The English Translation of "袖手"
袖手 is a Chinese phrase, and when translated into English, it can have different meanings depending on the context. Let's explore a few possible translations:
Translation 1: "Stand by and do nothing"
In some situations, 袖手 can be translated as "stand by and do nothing." This phrase implies someone who is observing a situation without taking any action or getting involved. It often conveys a sense of indifference or inaction.
For example, if someone asks, "Why didn't you help when the accident happened?" The response could be, "I stood by and did nothing (袖手旁观)."
Translation 2: "Fold one's arms"
Another possible translation of 袖手 is "fold one's arms." This phrase refers to the physical action of crossing both arms in front of the chest. It can be used literally or metaphorically to convey a sense of being passive, uninvolved, or aloof.
For instance, if someone is criticizing a project and another person disagrees but does nothing to contribute, you can say, "They just folded their arms and didn't offer any suggestions (他们只是袖手旁观，没有提供任何建议)."
Translation 3: "Keep one's hands off"
In certain contexts, 袖手 can be translated as "keep one's hands off." This translation indicates someone deliberately avoiding involvement or refraining from interfering with something.
For example, if someone is trying to solve a problem, and another person intentionally refrains from interfering, you can say, "They decided to keep their hands off and let the person find a solution themselves (他们决定袖手不管，让这个人自己找解决办法)."
Translation 4: "Do nothing"
In some cases, 袖手 can simply be translated as "do nothing." This translation implies a lack of action or effort.
For instance, if someone asks, "What did you do to prepare for the exam?" and the response is, "I did nothing (我什么都没做，只是袖手旁观)."
In summary, the English translation of 袖手 can vary depending on the context. It can be translated as "stand by and do nothing," "fold one's arms," "keep one's hands off," or simply "do nothing." It is essential to consider the situation and the intended meaning when choosing the most appropriate translation.
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