成语故事英语翻译很少

Title: Translating Chinese Idioms into English: Stories Behind the Phrases

Chinese idioms, also known as "chengyu," are concise expressions derived from historical events, classical literature, or philosophical concepts. Translating them into English requires not only linguistic skill but also an understanding of the cultural context and the stories behind these phrases. Let's delve into the fascinating world of Chinese idioms and explore their English translations along with the stories that inspired them.

1. 鸡鸣狗盗 (jī míng gǒu dào) "The crowing of a rooster invites theft by a dog"

This idiom warns against revealing valuable information to untrustworthy individuals. Its English equivalent could be "Loose lips sink ships" or "Don't let the cat out of the bag."

Story Behind the Idiom:

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, there was a man who owned a rooster and a dog. Every morning, the rooster would crow to greet the dawn, and the dog would bark to protect the house. One day, the man noticed that whenever the rooster crowed, thieves would come to steal his belongings, taking advantage of the distraction caused by the noise. From then on, he realized the importance of discretion and kept his affairs private.

2. 纸上谈兵 (zhǐ shàng tán bīng) "Discussing military tactics on paper"

This idiom describes someone who talks about strategies or theories without practical experience. In English, it's similar to "Armchair general" or "All talk and no action."

Story Behind the Idiom:

During the Three Kingdoms period, the warlord Zhuge Liang was known for his military prowess. Once, his opponent, Sima Yi, criticized Zhuge Liang's strategies, claiming they were flawed. Zhuge Liang responded by inviting Sima Yi to a banquet and presenting him with a blank sheet of paper, asking him to demonstrate his superior tactics. Sima Yi was unable to respond, proving Zhuge Liang's point that theoretical discussions without practical application are meaningless.

3. 杯弓蛇影 (bēi gōng shé yǐng) "Seeing a snake in the wine cup"

This idiom refers to being overly suspicious or seeing danger where none exists. The English equivalent might be "A mountain out of a molehill" or "Paranoid."

Story Behind the Idiom:

During the Western Han Dynasty, there was a man who went on a journey carrying a bow and arrow and a bottle of wine. One evening, he stopped at an inn and poured himself a drink. As he lifted the cup to his lips, he thought he saw a snake reflected in the wine. Startled, he drew his bow and shot at the imaginary snake, spilling the wine everywhere. The innkeeper, puzzled by his actions, asked why he had wasted good wine. The man explained, but upon closer inspection, they found no snake. The man realized he had been overly suspicious, mistaking the curved shape of the cup for a snake's silhouette.

4. 掩耳盗铃 (yǎn ěr dào líng) "Covering one's ears while stealing a bell"

This idiom describes the foolishness of attempting to deceive oneself or others. It's akin to "Turning a blind eye" or "Burying one's head in the sand."

Story Behind the Idiom:

During the Spring and Autumn Period, there was a thief who attempted to steal a bell from a neighbor's house. To avoid detection, he covered his ears with his hands while he worked, believing that if he couldn't hear the bell ringing, no one else could either. Unbeknownst to him, his actions were futile, as covering his ears did not prevent others from hearing the noise. When caught, he became a laughingstock for his foolishness.

Conclusion:

Chinese idioms are not only linguistic expressions but also windows into Chinese culture and history. Translating them into English requires capturing not only their literal meaning but also the stories and wisdom behind them. By understanding these idioms and their origins, we gain insight into the values and experiences of the Chinese people throughout history.