能用汉语的思维去套英语的表达。 liuxuepaper.com