英语商务信函的语言特征及其文体特点剖析

第一篇：英语商务信函的语言特征及其文体特点剖析

[摘要] 英语商务信函作为一种体裁, 属于边缘文体, 同时具有书面语和口语的文体特征。本文旨在从语言的角度, 商务英语论文题目在例证的支持下, 就该体裁的文体特征和语言特征进行讨论。

[关键词] 商务信函;文体特征;语言特征

一、商务信函的概念和特点

商务信函(以下简称商函)是企业用于联系业务、商洽交易事项的信函, 适用于不相隶属机关之间商洽工作,询问和答复问题, 请求批准和答复审批事项。从商函往来企业之间没有隶属关系, 其性质是相互商洽相互询问和答复这两个方面看, 商函和函有一致性。但商函和函的使用主题不同。商函的使用主体是企业或企业的代表人;函的使用主体是国家机关、社会团体、企事业单位。从制作上讲, 函要执行国家技术监督局发布的《国家行政机关公文格 式 》(GB/T9704-1999)和 《 发 文 稿 纸 格 式 》(GB8026-1989)的规定;商函没有严格的规定, 按照惯例来制作。从文书内容上讲, 函比较宽泛, 商函则仅限于交易磋商。商函与私人信函的区别非常明显。私人信函是个人使用, 内容是私人事务。商函和公关文书中的感谢信、慰问信等专用书信也不同。企业也使用这些书信, 但所针对的事项和所要达到的目的都和商函不一样。商函和国家机关、企事业单位、社会团体使用的便函也不同。企业也使用便函。便函也和商函一样没有固定的体式, 但便函的内容和函一样比较宽泛。

商函有这样几个较为明显的特点:

1、内容单一。商函以商品交易为目的, 以交易磋商为内容。这不适用与商品交易无关的事情。同时, 商函内容单一还体现了在一文一事上, 即一份商函只涉及某一项交易, 而不同时涉及几项交易。

2、结构简单。商函因内容单一, 段落较少, 篇幅也较短, 整体结构比较简单, 所以看上去一目了然。这种简单明了的结构, 体现了商函完全服务于交易的实用功能, 便于对方阅读和把握。

3、语言简练。商函以说明为主, 或介绍业务范围, 或报知商品品种与价格, 或提出购买品种与数量,或要求支付货款, 或通知货物发运和到达的日期, 直截了当, 言简意明。

二、英语商函的种类及范例

英语商函基本上可以分为交易磋商函和争议索赔函两大类。交易磋商是交易双方就买卖某种商品及交易条件如品质、规格、数量、包装、价格、支付方式、交货、提货等进行协商, 若协商一致则达成协议的过程。交易磋商有口头磋商和书面磋商两种。书面磋商包括通过信函磋商和通过电报、电传磋商等方式。交易磋商过程中形成的信函即交易磋商函(范例 1 及范例 2)。当然, 随着科技的发展, 通讯技术日益发达, 电报、电传等传统方式已淡出人们的视野。传真、电子邮件的应用变得十分普遍。本文中的信函概念,便排除了电报、电传这两种传统的交流方式。

在履行合同过程中, 只要买卖双方中的任何一方认为另一方没有履行或没有全部履行合同所规定的义务, 如拖延交货, 交货数量、品质、包装与规定不符, 不按规定支付货款, 无理拒收货物等, 均会引起交易纠纷, 发生争议。争议发生后, 受损方可向违约方提出索赔要求, 而违约方则需要就受损方的索赔要求做出答复或受理受损方的索赔要求。争议发生过程中或争议发生后索赔理赔过程中使用的函即争议索赔函(范例 3)范例 1:

Dear Sirs,In reply to your esteemd letters of Feb.13, we are now sending you our latest price list, together with our illustrated catalogue.In the above-mentioned list, you can see we have bid you the lowest prices and offered our best goods.We believe that will make you give us your valued orders.We are waiting for your immediate reply.Yours faithfully

范例 2:

Dear Mr.Johnson,We are really grateful on receiving your letter of Nov.3 in which you showed great interest in our products.Actually, we have an agncy in Shanghai , China , through which we sell our products in China.Therefore, we have passed your letter on to them, adking them to consider it soon.You will surely receive their letter.Thank you very much for your interest in our products.Hope that can satisfy you.Yours sincerely

范例 3:

Dear Mr Douglass,We refer to your previous letter sent on Feb.28, 2000 in which you were asked to clear the balance of $600 000 which had been outstanding since January.As you have not replied to the letter, you leave little choice for us but to place the matter in the hands of solicitors, However, we are reluctant to do this and are offering you further month to settle the account.Yours sincerely

三、英语商务信函的文体特征

英语商务信函有其独特的文体(style)和格式(format).一般来说, 英语商务信函应做到:

(一)清晰(clarity)

清晰就是指写信者将所需传递的信息表达清楚, 以免对方产生误解。下面一例就句义含糊, 容易使人产生误解:Mr.S mith wrote to Mr.wang that he had received his order.商函的这一文体特点要求我们要特别注意:

1.缩写: 除了少数国际商业界确认的缩写, 如: CIF(到岸价), FOB(离岸价)外, 应尽量避免使用缩写, 尤其是机构或组织名称, 量好写出它的全部字母。

2.数字: 不同的国家的人对某些数字的表达方式也不一样, 例如: 英国人和美国人对“billion”和“million”的理解就不一样。又如 4.255, 法国人喜欢写成 4 255(英国人会以为是四千二百五十五), 所以最安全的办法是数字和文字同时使用。例如:￡10 575.90(ten thousand five hundred and seventy-five pounds, ninety pence)

3.介词: 数字如果要用介词则须十分小心。下列三个例句中, 因为介词不同, 句子表达的意思不同。The price had increased to＄20.价格提高到 20 美元。

The price had increased by＄20.价格提高了 20 美元。

The price had increased from ＄20.价格从 20 美元提高。

(二)简洁(conciseness)

商函要尽可能简洁明了, 采用通俗易懂的语言和简明扼要的格式, 避免使用陈旧的套话(cilcheˊ)和没什么实际意义的词语。简而短的词通常是最好的词, 赘言繁语打印阅读起来, 既费时又费力, 不符合商函明确直接的特点,也不受现代人欢迎。同时还要注意句子的长度(length of sentences).据统计(Leech and Short, 1981),英语句子的平均长度为 17.8 个词, 也就是说每个句子平均由 17.8 个词构成。

在所有 13 个句子中, 有 7 个句子平均用词低于 16个。可以看出, 英语商函应行文流畅, 言简意赅, 避免冗长,用尽可能少的文字表达其必须传递的信息。正确的分段也是商函简洁的一种途径。一事一段这一规则能够使信函更清晰, 阅读更方便, 看起来也较简洁、整齐。

(三)礼貌(corrtesy)

收信交往, 需以礼待人。虽然商函要求简洁明了, 开门见山, 但也要保持礼节。不论写何种信函都要写得客气而有分寸。复信要及时要体贴, 设身处地想到对方, 尊重对方的风俗习惯。当然, 这些并不意味着低三下

四。要做到不卑不亢。例如: 1)Thank you for your letter of March 3, 2005.2)Please feel free to let us know if you need more information.(四)准确(Accuracy)

一封信能反映出公司的面貌。所以在写商务信函时,除了内容要明白无误外, 还要注意准确性。

1.注意正确书写收信人的职称、姓名和地址(title,name and address)。地址写错, 信件不能及时到达收信人手里, 会给双方都带来很大不便, 而且还给对方造成你工作疏忽大意的印象。同样将收信人的职称或姓名写错也是很不礼貌的, 也会给对方留下不良印象, 所以要格外小心。你不知道对方的性别, 最好写: Dear Sir or Madam.如果你知道对方的性别和姓名, 则最好写 Dear Mr.XX 或 Dear Mrs.XX.如果是给对方回信, 最好写清楚你指的是哪 一天的来信。例如: With reference to your letter of April 6,2000.2.注明随信附件(Enclosure)。

如果你随信寄去附件的话, 一般宜在信中说明。例如: Enclosed please find这时千万别忘了附寄你信中提及的附件, 而且注意不要搞错。

四、英语商务信函的语言特征

(一)词汇特点

1.常用词语。英语商函可能因商品、标题而异, 但作为一种文体, 在用词方面逐渐形成了固定的格局和常用的词汇。一些普通的英语单词, 在外贸中可能被赋予了一些完全不同的意思。Confidence(信心),在状况咨询信函(status enquiries)中就可能是“绝密”的意思, 相应的我们就有了 confidentially(绝密地)一词。Average(平均数;普通的)在保险中则为“海损”的意思。其他的词, 比如表示度量衡的词metric ton(公吨)long ton(长吨);表示包装容器的 carton(箱), wooden case(木箱)container(集装箱)等, 都是外贸业务中常见的词汇。它们的特殊意义会给初学者造成理解、记忆上的困难, 尤其是一些外贸术语, 像 accepting bank(承兑行), confirming band(保兑行), insurance policy(保险单), bill of lading(提单)等, 更需要学习者勤于思考, 不断积累。

2.大词固定性及动词的简单化趋势。

英语词汇主要包括两类: 拉丁语系词(latinate words)和安格鲁•萨克逊词(Anglo-Saxon words)。拉丁词源词汇源于拉丁美洲, 希腊,法国, 包括拉丁语, 希腊语, 法语的一些词汇。它们经常应用于科教, 宗教, 官方语言, 也就是说它们频繁地出现在正式文体中。拉丁词源的词汇能达到一种冷静庄重的效果。相反, 安格鲁•萨克逊词是英语国家人们的基本词汇。由于他们从小就耳濡目染, 这些词经常出现在非正式文体中。据统计, 大约是 70%-90%的安格鲁•萨克逊词在正式文体中常被拉丁语系词所取代, 如 replace 代替 put back, surrender 代替 give up , 所以在一定程度上拉丁语系词出现的百分比成为该文(text)正式性程度的标志。

但是, 由于很多的拉丁语系词已成为英语国家人们的基本词汇, 如 school, pen, money 等, 它们已经不能成为正式文体的标志了。所以, 更为可靠的是看多音节的拉丁语系词在文中出现的频率。这些多音节词通常为有三个或三个以上音节的词, 即所谓的“大词”。由于这种词所具有的冷静客观逻辑性强的色彩, 使其运用有益作者可靠性的树立。通过这种词, 作者对所谈话题和对收信人的认真程度也能很容易地体现出来。在建立贸易往来的信函中经常使用 opportunity, establishment, advantage, appreciate, catalogue

materialize 等大词: 询盘、报盘时使用 competitive, confidence。Satisfactory, available, immediately 等, 也都是商函中常用的大词。

另外, 英语商函的另一个词汇特色也值得探讨, 即动词的简单化趋势, 尤其是限定动词。在英语句子中, 最普遍的句法顺序是 S(subject, 主语)+V(verb, 动词)+X(object, complement and/or adverbial 宾语, 补足语, 状语)。在英语商函中, 简洁的限定动词, 如 be, have, think, make, ask, believe, trust 等, 能够淡化读者对主语(S)和动词(V)所包含信息的注意力, 从而将注意力集中到 X 部分, 因为句子所要表达的新的和重要的信息通常放在 X 部分。例如;(1)We find both quality and prices satisfactory.(2)We trust you will understand that it is impossible for us to meet your wishes in this case.短语常见于口语表达中, 在英语商函中也呈简单化趋势。无论是短语动词、介词短语、名词短语, 在英语商函中都应以简单易懂为准则。交易不能接受: The deal is no acceptable.如用 The deal isn't on.则生涩难懂。I don, t understand you.与 I, m not with you.比较,后者显得漫不经心,太口语化。我们也不能把有财政困难的公司描述成 be on the rocks。以简易为准则, 短语表达从数量上看呈下降趋势, 抑或是已简单化了。请参看下面几例:

(二)语法特点

(1)with regard to about 关于

(2)in order to to 为了

(3)prior to before 在 之前

(4)the month of March for March 三月

1.多用简单短句。

商函文体特点要求信件必须用尽可能少的语言有效地传达信息。实现这样目的, 它的语言必须简练, 因此简单句出现的较多。尤其是范例 2.总共 6句 72 个词,平均句长仅为 12 个词, 大大低于通常的书面语。当然, 简单句不一定必须要“简”。如果它的大多数的短语成分都很复杂的话, 它也相应地复杂起来。比如, 在范例 3 中, We refer to your previous letter sent on Feb.28, 2000 in which you were asked to clear the balance of$600 000 which had been outstanding since January.此句为复杂的简单句, 定语从句成分复杂。

但也不难看出, 在使用了较长的句子进行说理或表事之后, 后面的句子句长往往会下降, 甚至是骤降。因为短句节奏急促跳跃, 更容易被人记住和激发读者的情绪。例 2 告诉对方能向订货商所在国的代理商订购, 不可以直接向总公司订货, 例 3 中要求付款这些最重要的信息都放在短句之中。

2.代词模式。

英语商函的另一个特点就是“个人参与”(personal participation),也就是说有意要说一些“你们如何如何”“我们如何如何”之类的话。所以要有个参与,是为了使人感 到一种亲切感 , 不至于显得冷冰冰地无视读 者。我 们 在 英 语 商 函 写 作 中 , 通 常 会 采 取 所 谓 的“You-attitude”(对方态度)。主语的选择通常为 you , 几乎不使用 “I-attitude”(我方态度)。使用我方态度时也应用we-attitude,即“I”的复数形式。本文的三个范例较好地显示出了这一特点。除了人称代词, 物主代词的使用也较为频繁。参看例句:

(1)Your letter ofJuly23, 2000 arrived this morning.(2)Thank you for our immediate reply.3.前置修饰加重。

在有限的篇幅中, 浓缩较大的信息量的方法之一是加重名词修饰语的分量。这是英语商函的另一个鲜明的句法特点。尤其是在货物描述、包装、保险和付款方式方面, 商函语言给人以这样一种印象, 仿佛每遇名词出现必然带有前置修饰语。例如: Out usual terms of payment are by confirmed and irrevocable letter of credit.类似的例子还有: Our petal-drop is a special blend of mild soap less oils , delicately perfumed herbal essences and the gentlest of toning agents-all combined with loving care to give that oh-so-good-to-be-alive feeling.前置修饰语的浓缩和引长是当代英语变化的一个倾向, 尤见与报纸期刊。运用于英语商函中, 它能够扩大语句的信息容量。同时, 前置修饰语的选择和提炼也是商函语言的追求实效和流畅的一个重要体现。

(4)现在时最普通。从时态说, 英语商函通常使用现在时, 过去的时态用得很少。本文中的三个范例中, 所有主句都没有使用过去时态。有四处使用现在完成时, 所强调的也是目前的状态。现在进行时的使用有两处, 其余大多为一般现在时。一般现在时的广泛应用使信函内容带上了客观、有力的意味, 这也正是我们写信人所要追求的效果。

请现观察下例:

We appreciate your cooperation and trust that the shipment will turn out to your entire satisfaction情态动词的过去时在英语商函中使用只是其原形的婉转礼貌用法, 并不表示过去时间:

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the stipuations in the relative credit should strictly conform to the terms in our sales confirmation.(5)其他常用结构

① 介词词组。介词词组出现频率高也是英语商函的一个句法特点。其作用在于准确而简练地反映各事物之间的时间、空间、隶属、依附、因果等逻辑关系。

After examination, We find the shipment of high standard and are satisfied with the quality supplied by you.Our offer is firm for 5 days and we expect to hear from you by the end of this month.We have pleasure in sending you sales contract No.123 in duplicate for 400,000 metric tons of soybean, one copy of which please sign and return to us for our file.以上三例使用了大量的介词短语。记住其搭配, 理清介词短语之间的关系, 这是我们学习英语商函写作的一

个要点。

②被动式。有时为了避免使用过多的人称代词做主语, 也为了做出客观的表述, 英语商函也会使用被动语态。被动语态比主动结构更加经济、紧凑。Payment is to be made against sight draft drawn under a confirmed, irrevocable letter of credit.③非谓语动词。在英语商函中, 定语从句和状语从句使用尤多。但是为了达到表达精练、结构紧凑的目的, 英语商函英语在可能的情况下总是将定语从句压缩成由分词短语或不定式短语构成的后置定语, 将状语从句压缩成有从属连词短误或形容词短语构成的状语。

We have received your order, asking us for 3,000 metric tons of groundnuts.For the goods ordered we require payment to be made by letter of credit.As soon as we receive your reply in the affirmative, we shall confirm supply of the prints at the prices stated in your letter.Further details, if required, will be gladly furnished.五、小结

商函作为一种体裁, 具有某些固定文体特征和语言特证。在文体风格方面, 商函首先必须简洁、明了、礼貌、准确。在此基础上, 运用自己的词汇和语法手段使得表达生动有力, 在有限的篇幅内达到言简意赅的效果。商函作为信息的使者、感情的纽带、友谊的桥梁, 在对外贸易中有着不可忽视的作用。一封得体的商函, 不仅可以传递信息, 有助于贸易双方的交流, 增进了解和加深友谊, 还有助于人们开展社会交际、节省时间, 减少麻烦与不便。随着我国对外贸易的进一步发展与扩大, 商函的适用范围越来越广, 这不光要求我们掌握商函的文体、语言特征、格式和行文准则, 还要求我们勇于实践并根据具体情况灵活运用。

参考文献:

[1] 周邦友.商务英语论文题目英语应用文大典[M].合肥: 中国科学技术大学出版社, 2001.[2] 侯维端.英语语体[M].上海: 上海外语教育出版社,1999.[3] 程大荣等.商务文书写作理论与实务[M].杭州: 浙江大学出版社, 2003.[4] 耿秉钧.商用英文与国贸产物[M].北京: 世界图书出版社公司, 2002.[5] 全国外贸中等、专业学校教材编写组.对外经贸英语函电[M].北京: 对外经济贸易大学出版社, 2000.

第二篇：英语商务信函

篇一：英语商务信函范文

Dear Mr./Ms,Mr.John Green, our General Manager, will be in paris from June 2 to 7 and would like to come and see you, say, on June 3 at 2.00 p.m.about the opening of a sample room there.please let us know if the time is convenient for you.If not, what time you would suggest.Yours faithfully,篇二：英语商务信函范文

Dear Mr/Ms,I represent the W/p Electronics Company in Dallas, and will be in Kunming from next Monday to Friday,（October 5-9）。I should like to call on you to discuss our new monitor.Would 0930 hours on Tuesday, October 6 be convenient?

I shall be in Beijing, at the Great Wall Hotel, from Tuesday, September 29, until Sunday, October 4, where a message will reach me.If the day is not convenient, will you please suggest another.Yours faithfully

篇三：英语商务信函范文

Dear Mr./ Ms,I am at present in Hamburg visiting the harbour with a view to making known our new type of container for use in Europe.I shall be in Antwerp on Wednesday, 4th June, and should like to call on you at 2.00 p.m.on that day.If I do not hear from you to the contrary, I shall assume that it will be convenient for me to call at that time.Yours faithfully

篇四：英语商务信函范文

Dear Mr./ Ms,Mr.Jack Baron, our personnel director, has asked me to acknowledge your application for the post of accountant and to ask you to come to see him on Friday afternoon, 5th July, at half past two.I will appreciate your letting me know whether you will be able to come.Yours faithfully

第三篇：英语商务信函

建立办事处 Establishment of new branch

Dear Mr./ Ms,Owing to the large increase in the volume of our trade with this country we have decided to open a branch here, with Mr.Wang Lo as manager.The new branch will open on 1st March and from that date all orders and inquiries should be sent to Mr.Wang Lo at the above address, instead of to our London office.We take this opportunity to express our thanks for your cooperation in the past.We hope the new arrangements will lead to even better results.Yours faithfully

歇业 Discontinuation of business

Dear Mr/Ms,With the demolition of our premises at the above address under a redevelopment scheme, the part of our business carried on there will be discontinued after the end of October.On Monday, 1st October, we are holding a closing-out sale.Stock on hand will be cleared regardless of cost.There will be substantial reductions in all departments and

in some cases, prices will be marked down by as much as one half.Stock to be cleared is unrivaled in both variety and quality.As the sale is likely to be well attended, we hope you make a point of visiting the store as early as possible during the opening days.Yours faithfully

更改名称和地址 Change of name and address

Dear Mr./ Ms,At our company meeting on 4 September, it was decided that the name of our company would be changed to CNMIEC Lee Co.At the same time, it was decided to move the company from the above address to No3-6 Broadway Street.We will appreciate your informing the appropriate departments of these changes.Yours faithfully

新的任命 New appointment

Dear Mr./ Ms,We wish to notify you that Mr.Robert Smart, who has been our representative in Southwest England for the past seven years has left our service and therefore no longer has authority to take orders or collect accounts on our behalf.We have appointed Mr.Fred Peterson in his place.Mr.Peterson has for many years been on our sales force and is thoroughly familiar with the needs of customers in your area.We trust you will have good cooperation from him.Yours faithfully

公司的建立与重组Establishment or reorganization of company Dear Mr./ Ms,We are pleased to announce that as of 1st June our firm will merge with D & W Co.of this town to form the new firm of CN/CW Co.The new firm will carry on business at 6 Rue de Toqueville, Tripoli, to which address please send all communications after 31st May.We appreciate the confidence you have placed in us in the past and look forward to continued dealings with you.Yours faithfully

咨询 Consultation

Dear Mr./ Ms,We are much concerned that your sales in recent months have fallen considerably.At first we

thought this might be due to a slack market, but on looking into the matter more closely, we find that the general trend of trade during this period has been upwards.It is possible that you are facing difficulties of which we are not aware.If so, we would like to know what we can do to help.We, therefore, look forward to receivingfrom you a detailed report on the situation and suggestions as to how we may help in restoring

our sales to their former level.Yours faithfully

道歉与解释Apology & Explanation

Dear Mr./ Ms,We are sorry we cannot send you immediately the catalogue and price list for which you asked in your letter of March 10.Supplies are expected from the printers in two weeks and as soon as we receive them, we will send you a copy.Yours faithfully

Dear Mr./ Ms,I was very concerned when I received your letter of yesterday complaining that the central heating system in your new house had not been completed by the date promised.On referring to our earlier correspondence,find that I had mistaken the date for completion.The fault is entirely mine and I deeply regret that it should have occurred.I realize the inconvenience our oversight must be causing you and will do everything possible to avoid any further delay.I have already given instructions for the work to have priority and the engineers working on the job to be placed on overtime.These arrangements should see the installation completed by next weekend.Yours faithfully

提示Attention

Dear Mr./ Ms,On 14 November I submitted a bill for services rendered to your office at the Lille International Exposition.More than a month has now elapsed without payment or acknowledgment of my bill.Please check this oversight, and remit payment at your earliest convenience.I look forward to future services to your corporation.Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.Yours faithfully

感谢信 Thank-You Letter

Dear Mr./ Ms,Thank you for your letter of June 4, enclosing an account of the organization and work of your Chamber of Commerce and Industry.We are very grateful for such a detailed account of your activities.This information is certain to help increase our future cooperation.Yours faithfully

祝贺信 Congratulation Letter

Dear Mr./ Ms,On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of your National Day, please accept our heartiest

congratulations.May the trade connections between our countries continue to develop with each passing day!

Yours faithfully

Dear Mr.Minister

Allow me to convey my congratulations on your promotion to Minister of Trade.I am delighted that many years service you have given to your country should have been recognized andappreciated.We wish you success in your new post and look forward to closer cooperation with you in the development of trade between our two countries.Sincerely

Dear Mr./ Ms,Thank you for your letter conveying congratulations on my appointment.I wish also to thank you for the assistance you have given me in my work and look forward to better cooperation in the future.Sincerely

邀请与答复Invitation and Reply

Dear Mr./ Ms,We should like to invite your Corporation to attend the 1997 International Fair which will be held from April 29 to May 4 at the above address.Full details on the Fair will be sent in a week.We look forward to hearing from you soon, and hope that you will be able to attend.Yours faithfully

Dear Mr./ Ms,Thank you for your letter of March 20 inviting our corporation to participate in the 1997 International Fair.We are very pleased to accept and will plan to display our electrical appliances as we did in previous years.Mr.Li will be in your city from April 2 to 7 to make specific arrangements and would very much appreciate your assistance.Yours faithfully

Dear Mr./ Ms,Thank you very much for your invitation to attend the 1997 International Fair.As we are going to open a repair shop in your city at that time, we are sorry that we shall not be able to come.We hope to see you on some future occasion.Yours faithfully

宣布访问Declaring A Visit

Dear Mr./ Ms,Mr.William Taylor, President of our Corporation and Mr.James Rogers, Marketing Manager, would like to visitBeijing to continue our discussions on a joint venture.They plan to leave in the second half of April and stay in China about a week.Please let us know if the planned visit is convenient for you and what itinerary you would suggest.If the time of their visit is agreeable, will you kindly request your Embassy here to issue the necessary visa?

Yours faithfully

活动安排Activity Arrangement

Dear Mr./ Ms,We are very pleased to welcome President William Taylor and Manager James Rogers to Beijing and Shanghai in the second half of April for about a week.As requested, we propose the following itinerary for your consideration.Monday, April 18

4.00 p.m.Arrive in Beijing by Flt.xx, to be met at the airport by Mr.President

of Asia Trading Co.4.15 Leave for Great Wall Hotel

7.30 Dinner given by President x

Tuesday, April 19

9:30 a.m.Discussion at Asia Trading Co.Building

2:00 p.m.Group discussion

8:00 p.m.Cocktail reception given by the British Commercial Counselor in Beijing

Wednesday, April 20

9:00 a.m.Discussion

12:00 noon Sign the Letter of Intent

1:30 p.m.Peking Duck Dinner

3:30 p.m.visit the Summer palace

6:00 Departure for Shanghai

Would you please confirm by fax so that we can make arrangements accordingly.Yours faithfully

第四篇：英语商务信函

(一)信头(Letter Head)(发信人名称和地址)(二)封内地址（Inside Address)(三)称呼(Salutation or Greeting)(四)信的正文(Body of the letter)(五)结束礼词(Complimentary Close)(六)签名(Signature)

Establishment of business relations

Kee & Co., Ltd 34 Regent Street

London, UK Inside Address收信人名称和地址May, 2003 Date Line日期

Dear Sirs: Salutation称呼

We have obtained your name and address from Dee&Co.Ltd, and we are writing to enquire whether you would be willing to establish business relations with us.We have been importers of shoes for many years.At present, we are interested in extending our range and would appreciate your catalogues and quotations.If your prices are competitive we would expect to place volume orders on you.We look forward to your early reply.Body信文

Yours faithfully Complimentary Close客套结束语

Tony Smith Signature Block签名栏

日期的英式写法是日、月、年；美式写法是月、日、年。为了避免误解，日期、年份用数字表示，月份则用英文表示，第一个字母要大写，也可用缩写。比如May 1，2008(美式写法)；1 May，2008(英式写法)。

1.建立办事处 Establishment of new branch Dear Mr./ Ms, Owing to the large increase in the volume of our trade with this country we have decided to open a branch here, with Mr.Wang Lo as manager.The new branch will open on 1st March and from that date all orders and inquiries should be sent to Mr.Wang Lo at the above address, instead of to our London office.1 We take this opportunity to express our thanks for your cooperation in the past.We hope the new arrangements will lead to even better results.Yours faithfully

2.歇业 Discontinuation of business Dear Mr/Ms, With the demolition of our premises at the above address under a redevelopment scheme, the part of our business carried on there will be discontinued after the end of October.On Monday, 1st October, we are holding a closing-out sale.Stock on hand will be cleared regardless of cost.There will be substantial reductions in all departments and in some cases, prices will be marked down by as much as one half.Stock to be cleared is unrivaled in both variety and quality.As the sale is likely to be well attended, we hope you make a point of visiting the store as early as possible during the opening days.Yours faithfully

3.更改名称和地址 Change of name and address Dear Mr./ Ms, At our company meeting on 4 September, it was decided that the name of our company would be changed to CNMIEC Lee Co.At the same time, it was decided to move the company from the above address to No3-6 Broadway Street.We will appreciate your informing the appropriate departments of these changes.Yours faithfully

4.新的任命 New appointment Dear Mr./ Ms, We wish to notify you that Mr.Robert Smart, who has been our representative in Southwest England for the past seven years has left our service and therefore no longer has authority to take orders or collect accounts on our behalf.We have appointed Mr.Fred Peterson in his place.Mr.Peterson has for many years been on our sales force and is thoroughly familiar with the needs of customers in your area.We trust you will have good cooperation from him.Yours faithfully

5.公司的建立与重组Establishment or reorganization of company Dear Mr./ Ms, We are pleased to announce that as of 1st June our firm will merge with D & W Co.of this town to form the new firm of CN/CW Co.The new firm will carry on business at 6 Rue de Toqueville, Tripoli, to which address please send all communications after 31st May.We appreciate the confidence you have placed in us in the past and look forward to continued dealings with you.Yours faithfully

6.咨询 Consultation Dear Mr./ Ms, We are much concerned that your sales in recent months have fallen considerably.At first we

thought this might be due to a slack market, but on looking into the matter more closely, we find that the general trend of trade during this period has been upwards.It is possible that you are facing difficulties of which we are not aware.If so, we would like to know what we can do to help.We, therefore, look forward to receivingfrom you a detailed report on the situation and suggestions as to how we may help in restoring our sales to their former level.Yours faithfully

7.道歉与解释Apology & Explanation Dear Mr./ Ms, We are sorry we cannot send you immediately the catalogue and price list for which you asked in your letter of March 10.Supplies are expected from the printers in two weeks and as soon as we receive them, we will send you a copy.Yours faithfully

Dear Mr./ Ms, I was very concerned when I received your letter of yesterday complaining that the central heating system in your new house had not been completed by the date promised.On referring to our earlier correspondence, find that I had mistaken the date for completion.The fault is entirely mine and I deeply regret that it should have occurred.I realize the inconvenience our oversight must be causing you and will do everything possible to avoid any further delay.I have already given instructions for the work to have priority and the engineers working on the job to be placed on overtime.These arrangements should see the installation completed by next weekend.Yours faithfully

8.提示Attention Dear Mr./ Ms, On 14 November I submitted a bill for services rendered to your office at the Lille International Exposition.More than a month has now elapsed without payment or acknowledgment of my bill.Please check this oversight, and remit payment at your earliest convenience.I look forward to future services to your corporation.Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.Yours faithfully

9.感谢信 Thank-You Letter Dear Mr./ Ms, Thank you for your letter of June 4, enclosing an account of the organization and work of your Chamber of Commerce and Industry.We are very grateful for such a detailed account of your activities.This information is certain to help increase our future cooperation.Yours faithfully

10.祝贺信 Congratulation Letter Dear Mr./ Ms, On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of your National Day, please accept our heartiest congratulations.May the trade connections between our countries continue to develop with each passing day!Yours faithfully

Dear Mr.Minister Allow me to convey my congratulations on your promotion to Minister of Trade.I am delighted that many years service you have given to your country should have been recognized and appreciated.We wish you success in your new post and look forward to closer cooperation with you in the development of trade between our two countries.Sincerely

Dear Mr./ Ms, Thank you for your letter conveying congratulations on my appointment.I wish also to thank you for the assistance you have given me in my work and look forward to better cooperation in the future.SiŮc%衲ely耍11.邀请与答复щnvitat偩on and Rep聬y 11.邀请与答复щnvitat偩on and Rep聬y 11.邀请与答复щnvitat偩on and Rep聬y Dgar Mr.肠+ Ms(We ɳhould like uo iviteҠ恹oŵr Co聲porati䁯nҠ聴o atteɮl te 1997 International FaiၲàwhichҠwill be hend from ApRil 29°to May ´àat he abovɥႠaddress.Fɵll€depails on thg Fɡir will be sent in a¡week.Weʠlook forward to hearing from you soon, and hope that you will be able to attend.Yours faithfully

Dear Mr./ Ms, Thank you for your letter of March 20 inviting our corporation to participate in the 1997 International Fair.We are very pleased to accept and will plan to display our electrical appliances as we did in previous years.Mr.Li will be in your city from April 2 to 7 to make specific arrangements and would very much appreciate your assistance.Yours faithfully

Dear Mr./ Ms, Thank you very much for your invitation to attend the 1997 International Fair.As we are going to open a repair shop in your city at that time, we are sorry that we shall not be able to come.We hope to see you on some future occasion.Yours faithfully

聨聴

12.宣布访问Declaring A Visit Dear Mr./ Ms, Mr.William Taylor, President of our Corporation and Mr.James Rogers, Marketing Manager, would like to visit Beijing to continue our discussions on a joint venture.They plan to leave in the second half of April and stay in China about a week.Please let us know if the planned visit is convenient for you and what itinerary you would suggest.If the time of their visit is agreeable, will you kindly request your Embassy here to issue the necessary visa? Yours faithfully

13.活动安排Activity Arrangement Dear Mr./ Ms, We are very pleased to welcome President William Taylor and Manager James Rogers to Beijing and Shanghai in the second half of April for about a week.As requested, we propose the following itinerary for your consideration.Monday, April 18 4.00 p.m.Arrive in Beijing by Flt.xx, to be met at the airport by Mr.President of Asia Trading Co.4.15 Leave for Great Wall Hotel 7.30 Dinner given by President x Tuesday, April 19 9:30 a.m.Discussion at Asia Trading Co.Building 2:00 p.m.Group discussion 8:00 p.m.Cocktail reception given by the British Commercial Counselor in Beijing Wednesday, April 20 9:00 a.m.Discussion 12:00 noon Sign the Letter of Intent 1:30 p.m.Peking Duck Dinner 3:30 p.m.visit the Summer palace 6:00 Departure for Shanghai

Would you please confirm by fax so that we can make arrangements accordingly.Yours faithfully 7

第五篇：商务信函的写作特点

写作商务信函并不要求您使用华丽优美的词句。所有您需要做的就是，用简单朴实的语言，准确的表达自己的意思，让对方可以非常清楚的了解您想说什么。围绕这一点，我们总结了几方面的内容，希望对您写作商务信函有借鉴作用。口语化每一封信函的往来，都是您跟收信人彼此之间的一次交流。人都是感性的，所以您需要在您的信函里体现感性的一面。然而很多人都有一种误解，以为写作商务信函就应该用一种特殊的“生意腔”，于是把一封本来应该是热情而友好的信函写得呆板而死气沉沉。他们宁愿写“Your letter has been received”，“Your complaint is being looked into”而不是“I have received your letter”或者“We are looking into your complaint”。其实我们简单的来理解一下，每次信函的往来不就是跟对方进行了一次交谈吗？只不过是把交谈的内容写到了纸上而已。多用一些简单明了的语句，用我/我们做主语，这样才能让我们的信函读起来热情，友好，就象两个朋友之间的谈话那样简单，自然，人性化。想象一下，如果您由于无法准时交货而在电话上跟您的合作伙伴表示歉意时，您会怎么说？我想您会说“I am sorry we cannot deliver the goods today”。既然在电话中您会这样说，为什么在信件中要改成“It is regretted that goods cannot be delivered today”？放弃这种所谓的“生意腔”吧，让您的信也象谈话那样简单，自然，人性化。语气语调由于您写的信函都是有其目的性的，所以您信函里所采用的语气语调也应该符合您的目的。在写之前先不妨仔细考虑一下，您写这封信函是想达到一个什么样的目的，您希望对收信人产生一种怎样的影响呢？是歉意的，劝说性的，还是坚决的，要求性的。这完全可以通过信函中的语气语调来表现。真诚不管是生活中的交往还是生意上的合作，真诚是最重要也是最基础的，所以您的信函也必须能够充分体现您的真诚。不管说什么，都要带着您的诚意去说。把写好的信函拿起来读一遍，确保如果此时对方正在电话中与您通话，他一定能够感受到您的自然和真诚。直接跟您一样，您的合作伙伴们每天都要阅读大量信函文件。所以，信函一定要写得简明扼要，短小精悍，切中要点。如果是不符合主题或者对信函的目的不能产生利益的内容，请毫不留情的舍弃它们。因为这些内容不仅不能使交流通畅，反而会混淆视听，非但不能让读者感兴趣，反而会让他们恼火，产生反感。礼貌我们这里所说的礼貌，并不是简单用一些礼貌用语比如your kind inquiry, your esteemed order等就可以的。而是要体现一种为他人考虑，多体谅对方心情和处境的态度。如果本着这样的态度去跟别人交流，那么就算您这次拒绝了对方的要求，也不会因此失去这个朋友，不会影响今后合作的机会。特别要注意，当双方观点不能统一时，我们首先要理解并尊重对方的观点。如果对方的建议不合理或者对您的指责不公平时，请表现一下您的高姿态，您可以据理力争，说明您的观点，但注意要讲究礼节礼貌，避免用冒犯性的语言。还要提醒一点，中国人有句话叫做“过犹不及”。任何事情，一旦过了头，效果反而不好。礼貌过了头，可能会变成阿谀奉承，真诚过了头，也会变成天真幼稚。所以最关键的还是要把握好“度”，才能达到预期的效果。简洁就象前面提到的，要用简洁朴实的语言来写信函，让您的信函读起来简单，清楚，容易理解。用常见的单词，避免生僻或者拼写复杂的单词。一个单词可以表达，就不要用词组。多用短句，因为短句更容易理解。少用“and”，“but”，“however”，“consequently”这些让句子变得冗长的连词。在同一封信函里，不要使用多个相同含义的单词。比如，您前面写了“goods have been sent”，那后面再提到这件事时就不要再用其他单词如“forward”“dispatch”等。因为这样写会误导您的读者无谓地去考虑这些词之间是否另有含义。精确当涉及到数据或者具体的信息时，比如时间，地点，价格，货号等等，尽可能做到精确。这样会使交流的内容更加清楚，更有助于加快事务的进程。针对性请在邮件中写上对方公司的名称，或者在信头直接称呼收件人的名字。这样会让对方知道这封邮件是专门给他的，而不是那种群发的通函，从而表示对此的重视。当然，如果您无法确定收信人的名字，那就在称呼一栏里写“Dear Sirs” or “Dear Sir or Madam”。语言朴实前面我们说过，商务信函不需要用华丽的词句。根据西方的语言习惯，他们更愿意使用简练而朴实的语言。所以当我们跟西方人进行商务沟通时，也要尽量避免华丽复杂的词句。比如“We look forward to a bright and glorious future of cooperation”，就不如直接写成“We hope to have the opportunity to work together with you in the future.”，这样才更加符合西方人的语言习惯。回复迅速及时给买家的回复，千万要迅速及时。因为买家通常只看最先收到的几封回复，从中去选择合适的供应商。如果您的回复不够及时，就可能因为抢不到先机而失去商机。标题这一点是特别针对写电子邮件的。也许很多人都没有意识到，事实上，E-mail的标题是很重要的一个部分，您的邮件给对方的第一个印象就是通过标题来完成的。如果标题没有内容，看起来象群发的垃圾邮件的话，很多买家就会直接删除。比如这样的标题“How are you?”，“Can we work together?”，建议您改成“proposal: Bright Ideas Imports--Zhejiang Textile‘s partnership Opportunity”或者“Introduction: Our product Offerings for Bright Ideas Imports.”这样您的邮件会显得更加专业。校对写完之后，一定要检查。最基本是要确保拼写和语法正确，然后检查一下您所提供的事实，数据等是否有错。我们都会犯错，但即使在您的信函里有一个极小的失误，也可能会破坏您在沟通方面的可信度，并使人对您表达的其他信息投下怀疑的阴影。