学了这么多年英语,其实我们连最基本的家常菜都不知道怎么说是最地道的,今天我们就来辨别真伪!
After learning English for so many years, we in fact don’t know how to differentiate even the most authentic dishes from one another. But today, we will learn how to.
Tofu vs. Beancurd
其实很多中国菜翻译到英文后就失去了很多信息,所以其实音译是比较恰当的方法,豆腐的英文就是Tofu,这个老外是直接听得懂的。
In fact, many Chinese dishes, after being translated, lose a lot of their information. So it is phonetic transliterations that are the most appropriate form. For example, “tofu” in English is “tofu” and this translation is easily understood by foreigners.
Ravioli vs. Dumpling
饺子在教科书里翻的是dumpling,这个没有错,不过美国饮食里意大利风味的部分还蛮强势的,很多外来语直接是从意大利过来的,所以对于饺子他们也用的是意大利风格的,ravioli [rævɪ'oli]相对来说更地道一些。
Dumplings in textbooks is called dumpling and this is not technically wrong. However, in American cuisine, Italian food terms are quite strong. Many foreign translations come from Italy, so they are also used for Italian food terms, like ravioli, are quite correct.
Cellphone vs. Mobile phone
Mobile phone相对更正式一些,一般在书面语或正式场合下用,在口语中一般用cellphone更常见一些,有时直接说my cell就可以。
Mobile phones are relatively more formal. They’re usually written for literature and formal occasions. Generally speaking, the words “cell phone” or “my cell” are acceptable.
Men's room vs. WC
WC是古英语,water closet的意思,但现在已没有人再用,在美语里,洗手间的说法是men's room,如果是朋友家的洗手间,是bathroom,toilet指的是马桶,而不是洗手间。
WC originates from Old English and has the meaning of “water closet”, and is hardly being used today. In American English, “restroom” is becoming less popular, and is being replaced with “men’s room”. For example, if at a friend’s house, there’s still “bathroom” and “toilet”.
Video clip vs. VCR
VCR的全称是video cassette recorder,即卡带式录像机,在2000年左右被DVD机取代,现在基本都用电脑了,连DVD机都很少用了。在一些台湾省或大陆地区的娱乐节目里很多人说下面请看VCR,其实他们指的是视频或录影,而不是"下面请看录像机"。一般视频就用video clip或footage即可。
The VCR stands for video cassette recorder, and the top strip of every cassette is accessible. I don't want you to use a word too big or too small, and now DVD players are declining. For videos and recordings, “video clips” or “footage” are now being used.
Source: bigear.cn