第一篇：商务信函翻译文体对等研究
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商务信函翻译文体对等研究
商务信函翻译文体对等研究
摘 要：英文商务信函有着的自身文体特点，同时由于中英两种语言间的诸多差异，使得信函的翻译较难做到内容和形式上的双重等值。拟从奈达的“功能对等”理论中的“文体对等”出发，探讨如何实现信函英汉翻译的文体对等。
关键词：商务信函；功能对等；文体对等
中图分类号：F74
文献标识码：A
文章编号：1672-3198（2013）24-0068-02
翻译是一种跨语言、跨文化的信息与情感交流过程，是用另一种语言对原语所表达的内容、思想、感情、风格等的再现或重新表达。自有翻译实践以来，翻译的标准问题就是古今中外众多学者们不断思考的问题：无论是严复的“信、达、雅”、钱钟书的“化境”，抑或是英国翻译理论家泰特勒（Tytler）的“三原则”，虽有相异之处，但都认为“忠实”应是各类翻译实践应遵循的基本原则。然而，如何实现忠实？忠实于原文内容？忠实于原文的形式？还是两者兼顾？这些都是译者不得不面对的问题。本文拟运用奈达的“功能对等”理论探讨商务信函英汉翻译过程中的文体对等原则。
功能对等
为使源语和译语之间的转换有一个标准，20世纪80年代初，美国的著名翻译理论家尤金·奈达提出了“功能对等”原则，所谓“功能对等”，是指翻译时不必注重文字表面的机械地逐字对应，而要在两种语言间实现功能上的对等。奈达曾明确指出，“在动态对等翻译中，译者所关注的并不是源语信息和译语信息的一一对应关系，而是一种动态关系，即译语接受者和译语信息之间的关系应该与原语接受者和原文信息之间的关系基本相同”可见，奈达的翻译理论强调的是两种语言的接受者的感受应该大致相同。因此，功能对等理论不同于传统的翻译理论，后者注重的是两种语言间的形式对应，而前者则从
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信息的传递形式转移到读者的反应，即两种不同语言的表达效果。在奈达看来，判断译文是否忠实于原文时，不应局限于原文和译文在语言形式上的对比，而应以两种语言读者的反应为判断依据。
事实上，奈达的“功能对等”中的对等包括四个方面：词汇对等、句法对等、篇章对等以及文体对等，本文拟从商务信函的文体特点出发，探讨其英汉翻译过程中的文体对等的实现方式。
商务信函的文体特点
商务信函作为一种实用文体和交流手段，在国际贸易往来中发挥着重要作用。另一方面，在国际贸易操作中，所有的商务信函都是重要的事实依据，信函内容涉及买卖双方交易的各个环节和具体事宜，因而，当产生贸易纠纷时，商务信函可以为解决贸易纠纷提供判断依据。从这个意义上说，商务信函的准确而恰当的翻译显得尤为重要。
另一方面，英文商务信函有其自身的特点，一般都需要遵循7C原则，即：correctness（正确）、concreteness（具体）、completeness（完整）、clearness（清晰）、conciseness（简洁）、courtesy（礼貌）及consideration（体谅）。正是由于这些原则，英文商务信函词汇含义准确、表意性强，所涉及的信息翔实具体、清晰、完整。此外，从表达方式来看，文字简洁有力、重点突出，往往用最少的语言表达最丰富完整的内容；同时，还要注意礼貌，考虑对方的心理感受。
翻译策略和技巧
在翻译商务信函时，译者首先要准确把原文单词和短语的含义，再运用译语恰当地重新表达出原文的含义。一般情况下，当原语的语言形式和译语的相近时，可直接按原文的结构表达出来。如：
例1.Please find enclosed the check for USD 2，000，000 and inform us the receipt.译文：随函附上200万美元的支票，敬请收悉后告知我方。
原文短短的一个祈使句，包含了两层意思：随函附寄200万美元的支票一张，此外，要求对方收到后给予告知。可谓言简意赅，通俗易懂，重点突出，礼貌和效率兼具。翻译时，译文和原文基本上一样简洁，形式上也和原文基本一致。
然而，由于商务信函自身的文体特征以及中英文在句法上的诸多
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差异，在翻译信函语句时，并不总能做到译文与原文形式上的一致，也就是说，并不总能使译文在形式上忠实于原文。有时，为了使译文与原文同样简洁、清晰、礼貌，需要在忠实于原文内容的前提下，对原语词汇的词性、句子形式或语态进行调整。正如奈达提出的“功能对等”原则——在判断译文是否忠实于原文时，不应该仅仅对比原文和译文的形式，而应该对比译文读者能否与原文读者获得一样的反应，同样，商务信函的翻译应以“功能对等”（functional equivalence）为主，而不是“形式对应”（formal equivalence）。
3.1 译文与原文间的词性转换
在用词方面，英文中名词的出现频率更高，一个语句里往往包含好几个名词结构，而中文则偏向于使用用动词，一个语句里甚至包括好几个谓语动词，句子依然通顺，没有任何逻辑或语法毛病。如：
例2.We are exporters of the above goods，having a history of forty years in this line.译文：我方出口以上货物，从事这一行业已有40年之久了。
这句话用于商务信函中的公司业务介绍。如果把它译为“我方是以上商品的出口商„„”，则不如译为“我方出口以上商品„„”简洁，符合目的语的表达习惯，这就自然涉及单词“exporters”的词性转换，即由原语的名词转译成译语的动词。这样，虽然形式上不同于原文，但在阅读效果上却和原文一致，更加符合译语的表达习惯。
3.2 句式转换
商务信函中，一方经常需要向另一方提出某种请求，希望对方采取某种行为，但若简单地统统使用祈使句“please„„”显然不太合适。因为信函所涉及的当事双方是贸易伙伴，理应地位平等，相互尊重，祈使句“please„„”稍显不够礼貌。另一方面，仅使用祈使句会使句式单一，容易让读者觉得枯燥、厌倦。所以，信函中经常会有这样的句型：“We would be delighted if you could„„”，“We would appreciate it if„„”。这些句式形式上显然不属于祈使句，而是陈述句，但实质上却是用陈述句的形式表示祈使句的内容，即，委婉地向对方提出要求，希望其能完成某个行为。翻译时，为了能够使译文简洁，往往会在形式上作一定的转换，译为“谨希„„，敬
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请„„，请„„”从而使其能够在内容、风格方面忠实于原文。如：
例3.It would be appreciated if you would let us know by returning your lowest possible price for the following goods on FOB London.译文一：如能报下列商品伦敦船上交货之最低价，我方将不胜感激。
译文二：请报下列商品伦敦船上交货之最低价。
再如：
例4.We should be appreciate it if you could provide us with all possible information on your market.译文一：如若贵方能提供贵方市场信息，我方将不胜感激。
译文二：谨希提供贵方市场信息。
上述两例中，译文一虽然在内容和形式上都很接近原文，但却稍显啰唆，不够简洁，而译文二准确地再现了原文的内容，同时却又不失礼貌和简洁，更加符合中文的表达习惯。
3.3 语态转换
除了句式的转换外，翻译商务信函的过程中，还经常涉及被动语态与主动语态间的转换，尤其是由原文的被动转换为译文的主动。由于中英文表达习惯的不同，或是出于礼貌及其他因素的考虑，英文商务信函中被动语态的使用比较普遍。翻译过程中应视情况而定，如译为中文的被动句后，译句不够简洁、生硬牵强，不符合中文的表达习惯时，不妨换个角度，试译成中文的主动句。如：
例5.Please be informed that，on account of the fluctuations of foreign exchanges the quotation is subject to change without previous notice.译文：兹告知贵方，由于外汇的波动，报价随时可能改变，不另行通知。
例6.Full information as to prices，quality，quantity available and other relative particulars would be appreciated.译文：请详告价格、质量、可供数量和其他有关情况。
3.4 拆译法
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从中英文的连接方式来看，中文属意合语言，即语句之间通过语义和内部逻辑关系实现连接，句子往往较短。而英语属形合语言，语句之间靠形式手段实现连贯。英语商务信函作为一种正式书面语言，其形合特征更加明显：往往从句层次复杂，频繁使用长句，其中分词短语、名词短语、介词短语、不定式短语、名词性从句、定语从句，及状语从句往往同时出现在一个长句中。由于英语的形合特征，虽然句子很长，但却依然层次分明，句义清晰，简洁有力。翻译时，往往需要根据中文的习惯进行拆译，从而使译文既忠实于原文的内容，同时又能按照中文的意合表达习惯再现原文的简洁。如：
例7.We have asked the Bank of China here to open a irrevocable letter of credit for US$5，000 in your favor and this will remain in force until April 20，2010.译文：本公司已经要求此地的中国银行开立一张不可撤销信用证，以贵方为受益人，金额为5000美元，该信用证有效期到2010年4月30日。
原文的前半句较长，含有两个介词短语（for US$5，000，in your favor），翻译时作了拆译处理，语义清晰，更符合中文的语言习惯。
结语
鉴于商务信函自身的文体特点以及中西方语言在表达习惯等方面的差异，在商务信函的翻译过程中，为了使译文具有与原文同样的文体特点：译文内容应正确、具体、完整、清晰，语言应简洁、礼貌、体谅，译者需要适当地在原文与译文之间进行转换，采用恰当的翻译技巧，如词类转换、语态转换、合分转换，及句式转换等，以实现原文与译文在内容和表达效果上的等值，从而使译文读者获得与原文读者一样的阅读反应。
参考文献
[1]马会娟.奈达翻译理论研究[M].北京：外语教学与研究出版社，2005.[2]林晓纯.功能对等理论下的商务信函翻译[J].长春师范学院学报（人文社科版），2012.[3]汤静芳.商务英语翻译[M].北京：对外经济贸易出版社，2007.最新【精品】范文 参考文献
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[4]谢建国.英语翻译[M].北京：机械工业出版社，2007.[5]朱香奇.实用商务英语翻译[M].长沙：湖南师范大学出版社，2007.------------最新【精品】范文
第二篇：商务信函翻译
Business Interpretation
Thanks 致谢
尽量避免用big words, 用commonly used words and phrases
拜访 call on/at visit, drop in(顺便）
写信致谢 write sb.…my thanks
及时（收到）duely on/in(due)time
相差十万八千里 we’re worlds apart
欢迎某人到某地 welcome adj.一般不用被动态（对某一举动表示欢迎）
随时欢迎 always at any time
深深感谢 a car-load appreciation
感谢be grateful
向您预致谢意，盼望早日得到满意的答复。
Thank you in anticipation/advance.Looking forward to your favorable reply.I would be grateful if my application could be taken into favorable
consideration.(优先考虑）
Your favorable consideration of my application would be greatly appreciated.如蒙即复，不胜感谢。
A prompt reply will be greatly appreciated.如蒙及时报价，不胜感激。
Your timely quotation will be greatly appreciated./We would be very gracious if you could quote timely/promptly.恭候佳音
Your favorable/early reply will be appreciated./ We would appreciate it if you could…
承蒙对鄙公司及产品之关心，特表感谢之意。
Your interest in our company and products is greatly appreciated.请随函附上贵方的价格单和一切必要的说明。
Please enclose your price list and all the necessary illustrations.请告大批订货的折扣。
Please inform us of the discount for a large order.请速寄备有存货的中等品质棉花样品和价格单，不胜感激。
We would appreciate your sending us immediately samples and sheet of your medium-quality cotton available from stock.请告贵方产品的规格细目。
Would you please let us have the particulars(and specifications)of your products?
敬请注意，我方客户急需合同货物。
(We)wish to draw your attention to the fact that our clients/customers are in urgent need of the contracted goods.请寄贵公司产品图解目录一份为荷。
It would be appreciated if you could send us an illustrated catalog of your products.According to the request in your letter, we are sending you a catalogue of our products.根据贵方来函要求，现寄上本公司产品目录一份。
We are pleased to inform you that goods have been dispatched today.货物今日业已启运，特此告知。
We hope to have the pleasure of serving you soon.希望能早日为贵方效劳。
In reply to your inquiry of 10th May, we are pleased to offer you the following.回复贵方5月10日报价，特报盘如下。
请即复，不胜感激。
Your prompt reply will be highly/greatly appreciated.恳请贵方从速办理本订单。
You’re kindly requested/asked to pay prompt attention to/deal with/handle this order promptly.请说服贵方客户接受我方销售条件，我们已与贵地其他客户按此条件做成了相当多的交易。We should be grateful if you could persuade your clients to accept our sales terms on which we have already concluded considerable businesses with clients at your end.请将货样及产品小册子一并寄来。
Please kindly send us samples and products packet/catalogue/pamphlet.建立贸易关系
我来这里是要和你们建立贸易关系。
I am here to establish trade relations with you.与贵方建立贸易关系是我们多年来的愿望。
It is our long-standing hope/wish to establish/that we might …/The
establishment of …is what we have hoped for years.我们写这封信是为了要和贵方建立业务关系。
We are writing to you in order to establish/ in the hope of establishing… 我们愿在平等互利、互通有无的基础上与贵公司建立业务联系。
On the basis of equality, mutual benefit and exchanging one has for what one needs,…
如贵公司有意与我方建立该商品的业务往来，请提出具体要求。
If you are interested in establishing/setting up …in this line, please let us know your specific requirements.本公司经营此项业务已有多年。
We have been in this line of business for many years.兹向您自我介绍，敝公司系国营单位，以经营轻工产品为主。
We wish to introduce ourselves to you as a state-run/state-owned/state-operated corporation dealing exclusively in light industry products.本公司致力于与各国和各地区的贸易和金融界的贸易往来。
We aim to/are active in /are specialized in trade and finance circles of different countries and regions/districts.本公司产品的出口是我省创汇的主要渠道之一。
The export of our goods contributes one of the major sources of /channels of making foreign exchanges in our province.我公司开业于1935年，因此对我们所经营的业务有着广泛的经验。
We have been in business since 1935 and therefore have wide experience in all the lines we handle/deal with.询盘和报盘
感谢贵方七月五日的询盘，另封寄上我方价格单和皮鞋样品。
We thank you for your inquiry of July 5 and are sending you, under separate cover, a sample of our leather shoes together with our price list.本公司各种电器一应俱全。
Our company can offer a full line of electric appliances.现另封寄上我方价格单，望能使贵方感兴趣。
We are now pleased to send you, under separate cover, our price list which we hope might be of interest to you/ might interest you.报价时请说明可供数量及最早交货期。
When you make offer/quotation, please indicate/specify the quantity available as well as your earliest time of delivery.感谢贵方六月七日的询价，现寄上带有插图的目录及价格明显单，对贵方询问的细节进行答复。
…we are sending you our illustrated catalogue and price list giving the details you asked for.这是我方最新型电脑的销售说明书。
Sales specifications/brochure/pamphlet
Sales literature(商品较大时）
of our latest model
我们想了解一下贵方在这方面的供货能力和销售条件。
We would like to know what you can offer in this line as well as your terms of sales.兹寄上我方形式发票第12号，按贵方要求一式三份。
We are pleased to send you herewith our Proforma Invoice No.12 in triplicate as requested.形式发票指的是对外贸易业务中卖方开给买方的假定发票，供进口商品以申请进口证或外汇。
因急需这些零配件，希望贵方见信后立即将形式发票寄来。
As the parts and accessories are urgently needed, we wish to receive your proforma invoice by return.应贵方之请求，今寄上我方报价单一式三份，并望能尽快收到贵方(长期）订单。
As requested, we are sending our quotation sheet in triplicate, and wish you would place your(long-term)order with us as soon as possible.这是我方报价单，请你方过目。
This is our inquiry(sheet)for your check/consideration.我方报价是经精确计算而且相当合适的。由于产品质量优异，在欧洲市场上十分畅销，我们已按此价格与其他客户做成了可观的生意。
The prices we quoted/our quotations are closely calculated and considerably moderate.Since these articles are best-selling in European markets thanks to their superior quality, considerable business/deal has been done with other customers at these prices.本报盘以你方本月底前接受为条件。
This offer is subject to your acceptance before the end of this month.我们现报盘如下，以你方答复九月五日（含九月五日）前到达为条件。
We are making you the following offer, subject to your reply reaching here on or before Sept.5th.本报盘有效期五天。
This offer holds good/ remains firm/open/valid for 5 days.在实盘情况下，我们通常保留有效期三天。
In case of firm offers, we usually keep our offers open for 3 days.以上报盘为虚盘（无约束力），所有订货将以我方书面接受为准。
The above offer is made without engagement(non-firm offer), and all orders will be subject to our written acceptance.他们就下列货品向我们报了虚盘。
They have made us a non-firm offer of the following items.订购、付款、交货
We are too heavily committed to be able to entertain fresh orders.我方承约太多，不能接受新的订单。
You are kindly requested to take into consideration when quoting the price that we may place regular orders for large quantities.贵方报盘时请考虑我们长期大量订货的可能性。
If you can place regular orders with us, we shall be willing to cut down our price.贵方若能长期订货，我们愿意降价。
Your order is receiving our immediate attention and you can depend on us to effect delivery well within your time limit.贵方订单正在及时处理中，请相信我们将在贵方时限内发运此货。
我方起订的数量是10吨，我们只接受10吨或以上的订单。
The minimum amount/quantity of an order for our goods is 10 tons.We accept orders only for quantities of 10 tons and up.由于你方没能如期交货，我们不能再接受你方货物，特此取消订单。
Due to your delay in delivery, we are no longer in the position to accept your goods.We hereby cancel our order.All business is to be transacted against confirmed and irrevocable letters of credit.所有交易都应采用保兑的不可撤销的信用证支付。
Payment is to be made by confirmed irrevocable letter of credit to be opened in our favour.我方要求以保兑的不可撤销的以我方为抬头的信用证付款。
因急需此货，我方确定七月底为交货截止日期。
As we need the goods urgently/the goods are urgently needed, we will set the end of July as deadline for delivery.由于一般公认的“不可抗力”原因而导致的迟交货或不能交货，卖方将不负任何责任。The seller will not be held responsible for late delivery or non-delivery of goods owing to generally recognized Force Majeure.我们通常用结实的新木箱作外包装。这种包装能防湿、防潮、防锈、不怕震动并经得起粗暴搬运。
We usually use new strong wooden cases for outer packing.Such packing can be well protected against dampness, moister, rust, and is able to stand shock and rough handling.Thank you for your attention and cooperation!
Wish you great success in life and career!
第三篇：商务信函的翻译
商务信函的翻译
一、何为商务信函
商务信函是商务活动中书面交流信息的主要手段之一，是企业对外公共宣传关系中重要的手段，对于树立良好的公司形象有着极为重要的意义。
商务信函涉及商务活动的各个环节，贯穿商务活动的始终，内容广泛，通常包括建立业务关系、询盘、发盘、还盘、受盘、订立合同、保险、装运、索赔等方面。
二、商务信函的要求
1.语言严谨准确
商务信函要求语言表达严谨准确,但在商务信函中恰当使用模糊语言,可以使语言表达更加客观准确、灵活生动、礼貌得体。
（1）商务英语信函经常以意义相同或相近的书面词语代替基本词汇和口语词汇，如以inform或advise代替tell，以duplicate代替copy，以dispatch代替send，以otherwise代替or；以介词短语代替简单的介词，如以as for，in respect to，in connection with和with regarding to等代替about等。例如：
We are pleased to advise you that your order NO.105 has been dispatched in accordance with your instruction.我们很高兴地通知你们：第105号订单货物已遵照你方指示运出。
We will meet you half way by offering a discount of 5% in view of our long pleasant relations.鉴于我们之间长期愉快的业务关系，本公司将酌情考虑给予5%的折扣。
（2）商务信函中经常使用here/there +介词构成的复合词，如hereafter，hereby，hereunder，hereto，hereinafter，herewith，thereafter，therein，therefrom等。例如：
All offers and sales are subject to the terms and conditions printed on the reverse side hereof.所有报盘和销售均应遵守本报价单背面所印的条款。
In such a case, Seller is bound to reimburse Buyer for any loss or damage sustained therefrom.在此次情况下，卖方负责偿还买方由此所遭受的损失。
2.内容清楚简洁
商务信函在内容表达上要言简意赅，能够传达足够信息且能够做到机智的表达。通常是直接简练，开门见山，忌过分修饰。一般根据写信者所要表达的中心
思想分段。正文每段的文字不会过长，尤其是开头和结尾，更常以简短为宜。
例如：“By this letter we would ask you to consider our proposal.”就不如”Please consider our proposal.” 简洁；而“Please let us know whenever we can be helpful.” 则比“Whenever there is any way in which we can be of assistance, please feel free to contact us.”表达好一些。
3．富于外贸术语和专业词汇
商务信函用词表意准确、专业性强，主要表现在使用大量的专业术语、行话、外来词、缩略语以及一般词语在商务英语语境中的特殊用法。
（1）专业术语类：
We shall cover TPND on your order.我们将为你方的货物投保盗窃和提货不着险。
It would be appreciated if you would let us know by returning your lowest possible price for the following goods on FOB London.请报下列商品伦敦船上交货之最低价。
（2）外来词类：
拉丁语的status quo（现状），意大利语的del credere（保付货价的），汉语中的litchi（荔枝），tungoil（桐油），mango（芒果）等。
（3）行话：
长期的函电交往使人们在使用术语上形成共识，本来意义差异很大的词汇在特定的语境中所表达的内涵和外延却非常相似。
Offer, quotation表示“报价，发盘”
Pamphlet, brochure, booklet, sales literature
表示商家用于宣传介绍自己公司或产品的“说明材料”
Shipment和consignmen表示“所发出的货物”
Financial standing/reputation/condition/position
表示公司的“资信财务情况”
Fulfill/complete/execute an order用于表示“执行订单”
A draft contract或a specimen contract 表示“合同样本”
（4）数量词的大量运用：
商务信函中的时间、价格、数量、金额、规格等问题贯穿商贸活动始终，数字的表达应言之确凿，避免摸棱两可，体现商务信函准确性。
四、商务信函的翻译原则
商务信函属于比较拘谨正式的公文体，行文端正，用字洗练，一般遵守商务英语的写作原则，即5“C”原则：正确（correctness）、简洁（conciseness）、清楚（clearness）、完整（completeness）、礼貌（courtesy）。具体来讲，有以下几方面内容。
1.遵循“忠实，通顺”的翻译标准
例如：“We have obtained your name and address from the Singapore Chamber of Commerce, who have told us that you wish to import electric goods manufactured in China.”原译为：“我方从新加坡商会处获悉贵方的名称和地址，得知贵方有意进口中国制造的产品。”此句的翻译应该说非常通顺，注重了信函的语言特点，但是它并没有做到忠实的原则，译文中漏译了“electric”。再如：“I have the honor to notify you that we have commenced a business as commission agents for British goods.” 原译为：“我很荣幸地告知你我们已经开始了一项业务，来作为英国货物的代理”。这句的翻译中绝对忠实于原文，但却不能够达到通顺的要求，让人读起来感到特别生硬，须调整语序译为：“我们已经开始了经营代销英国货物的业务，特此通告。”
2.注意信函结构程式化的翻译
英汉两种语言在信函结构程式上有一定的差别。如收（寄）信人的地址、写信时间及他们的位置都是不一样的，需要我们在翻译时做出适当的调整，以适应目的语的格式规范。例如：把英语地址由小到大的顺序译为汉语的由大到小的顺序，或者有时根据汉语的习惯把地址栏省去；把时间也由英语当中的日/月/年或月/日/年的顺序改译为汉语中的年/月/日的顺序。例如：
John Wanamaker68Fifth StreetPhiladelphia 11U.S.A
美国费城第十一邮区第五大街68号 约翰·华纳麦克先生November 20062006年11月2日
3.运用套译的翻译方法
（1）称呼语的套译
英文信函中常用的是“Dear Sir(s)/Madam/Gentlemen/Ladies”等，此处的“Dear”只是一种表示对收信人的尊称，是一种礼貌的习惯性表达方法，并不等同于汉语中的“亲爱的”，因此，根据汉语习惯我们可以套译为：“尊敬的阁下/先生/女士/夫人”，有时也可以套译为：敬启者、谨启者、执事先生、尊鉴、台鉴等。
（2）结尾敬语的套译
结尾敬语的表达方式有很多，例如：Yours faithfully，Faithfully yours，Yours truly，Best regard，Sincerely，Best wishes，Yours sincerely，Kind regards等等。它们可以直接套译为：“谨上、敬上、谨启、顺致敬意”等，而不能直接按照字面意思进行翻译。
（3）信函正文中一些敬辞和谦辞的套译
商务信函的一大特色就是措辞婉约、注重礼节、多用套语。英语商务信函中
频繁使用 appreciate，esteem，favor，grateful，kindly，oblige，please，pleasure，Allow us...，Permit us to...，May we...等等。而汉语中常用的一些敬辞包括：“您鉴、贵方、贵国、贵公司、阁下、敬复、敬悉、惠请、惠函、惠顾、赐复、奉告、承蒙、恭候”等等；常见的一些谦辞包括：“敝人、敝公司、敝处、卑职、愚见、拙见、拙作、拜读、过奖”等等。例如：
We have pleasure in acknowledging receipt of your esteemed favor of the 8th May.敬悉贵公司5月8日来函。
Kindly provide us with all possible information on your market.惠请告知你方市场详情。
4.要注意礼貌原则
礼貌原则，分为六大准则：策略准则、慷慨准则、赞誉准则、谦逊准则、一致准则、同情准则。这些准则解释了有的交际语言比较礼貌的原因，当然这并不意味着最礼貌的形式总是最合适的，因此在商务信函的翻译中我们也要这样对待。
（1）策略准则和慷慨准则
这两项准则常用于指令和承诺，对于咨询信息、发盘还盘、商议付款条件、索取免费产品以及就赔付方式进行交涉等方面比较适用。如：
Should you desire, we would be pleased to send you catalogs together with export prices and estimated shipping costs for these items.若贵方需要，本公司将乐意寄上目录以及这些项目的出口价格以及预估的运输费。
（2）赞誉准则和谦逊准则
这两项准则要求尽量减小对别人的贬损，夸大对别人的赞扬以及缩小对自己的赞扬，夸大对自己的贬损。在商务信函中这两项准则常见于试探合作意向、商谈合作细节或是感谢信当中。如：
We were pleased to know from your letter of 24th October of your interest in our products and enclose the catalogue and pricelist asked for.Also enclosed you will find details of our conditions of sale and terms of payment.奉读10月24日来函，欣悉你们对我们的产品有兴趣。兹附上你们所要求的商品目录和价目表，并附上我们的售货条件和付款方式。
（3）一致准则和同情准则
根据这一原则，贸易双方应尽量扩大一致，减少分歧。如：
We have gone into the matter and we are prepared to make you a reasonable compensation, but not the amount you claimed, because we cannot see why the loss should be 50% more than the actual value of the goods.我们已对此事进行调查，愿意对贵方给予合理赔偿，不过不是贵方索赔的金额，因为我们看不出损失何以超过货物实际价值的一半以上。
写信人在指出对方索赔金额数目不合理之前首先表明愿意承担相应责任，目的在于尽量消除谈判的障碍，从而扩展了双方的一致，确保了合作的顺利进行。
At any rate, we deeply regret to learn from you about this unfortunate incident and should it be necessary we shall be pleased to take the matter up on your behalf with the shipping company concerned.不管怎样，从贵方闻悉发生这一不幸事件，我们深表遗憾。如有必要，我们将很乐意代为贵公司向船方提出交涉。
以上这一事例真切地表达了贸易一方对遭受损失一方的慰问及希望给予对方帮助之意，充分体现了同情准则的要求。
五、实例分析
1.Dear Mr.Blake,I am sorry that we cannot accept your request for delay in delivery.Our project is in great need of these builiding materials, otherwise we cannot complete the task.If it is impossible for you to deliver them on time, we shall have to cancel the order.We are sorry to cause you any inconvenicence.Thank you for your understanding.Yours sincerely,CON Build Company
尊敬的布莱克先生：
很抱歉，我们不能同意您延迟交货的请求。
我们的工程急需这批建筑材料，否则将无法完工。如果您不能按时交货，我们只好取消订单。
给您带来不便，我们深感抱歉。感谢您的理解。
CON建筑公司谨上
2.Dear Sir or Madam,I am writing to request further information about your latest products.May i ask you to provide me with their detailed information on prices, delivery costs and the like?
I wonder if there are any discounts available for bulk order.In addition, do you
accept an overseas order?
I appreciate your early response.Yours sincerely,Bill Smith
敬启者：
谨以此信询问贵公司最新产品的相关信息。贵方能否提供价格、配送成本等详细的产品信息？
我方想知道大宗订单能否有折扣？另外，请问贵公司接受海外订单吗？ 及早回复不胜感激。
比尔·史密斯敬上
3.敬启者：
谨以此信询问贵公司产品相关信息。
我方想知道贵公司数码相机的价格。另外，如果我们大量订购，可否给我方折扣？如果能给予折扣的话，这么一大笔订单，贵公司通常给多少折扣？
请您在方便时尽早回复。
泰勒·汉斯谨启
Dear Sir or Madam,I am writing to request some information about your product.We would like to know the price of your digital cameras.Moreover, if we place a large order, is it possible for you to give us any discount? If so, how much discount do you usually allow for such a large order?
Kindly let us have your reply at your earliest convenience.Yours sincerely,Ted Hans
第四篇：商务信函的翻译handout
外贸信函翻译
商务信函的文体特点 1.词语使用特点 1）用词规范正式
正式词汇，基本词汇和非正式词汇并存，多使用正式词汇和中性词汇，体现商务公函规范正式，公事公办的特点。
We are pleased to advice you that your order No.103 has been dispatched in accordance with your instruction.In accordance with your request, we are sending you herewith our price list and some pamphlets.We will meet you half way by offering a discount of 5% in view of our long pleasant relations.All offers and sales are subject to the terms and conditions printed on the reverse side hereof.In such a case, Seller is bound to reimburse Buyer for any loss or damage sustained therefrom.2）.表意准确、专业性强
大量使用专业术语，行话，外来借词，缩略语及一般词汇在商务语境中的特殊用法。Trimming charges平仓费 Insurance policy 保险单 Coverage 险别 Premium 保险费 Underwriter 保险人 Establishment 开证 Counteroffer 还盘
Proforma invoice 形式发票
We shall cover TPND on your order.我们将为你方的货物投保。
It would be appreciated if you would let us know by return your lowest possible price for the following goods FOB London.Average is of two kinds;General Average and Particular Average.The vendor shall deliver the goods to the vendee by June 15.The market here for this product is active, and the best price we can offer is US $ 150 or over per long ton.3）.用语朴素，淡于修饰 Dear Sirs, Thank you for your interest in our fireworks.In reply to your enquiry of November 10, we are really sorry to say that we cannot divulge any of our sales information.We hope this will not bring you too much inconvenience.Yours truly，2．句子结构特点 1）句式正规完整
正式书面英语，频繁使用复句，分词短语，不定式短语，插入语，同位结构，独立主格结构等。
In order to facilitate business in consideration of the present monetary stringency, the corporation, on behalf of which I am studying this proposition, is willing to base transaction on trade by barter and would import any articles, which you would ship to the United States.2）用陈述句表示委婉的祈使意义。
We should be glad to have your immediate shipping instructions.We should be obliged if you would send us by air a copy of the packing list for the shipment to be dispatched by sea.3)大量使用套语
3.礼貌，委婉语气的把握
We have not received your payment of the balance of US& 5 000.We regret having to remind you that we have not received your payment of the balance of US $ 5,000.使用please Please see to it that your goods meet our requirements.使用be grateful(obliged)We should be grateful/ obliged if you could provide us with all possible information on your market.使用invite We wish to invite/ draw/ call your attention to the fact that the buyers are in urgent need of the contracted goods.Thank you for your letter of June 6 and we enclose our Order No.2245 for ladies’ shoes.With reference to your letter of May 6, we are pleased to give an order for the following.This is a trial order.Please send us 35 sets only so that we may tap the market.If successful, we will give you large orders in the future.If you can accept &275 and send us a proforma invoice, we will open a letter of credit for 1 000 sets.商务信函翻译要点
1.商务英语信函翻译原则
The duplicate shipping documents including bill of lading, invoice, packing list and inspection certification were airmailed to you today.Please be informed that, on account of the fluctuations of foreign exchanges the quotations is subject to change without previous notice.Full information as to prices, quality, quantity available and other relative particulars would be appreciated.We are looking forward to a favorable reply.Would you let us know what your terms of payment are? We should be grateful if you would give us further details of Chinese leather shoes.Please inform us how soon you can make delivery.1）熟悉普通词语的特殊表达意义
The product will find a good market in USA.At present, we cannot entertain your counteroffer, as our price is quite reasonable.You claim should be supported by sufficient evidence.We shall take out insurance at this end under our Open Policy.2）理解原文结构，语法和逻辑关系
The goods we received contrary to our instructions are packed in wooden cases without iron hoops.Please note that the 200 machine tools you ordered on September 15 will be dispatched tomorrow by rail to San Francisco for shipment by s.s Sichuan, which leaves for Shanghai on October 28.we enclose our invoice and shall draw on you at sight against this shipment through Bank of China here, as agreed.We ask you may place with us will always be carefully attended to.翻译下列信件： Dear Sirs, Our market survey informs us that you are a big buyer of Cotton Piece Goods.As this item falls within the scope of our business activities, we take this opportunity to express our wish to establish direct business relations with you at an early date.In order to give you a general idea of the various kinds of Cotton Piece Goods now available for export, we enclose a brochure and a price list.Quotations and sample books will be airmailed to you upon receipt of your specific inquiry.We look forward to your favorable reply.Yours faithfully, Gentlemen, I have been informed that MARBLE is being imported and used in your country in the manufacture of figures, art objects, architectural ornaments and for many other purposes.There are quantities of this item here, in different weights and sizes, with varied colours and shapes.The price is very reasonable and the quotations will be given upon request.In order to promote business of mutual benefit, I am willing to exchange goods with you.I’ll be glad to hear from you at an early date and possibly, with all particulars.You will have my immediate attention.Yours Sincerely，Dear Sirs, Your inquiry of Sept.10 has received our attention, and thank you for your interest in our leather
shoes and handbags.A copy of our illustrated export catalogue will be sent to you today.All the goods we supply are made from leather of the very best quality.The bright colors and elegant designs together with the super workmanship can meet the requirement of a fashion trade such as yours.A representative of our company is now in Hong Kong.He will be pleased to call on you next week with a full range of samples of our hand-made lines.He is authorized to discuss the terms of order with you or negotiate a contract.We shall be most grateful if you will give him the benefit of your advice and assistance.Your truly, Dear Sirs, We have carefully studies your letter of Dec.14.As our two firms have done business with each other for so many years, we should like to grant your request to lower the prices of our underwear.But there are difficulties.Our cost of raw materials has risen sharply in the past three months and to reduce prices by 5% you mentioned could not be done without considerably lowering our standards of quality.This is something we are not prepared to do.Instead of 5% reduction on underwear, we suggest a reduction of 3% on all lines.On orders of this size we would manage to make the reduction without lowering our standards.We hope you will agree to our counter-suggestion and we look forward to receiving orders from you as in the past.Yours truly, Shipping instructions Gentlemen, We are in receipt of your telegram of May 6, from which we understand that you have booked our order for 2 000 dozens of shirts.In reply, we have the pleasure of informing you that the confirmed, irrevocable Letter of Credit No.7634, amounting to $ 17 000, has been opened this morning through the Commercial Bank, Tokyo.Upon receipt of the same, please arrange shipment of the goods booked by us with the least possible delay.We are informed that s.s.“Wuxi” is scheduled to sail from your city to our port on May 28.We wish that the shipment will be carried by that steamer.Should this trial order prove satisfactory to our customers, we can assure you that repeat orders in increased quantities will be placed.Your close cooperation in this respect will be highly appreciated.In the meantime we look forward to your ship advice.Yours sincerely，Dear Sirs, We are writing to you at the suggestion of our Commercial counselor’s Office of the Embassy in your country.We take the liberty to introduce ourselves as exporters of silk piece goods, which we have been exporting to Europe and Japan.We are specialized in the above business and recall that many years ago, considerable business was done with your country on such items.Now that the diplomatic relation between our two countries has been established, we are desirous of establishing direct business relations with your corporation, knowing that you are the buyer of silk piece goods.We shall be grateful if you will let us know whether you are interested in the above items.If so，please inform us of the quality required.Yours faithfully
Dear Sirs, We hae received with thanks your letter dated March 17, 2006 and wish to extend you our warm welcome for your desire to establish business contact with us.We are a state-operated enterprise, and wish to carry on trade with manufactures and merchants of all countries on the basis of quality and mutual benefit for the development of commercial relations with people of different nations.In compliance with your request, we are enclosing herewith our catalog and a range of pamphlets for your guidance.If you find any of the articles illustrated in the pamphlets of interest, please let us have your specific enquiries so as to enable us to send you our quotations.Yours faithfully，August 15, 2006 Vemeer Manufacturing Company P.O.Box 200/3840 New Sharon Road Pella, Iowa 50129 U.S.A Gentlemen, From the samples sent us on June 5, we have made selections, and have the pleasure of handing you the following order, which we commend to your immediate and best attention, viz:
500 chests of Ceylon Black Tea，500 sacks of Brazilian Coffee, not ground.Kindly forward these by fast freight, Enclosed please find a draft as per price list you sent us.Yours truly，F.McFARLAND & Co.(signature)President Dear Sirs, From your letters of April 2 we note that you wish to have a change in payment terms.We regret that we cannot accept your proposal because our usual terms of payment by confirmed and irrevocable letter of credit remain unchanged in all ordinary cases.For future shipment, however, we shall do our best to fulfill your orders within the time we agreed.We trust you will appreciate our cooperation.Yours sincerely，Dear Mr.Johnson, Would you please quote for delivery and installation of new furniture for the refectory and office of our company? 1.The refectory area is approximately 30mX20m and we require six dining tables, each with four chairs from your No.4 range, and twelve “Junior Executive” chairs.2.Would you please quote price inclusive of transportation and insurance, and informs us when
delivery will take place? We look forward to receiving quotation soon, as we shall need to make a final decision in the matter before the end of this financial year.Yours sincerely，Purchasing Department Manger 答复函
Dear Mr.Holmes, “Export Guides for Asia” is being mailed to you today with our compliments.If you need additional copies, just let me know.You’ll see in the circular enclosed that International Air Cargo also has available export guides to other areas.If you have to use any of the guides listed, just drop me a note and I’ll send them.Please be assured, Mr.Holmes, that if there is any way that International Air Cargo can assist you with your exporting problems, we’d be delighted to hear from you.Thank you for your writing.Yours sincerely, 答复函 Dear sirs, We are delighted at the receipt of your letter of 7th April and note what you write.We note with pleasure that you are sending us samples of imitation Fancy Earl Necklaces and Earrings, on receipt of which we shall examine same along with the price-list you have furnished us with, and if your designs are quite acceptable to our clents and prices competitive, we shall immediately pass on our orders.We have also received Price-list of Toys and Pens, but we would say that we should like to have some latest designs, which have not yet come to our market, and if you can furnish us with such items, we shall be obliged if you will kindly let us have a couple of samples of these, as our clients would like to see samples before placing their orders.You can rest assured that we shall do our best to pass on our orders.Yours faithfully，Martin Thomas
President of California Trading Company 拒绝函 Dear Sirs: We are informed in your letter of October 22 that our price for the above article is too high, since Japanese goods are being offered to you at a price approximately 10% lower than that quoted by us.Although we do not doubt about what you say, we are of the opinion that the quality of other makes does not measure up to that of our products.Desirous as we are to expand our business with you, we feel very regretful that we cannot accept your counteroffer or even meet your half-way.The best we can do is to make a reduction of 2% in our previous quotation.We hope you will direct the attention of your users to the superior quality of our products.We hope to hear from you soon.Yours truly
第五篇：英语商务信函的翻译
第七讲 英语商务信函的翻译
一，商务信函的定义和功能
二，商务信函的分类
根据功能，商务信函可分为商务应酬函和商务业务函。
商务应酬函：感谢信、祝贺信、慰问信、邀请信等。
商务业务函：
建立业务关系函（cooperation intention）；
产品推销函（promotion）
资信查询函（credit inquiry）
询盘函（inquiry）
发盘还盘函（offer and counter-offer）
订购函（purchase）
装运通知函（shipment）
支付结算函（payment）
索赔函（claim）
保险函（insurance）
三，商务信函的篇章结构
Nov.11, 2005
Dear Mr.Li,We are considering providing each of our sales representations with a pocket calculator.We saw your Model AMB displayed at Guangzhou Commodities Fair last month and found that it would fill your needs very well.We know that AMB costs US $36.2 each, but we wonder whether there is a trade discount for fairly large quantities.Our first order would be 200.Besides the price information, we also need complete details about your services, warranties, carrying case, battery-any information that may help us in making the purchase decision.Your prompt reply would be appreciated.Cordially yours,Max Wolf
Deputy Manager
尊敬的李先生：
您好!
我公司正在考虑为每位销售代表配备一台袖珍计算器。而我们从上月举行的广交会上看到贵方展出的AMB 型，认为这款计算器能满足我方要求。
据我所知，AMB 每台售价36.2 美元，不知大批订购是否另有优惠，我方首批订货将为200台。
除价格信息外，我方还想了解有关贵方服务、保修、携带护套、电池等细节，即有助于我方做出购买决定的任何信息。
敬请回复。
此致
敬礼
马克斯 ﹣沃尔夫
（公司副经理）
2005年11月11日
四，中英文商务信函的共同特点及翻译
1.用词庄重规范
Eg：We are sending you herewith our quotation sheet for cotton tablecloth Article Nos.510 and 514.The respective quantities available for prompt shipment are indicated therein.Enclosed please find the quotation sheet.All offers and sales are subject to the terms and conditions printed on the reverse side hereof.An order blank and addressed envelope are enclosed herein for your convenience.In view of the fact that your violation of the contract has caused us undeserved losses.We regret to say that we have concealed the contract and we reserve the right to claim damages.2.用词礼貌客气
例：贵公司*年*月*日的贸易查询函收悉。
We are pleased to have received your trade inquiry of ~~~
敬请告知贵方是否需要更多的宣传手册或在展示会场发放的其他资料。
Please kindly let us know whether you would like additional brochures or any of the materials that were handed out at the convention.可能因一时疏忽，支票还未签名，现寄还贵方，烦请补签。
Probably through an oversight, the check was not signed, and we are returning it to you for your kind signature.Please kindly send us your price list and catalogue.In reply to your enquiry of Jan 7, 1999, I respectfully offer my latest quotation herewith.Much to our regret, we have not been given a reply, nor have we received your L/C up to the time of writing.Your priority to the consideration of the above request will be appreciated.3.用词专业准确
Eg：We shall cover TPND on your order.我们将为贵方货物投盗窃和提货不着险。
The credit shall be payable against presentation of the draft drawn on the opening bank and the shipping documents specified in Article 13 hereof.信用证凭开户银行所开汇票和第十三款规定的装运单据支付。
货款必须用以我方为受益人而开立的、不可撤销的即期信用证支付。Payment shall be made by irrevocable L/C at sight to be opened in our favour.只承担水渍险和战争险，如要求其他附加险别，额外保险费得由贵方承担。
Insurance covers WPA and WR only.Should additional insurance coverage be required, all extra premium thus incurred shall be for your account.4.多用肯定句，少用否定句。
a.Your letter is not clear at all and I cannot understand it.b.If I understand your letter correctly, I would immediately accept your offer.a.We cannot fill your order because you failed to send your check.b.We shall be glad to fill your order as soon as we receive your check.如蒙惠告上述货物更多详情，则非常感激。
We should be very grateful if you would furnish us further details of the goods mentioned above.很高兴寄送贵方第2090号询价单所列货物样品供贵方参考，望贵方感兴趣。
We have pleasure in sending you the samples of the goods listed on your inquiry sheet No.2090 for your consideration, and hope that they will be of interest to you.Nov.11, 2005
Dear Mr.Li,We are considering providing each of our sales representations with a pocket calculator.We saw your Model AMB displayed at Guangzhou Commodities Fair last month and found that it would fill your needs very well.We know that AMB costs US $36.2 each, but we wonder whether there is a trade discount for fairly large quantities.Our first order would be 200.Besides the price information, we also need complete details about your services, warranties, carrying case, battery-any information that may help us in making the purchase decision.Your prompt reply would be appreciated.Cordially yours,Max Wolf
Deputy Manager
公司副经理）
2005年11月11日
June 20, 2003
Dear Sirs,Thank you for your letter of June 8, 2003, offering US $18 per dozen.In reply, we very much regret to say that we find your price rather high and out of line with prevailing market level.Such being the case, it is impossible for us to accept your price, as the goods of similar quality are easily obtainable here at a lower figure.Should you be prepared to reduce your limit by, say, 5%, we might come to terms.It is in view of our
long-standing business relationship that we make you such a counter-offer.As the market is declining, we hope you will consider our counter-offer most favorably and answer us as soon as possible.Sincerely yours, Peter Johnson.(Trade Department)
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