第三讲：商务信函的格式与惯用语的翻译

1、第三讲：商务信函的格式与惯用语的翻译商务信函的格式 在格式上，中英外贸信件存在很大的差异。中文外贸信件与日常生活信件没有多大区别；而英文外贸信件，与日常生活信件相比，却增加了许多特殊部分。英语是世界贸易的主要语言，因此，英语外贸信件历史悠久、内容完整、自成系统。为了与国际贸易惯例协调，以及分类归档诸多便利，外贸信件汉译英时，应依照英文外贸信件正式程式；外贸信件英译汉时，可保留英文信件正式程式，也可套用我国传统格式，具体做法，可依据该公司习惯决定。 英文外贸信件的格式，在长期形成过程中，主要有三种：1. 绝对平头式（Block Form）：分段时（包括日期和签名）都从左边开始，每行对齐，成一垂直

2、线。打字时，不必考虑左边的留空。布局说明：A= Letterhead 信头（通常印在信笺上，包括公司名称、地址，也有的包括电话号码、电传或电报挂号，简短广告语等，位置可居中，居左或居右）B= Date 日期C=Inside Name and Address 收信人的名称和地址D =Reference No. (Our Ref. / Your Ref.) 查询号（包括我方查询号和/ 或贵方查询号）E= Attention 经办F= Salutation 称呼G= Subject 事由（或“Caption:”，或信笺上已打好的“Re:”关于,with regard to）H= Body of Le

3、tter 正文I= Complimentary Close 结尾礼辞J= The name of the company represented by the writer（写信人所代表之公司名称）K= Signature 签名（签名下方为打字署名及职务）L= Initials 口述人 / 打字员姓名首字母，如：RGM / mwe 或 GRM: mweM= Enclosure (Encl. 或 Enc.) 附件N= C.C. (Carbon Copy) 抄送O= P.S. (Postscript) 附言 以上A-O 共15个部分，是英文外贸信件中可能的组成部分。实际的外贸信件，因具体情况不同，

4、往往不具备所有这些部分。应注意的是，汉译英时，中文原件可能没有“查询号”、 “经办”或“事由”部分。公司的涉外文秘人员，在可能的情况下，有责任和义务在翻译时补上，这样有利于加快信件的传递，为公司赢得时间。 2. 缩行式（Indented Form）：地址及其它需分行的地方，下行比上行缩进2-3个英文字母，日期位于信笺的右上端，签名位于中间偏右下方。每段开始一般缩进5个英文字母，段与段之间要用双行距。 3. 折衷式（Semi-block Form）：大致与缩行式相似，所不同的是，姓名、地址不用逐行缩进成斜向排列。混合采用上述两种格式，故称折衷式。 采用哪种格式，取决于个人偏好，但作为公司或企业，

5、所有对外贸易信件的格式最好保持一致。如果采用缩行式，那么就一用到底。本节为节省篇幅，仅图解绝对平头式。 以下是两封英文外贸信函的实例，可作汉译英时格式之参考：英语外贸信件实例（一）Diadem Office Supplies Ltd.Star Chamber119-125 Cambridge RoadReading19 November 2009Ref. ORD / 056Gripsure Office Machinery Co., Ltd.244 High Street WestEast Ealing LONDON W14(Attention of Mr. R.G. Miles) Dear

6、Mr. Miles:Delays in DeliveryFollowing my telephone call today, I am sorry to inform you that the 15 Gripsure Miniature Electric Typewriters we ordered on 25 September have not yet been received.As they are urgently needed for export we should be glad if you should arrange for their dispatch without

7、delay.Six of these typewriters have been promised to an important overseas customer and we are due to leave London Airport on Saturday 27 November.Will you please let us know by return when we can expect the delivery?Yours Sincerely, Diadem Office Supplies Ltd.Brian OBehan BRIAN OBEHANSales Manager

8、英语外贸信件实例（二）Gripsure Office Machinery Co. Ltd.Founded 1887244 High Street WestEast EalingLondon W1420 November 2009Your Ref. ORD / 056Our Ref: CONT / 203Mr. Brian OBehanSales ManagerDiadem Office Supplies Ltd119 125 Cambridge RoadREADINGDear Mr. OBehan:Thank you for your letter ORD / 056 of 19 Novemb

9、er. We very much regret that we have been unable to complete your order.The delay was duo to a strike of delivery drivers but we are happy to inform you that this has been settled.We are working through the backlog of orders and will deliver six of our Gripsure Miniature Electric Typewriters on Frid

10、ay 26 November. The balance will follow in seven days.We apologize for the inconvenience caused to you by this delay.Yours sincerely,R.G. MilesR.G. MILESProduction ManagerGRM/ mwe 称呼与结尾礼辞问题 英语外贸信件最常见的称呼有： Dear Sir/Sirs: (用于男性） Dear Madam or Ladies：(仅用于女性） My dear Sir: Dear Mr. Brown: My dear Mrs. Ha

11、rtley: Gentlemen: （仅用复数形式，既可单指男性，也可男女合指）有几点应注意：对女性的称呼，无论是已婚还是未婚，都统称：Dear Madam, 切忌使用 Dear Miss。 英国人偏爱使用 Dear Sirs；而美国人偏爱使用 Dear Gentlemen。 Gentlemen 仅用复数形式，不用单数形式 Gentleman, 也不用 Dear Gentleman。 My dear Mrs. Hartley 并不意味着比Dear Mrs. Hartley 更亲密，相反，前者是种更为正式的称呼。 而汉语惯用的称号套语是：尊敬的阁下先生（女士夫人），敬启者或先生大鉴。另外，要注意

12、美式和英式称呼语的细微差别。美式在称呼之后一般使用冒号，而英式则一般采用逗号。例如： 美式：Gentlemen: 英式： Gentlemen， 英文外贸信件里的称呼往往是和结尾礼辞紧密相关的。英语外贸信件中最常见的结尾礼辞有： Yours truly, Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, 如何把这些称呼和结尾礼辞译成汉语，是十分重要的问题。 1）Your favourable information will be appreciated. 2）Your early reply will be highly appreciated. 3）Awaiting yo

13、ur immediate reply. （一）汉语“请”字的英译 1.使用“please” 请告知我方交货日期与付款要求。 2.使用“kindly” 请将两份提单由不同的邮班寄来，同时开来30天汇票以便承兑。 3.使用“be appreciated” 请从速办理本定单为荷。 4.使用“It would be appreciated if you would.”结构 请寄贵公司产品图解目录一份为荷。 5.使用“We shall appreciate it if you will.”结构 请报50吨花生实盘。 6.使用“We shall(should)be grateful / obliged i

14、f you can(will / could / would).”结构 请告你方市场详情。 7.使用“疑问句” 这是我们的包装设计，请转给厂方，供他们参考。 8.使用“主动语态” 根据双方协议条款，我们已开具了该批船货的即期汇票，通过此处中国银行赚取，请见票即付。 9.使用“被动语态” 恳请你方尽力早日解决这一悬而未决的问题。 10.根据上下文省译 请即复（信尾套语） 11.使用“wish” 敬请注意，我方客户急需合同货物。 以上“请”字的许多译例可以说明几个问题：一是“请”字在不同的上下文中，其意思有细微区别，如要求的程度强弱，表达方式的直接与见解，措辞或句式的正式与否，翻译前须悉心领会；二

15、是“请”字的适应范围很大，英译汉时，许多客套话，不必照字面直译，可考虑能否译成汉语的“请”字；三是“请”字的英译，不必千篇一律。（二）敬辞与谦辞 1.套译 所谓“套译”，就是原文使用了敬辞或谦辞，译文也使用相当的礼貌词语。请看下面译例： 1）We should appreciate a prompt reply. 2）We shall be very much obliged if you will quote us the price for this model. 2.略译 相对来说，汉语里的敬辞与谦辞比英语里的敬辞和谦辞多得多。因此，汉译英时，遇到敬辞或谦辞很难找到合适的对应词时，只好略

16、去不译，勉强直译，反而觉得不自然。请看下面几个译例： 1）根据贵方来函要求，现寄上敝公司产品目录一份。 2）承蒙惠顾祝贺本人当选本公司董事长一事，特表谢忱。 3）再次感谢你方订货，今后如需零件，请再惠顾。 4）We are looking forward to the pleasure of hearing from you. 3. 译语气 1）We are pleased to inform you that goods have been dispatched today. 2）Please accept my heart-felt appreciation for your patron

17、age and cooperation. 3）We hope to have the pleasure of serving you in the near future. 敬谦词语的处理，除以上谈到的外，还应注意以下几点： 1. 语言是活的、发展的，应尽量避免使用一些陈腐的敬谦词语，如英语里的“favour(=letter / order)”，“your esteemed letter”；汉语里的“阁下”、“昨悉大函”、“笑纳”、“顿首”等。 2. 使用谦词时应注意分寸，既要彬彬有礼，又要不卑不亢。应坚决摒弃像“beg”这样有损人格，有损国格的词语。对外业务中提到自己时，过去在汉语里常用“敝

18、人”、“敝公司”等。现在汉译英时，可忽略其谦辞成分，若英译汉则可采取折衷的办法。如： 1）对敝公司15周年纪念典礼，承蒙拨出宝贵时间出席，再次向您致谢。 2）We handle various kinds of hardware products. 3）We hereby engage that payment will be duly made against documents presented in conformity with terms of this credit. 摘译问题 在实际工作中，文秘人员往往不需要全译信件，而只需摘译，这对翻译人员和信件使用者来说，都能节省大量时间。

19、摘译信件应注意以下几个方面： 1. 译者必须通读全文，对有疑问处必须查阅有关此事的往返信件，或请教承办过此事的人员。摘译须内容完整，交代清楚信件的来龙去脉，做到一目了然。 2. 摘译应包括所有主要事实细节，如时间、地址、支付条件、产品规格等。信件的重要内容除包括在信件正文外，还常常出现在信件正文后的“附言”里。 3. 摘译的长短取决于信件的内容和使用者的要求，短的可用一两句话概括，长的需用一两段加以归纳。 4. 摘译信件不必拘泥原文的词句，但务必与事实相符，语气吻合。 英语外贸信件实例（一）摘译 来函时间：2009年11月19 日 贵方查询号：ORD / 056 王冠办公设备供应公司催交15台

20、“格别优”小型电动打字机，其中6台须于11月27日前交货，并要求即刻回函，明确交货时间。 英语外贸信件实例（二）摘译 来函时间：2009年11月20日 我方查询号：ORD / 056 贵方查询号：CONT / 203 “格别优”办公设备有限公司回函，告因装运司机罢工致交货误期，并保证6台“格别优”小型电动打字机将于11月26日交货，其余将于7天后补足。ROBIN REDGRAVELincoln Meadows, Apt. 4320 Sterling StreetLyndon City, TX 75212November 15,2009Mr. Thomas IrelandVice Preside

21、nt for Public RelationsGlobal Vision, Inc.3200 Jefferson Blvd.Reagansville, CA 92040Dear Mr. Ireland:Will you please send me some information about Global Visions semi-rigid, gas-permeable lenses?In a recent Fortune article (October 10,2009) on new contact lens technology, I read that your company h

22、as developed and marketed this new lens. I have been wearing hard contacts for ten yeas but want to switch to a softer, more comfortable lens. Because I have astigmatism, however, the traditional soft lens doesnt fit my needs. Your new lens, according to the Fortune article, can be shaped to correct

23、 for astigmatism.I will be thankful for any information you can send. In addition, I would like answers to the following questions:1. Can they be worn during the night; i.e., are they designed for extended wear?2. What has been the success rate for wearers so far？3. What is the price to the consumer

24、?4. Has a bifocal been designed for this type of lens?5. Where are the lenses being distributed? Is there a distributor in my area？Since my optometrist is uninformed about your new lens, I will greatly appreciate your help.Sincerely yours,Robin Redgrave(Ms) Robin Redgrave全译：罗宾雷德格雷夫得克萨斯州（75212） 林敦市史特

25、林大街320号 林肯草场4号公寓爱尔兰先生;您好！我很想了解一些有关环球眼界公司半硬式、可透气隐形眼镜的情况。在最近一期财富杂志上（2009年10月10日版），我读到一篇介绍新型隐形眼镜的文章，得知贵公司研制并在市场上推出了这种新型眼镜。我戴硬式眼镜已有十年之久，现在想换一种更为柔软、舒适的镜片。但因我患有散光，而传统的软式隐形眼镜又不适合于我。根据财富杂志上的那篇文章，贵公司的新式眼镜可以矫正散光。如蒙提供任何信息，我将十分感激。此外，我还想了解如下几个具体问题：1该眼镜是否夜间也不取下，即是否为“长戴型”设计？2目前为止，散光治愈率有多高？3零售价多少？4是否为双焦设计？5该眼镜哪里有售？

26、我居住区有无经销商？因为我的配镜师对你们的新型眼镜不甚了解，如蒙帮助，我将十分感激。此致敬礼！罗宾雷德格雷夫（女士）二零零九年十一月十五日 摘译： 罗宾雷德格雷夫 得克萨斯州（75212） 林敦市 史特林大街320号 林肯草场4号公寓 爱尔兰先生; 您好！ 我很想了解一些有关环球眼界公司半硬式、可透气隐形眼镜的情况。 该眼镜是否夜间也不取下，即是否为“长戴型”设计？ 目前为止，散光治愈率有多高？ 零售价多少？ 是否为双焦设计？ 该眼镜哪里有售？我居住区有无经销商？ 如蒙帮助，我将十分感激。 此致 敬礼！ 罗宾雷德格雷夫（女士） 二零零九年十一月十五日 敬启者： 因为去年夏天气温特别凉爽，致使本

27、公司的库存量增加，因此不能久存。在我方适逢夏季产品过剩时，我想贵方会同情本公司的处境。 为鼓励所有顾客增加今年开张存量，若在本月底前接到贵方订单且金额超过美金100，000元时，本公司提供30%特别优待。协助本公司就等于帮你们自己一样。 * 敬上 Dear Sirs: Owing to the last summers exceptionally cool climate we were so overloaded with enormous stock that we were unable to keep them in stock and we believe that you will

28、 appreciate our position when we are flooded with summer items. To encourage all customers to increase a good opening stock this year, we are prepared to offer you a special trade discount of 30% on all orders exceeding $100,000 received before the end of this month. Helping us is just like helping

29、yourselves. Yours Sincerely,英语商务信函常用句型与用语翻译英语商务信函常用句型与用语翻译一. 商业书信常用开头语 （Opening Phrases & Sentences Generally Used In Business Letters ） （1）特此奉告等 To inform one of; To say; To state; To communicate; To advise one of; To bring to ones notice (knowledge); To lay before one; To point out; To indicate; T

30、o mention; To apprise one of; To announce; To remark; To call ones attention to; To remind one of; etc.1. We are pleased to inform you that 2. We have pleasure in informing you that 3. We have the pleasure to apprise you of 4. We have the honour to inform you that (of) 5. We take the liberty of anno

31、uncing to you that 6. We have to inform you that (of) 7. We have to advise you of (that) 8. We wish to inform you that (of) 9. We think it advisable to inform you that (of) 10. We are pleased to have this opportunity of reminding you that (of) 11. We take the advantage of this opportunity to bring b

32、efore your notice 12. Please allow us to call your attention to 13. Permit us to remind you that (of) 14. May we ask your attention to 15. We feel it our duty to inform you that (of) （2）为(目的)奉告某某事项1. The purpose of this letter is to inform you that (of)2. The purport of this line is to advise you th

33、at (of)3. The object of the present is to report you that4. The object of this letter is to tell you that5. By this letter we purpose to inform you that (of)6. Through the present we wish to intimate to you that7. The present serves to acquaint you that （3）惠请告知某某事项，等1. Please inform me that (of)2. K

34、indly inform me that (of)3. Be good enough to inform me that (of)4. Be so good as to inform me that (of)5. Have the goodness to inform me that (of)6. Oblige me by informing that (of)7. I should be obliged if you would inform me that (of)8. I should be glad if you would inform me that (of)9. I should

35、 esteem it a favour if you would inform me that (of)10. I will thank you to inform me that (of)11. You will greatly oblige me by informing that (of)12. We shall be obliged if you will inform us that (of)13. We shall be pleased to have your information regarding (on, as to; about)14. We shall deem it

36、 a favour if you will advise us of15. We shall esteem it a high favour if you will inform us that (of) （4）特确认，本公司某月某日函件等1. We confirm our respects of the l0th May2. We confirm our letter of the l0th of this month3. We confirm our last letter of the l0th June4. We had the pleasure of writing you last

37、 on the l0th of this month5. We confirm our respects of the l0th June6. We confirm the remarks made in our respects of the l0th July7. We confirm the particulars of our enquiry by telephone of this morning8. In confirming our telegram of this morning, - 9. Confirming our respects of the 10th May,- 1

38、0. Confirming our last of the 10th June,- （5）贵公司某月某日函电，敬悉等 1. We have pleasure in acknowledging receipt of your esteemed favour of the 3rd May2. We are pleased to acknowledge receipt of your favour of the 1st June3. We have to acknowledge receipt of your favour of the 5th July4. Your letter of May 5

39、 was very welcome5. Your letter of April l0 gave me much pleasure6. Your esteemed favour of 7th May was duly received by us7. Your favour of the 5th June is duly to hand8. Your favour of the l0th is to (at) hand9. We are in due receipt of your favour dated the 7th June10. We are in receipt of your l

40、etter of the 7th July11. We are in possession of your letter of the 5th April12. We have duly received your favour of the 5th March13. Your letter of yesterdays date is duly to (at) hand14. Your esteemed communication of yesterdays date is just to (at) hand15. We thank you for your favour of the 5th

41、 May16. We are obliged for your letter of the 5th May17. Many thanks for your latter of the 5th June18. Very many thanks for your letter of May 519. In acknowledging receipt of your letter of the 5th June, .20. Your favour of the 5th May has just reached me21. Your favour of the 5th May is duly rece

42、ived22. Your favour of the 5th May is now before me23. Your promised letter under date (of) the 5th June has just reached us （6）特回答贵公司某月某日函所叙述有关事项等1. I have the pleasure of stating, in answer to your inquiry of the 4th inst, that2. In reply to your letter of the 5th of May, I have to inform you that

43、 (of)3. I hasten to answer your inquiry of the l5th May, by stating that4. We are in receipt of yours of the 5th June, in reply to which we are pleased to state that5. In reply to yours of the l0th May, relative to., I would say that 6. I am in receipt of your favour of the 7th May, and in response

44、I inform you that (of)7. In response to your letter of l0th May, I wish to say that8. In answer to your favour of the 5th May regarding., I reply as follows:9. Answering your letter of the 8th of February re., I would say that10. In reply to your letter of February 8th, I inform you that (of)11. Rep

45、lying to yours of the 8th of February regarding., I would say that12. Replying to your favour under date of February 8th regarding., I say that （7）非常遗憾，我们奉告您关于，等。 l. We regret to inform you that (of)2. We are sorry to have to draw your attention to3. We regret to have to say that4. We regret to advi

46、se you that5. We very much regret to announce you that6. It is most regrettable that we have to inform you that (of)7. It is with our greatest regret that we must inform you that (of)8. To our greatest regret we must herewith inform you that (of)9. It is a matter for regret that I have to inform you

47、 that (of)10. It is to be regretted that I must inform you that (of)11. It is with regret and reluctance that we have to inform you that (of)12. It gives us a deep sorrow that we have to announce you that13. It causes me much sorrow to have to say that14. I feel sorry for having to announce you that

48、15. I express my sorrow for announcing you that （8）当我们得悉甚为遗憾等。 1. We are very sorry to hear (know) that2. we are grieved to hear of (about)3. We are indeed sorry to hear that4 We very much regret to hear that5. We regret to hear of (that)6. It is with great regret that we just learn that7. Much to o

49、ur regret we have heard that8. We regret to receive your information re9. We regret that we have been informed that (of) 10. To our deep regret we were informed that (of) （9）我们对于您某月某日来函的询价，深表谢意等。 1. We thank you very much for your inquiry of the l0th of May2. I thank you for your inquiry of the 10th

50、 May3. We are very much obliged by your enquiry dated the 10th May4. We are indebted to your inquiry under date (of) the 10th May for5. I thank you for your inquiry of July 106. Thanks for your kind enquiry of May 5 （10）兹函附某某，请查收，等。 1. Enclosed please find2. Enclosed we hand you3. We enclose herewit

51、h4. Herewith we have the pleasure to hand you5. We have pleasure in enclosing herewith6. We take the liberty to enclose herein7. We are pleased to enclose herewith8. We are pleased to hand you enclosed （11）遵照某月某日来函指示，等。 1. In accordance with the instructions given (contained) in your favour of the 1

52、0th May2. According to the directions contained in yours of the 6th May3. According to the instructions given in your letter under date of the 10th of last month4. In conformity with (to) your instructions of the l0th ult.5. Pursuant to your instructions of May 10 （12）关于详情，下次叙述，等。 1. I will write yo

53、u particulars in my next.2. Particulars will be related in the following.3. I will relate further details in the following.4. I will inform you more fully in my next.5. I will go (enter) into further details in my next. （13）如下列所记，如附件所述，等。 1. As stated below,2. Annexed hereto,3. Attached you will fin

54、d.4. As shown on the next page5. As indicated overleaf（下页，背面）6. As at foot hereof,7. Sent with this,8. As the drawings attached,9. As shown in the enclosed documents,10. As already mentioned,11. As particularized on the attached sheet,12. As detailed in the previous letter, （14）因电文不太明确，等。 1. Your te

55、legram just received is quite unintelligible.2. Please repeat your wire on receipt of this, stating your meaning more clearly.3. Your telegram is not clear; explain the third and fourth words.4. Your telegram is unintelligible; repeat more fully in plain language.5. Your cable is not clear, repeat,

56、using the codes agreed upon (on).6. We cannot understand your telegram; state the code used and which edition.7. Your telegram is not signed with cipher as agreed on; confirm if correct.8. We cannot trace the code you used; please repeat the telegram in plain words.9. Your telegram is too short to b

57、e understood. Please repeat it more fully.l0. The telegram was vague (pointless), and they requested them to explain in plain words.二、商业英文书信常用结束语（Closing phrases & sentences generally used in business letters） （1）我们盼望于近日内接获回信等。 1. We hope to receive your favour at an early date. 2. We hope to be fav

58、oured with a reply with the least delay. 3. We await a piece of good news with patience. 4. We hope to receive a favourable reply per return mail. 5. We await the pleasure of receiving a favourable reply at an early date.6. We await the favour of your early (prompt) reply. 7. A prompt reply would gr

59、eatly oblige us. 8. We trust you will favour us with an early (prompt) reply. 9. We trust that you will reply us immediately. 10. We should be obliged by your early (prompt) reply. 11. Will your please reply without delay what your wishes are in this matter? 12. Will you kindly inform us immediately

60、 what you wish us to do. 13. We request you to inform us of your decision by return of post.14. We are awaiting (anxious to receive) your early reply. 15. We thank you for the anticipated favour of your early reply. 16. We should appreciate an early reply. 17. We thank you in anticipation of your us