1、商務合同翻譯案例一、理論、方法與技巧翻譯方法的學習 , 英漢語言特點的對比 , 商務術語的理解等等。英語合同的特點與翻譯一、用詞特點與翻譯要點合同英語的用詞極其考究,具有特定性。要求選詞專業化(professional 、正式(formal 、準確(accurate 。具體體現在 下列方面:1、 May, shall, must ,may not (或 shall not 的使用May, shall , must ,may not (或 shall not對學過英語的人再熟悉不 過,但在合同中用這些詞時要極其謹慎。權利義務的約見定部分構成了合同 的主體。這幾個詞如選用不當,可能會引起糾紛。 m

2、ay 旨在約定當事人的權 利(可以做什么, Shall 約定當事人的義務(應當做什么時候, must 用 于強制性義務(必須做什么, may not (或 shall not 用于禁止性義務(不 得做什么。 May do 不能說成 can do, shall do, 不能說成 should do 或 ought to do, may not do 在美國一些法律文件可以用 shall not,但絕不 能用 can not do或 must not。2、 用語正式(formal 合同英語有著嚴肅的風格,與其它英語作品有很大不同。 例如:“因 為”的短語多用“by virtue of”,遠遠多于“

3、due to”一般不用“because of”;“財務年度末”一般用“at the close of the fiscal year”,而不 用“in the end of the fiscal year”; “在之前”一般用“prior to”,而不用“before”;“關于”常用“as regards”, “concerning” 或“relating to”,而不會用“about”;“事實上”用“in effect”,而 不用“in fact”; “開始”用“commencement” , 而不用“start”或“begin”; “停止做”用“cease to do”,而不用“stop

4、to do”;何時 開會并由某某主持”的表述為:The meeting shall be convened and presided by sb. 其中“召開”不用“hold 或 call”,而用“convene”; “主持” 不用“chair”或“be in charge of ”,而用“preside”;“其他事項”用“miscellaneous” , 而不用“other matters/events”; “理解合同”用 “construe a contract” 或“comprehend a contract”,而不用 “understand a contract”;“認為”用“deem

5、”,用“consider”少,不 用“think”或“believe”。3、 用詞專業(technical 合同用詞不以大眾是否理解和接受為轉移,它是合同語言準確表達的保 障。如合同出現的“瑕疵”、 “救濟”、 “不可抗力”、 “管轄”、“損 毀”、 “滅失”等就可能讓非行業人士費解,在英語以上表達分別為defect 、 remedy 、 force majuere 、 jurisdiction 、 damage and/or loss 。另 外幾乎每個合同都少不了 hereinafter referred to as , whereas, in witness whereof, for an

6、d on behalf of , hereby, thereof 等虛詞。這 也是合同英語的一大特色。 其它例子還有:“賠償”用“indemnities”, 而不用“compensation”;“不動產轉讓”用“conveyance”,而不用 “transfer of real estate”;“房屋出租”用“tenancy”,而“財產出 租”用“lease of property” “停業”用“wind up a business”或“cease (名詞是 cessation a business” , 而不用“end/stop a business” ;“依 照合同相關規定”一般說“pur

7、suant to provisions contained herein”或 “as provided herein”等,不說“according to relevant terms and conditions in the contract”。4、同義詞、近義詞、相關詞的并列使用FOR value RECEIVED, the undersigned does hereby sell, transfer, assign and set over to _ all his right, tile and interest in and to a certain contract dated _

8、, 19_ by and between the undersigned and _, a copy of which is annexed hereto.在這里的同義詞和近義詞并列(如 sell, transfer, assign and set over , right 和 tile and interest,在英文合同里十分普遍。這是出于 嚴謹和杜絕漏洞的考慮,有的也屬于合同用語的固定模式。如: This agreement is made and entered into by and between Party A and Party B. 句中“made and entered i

9、nto”和“by and between”兩組分別屬于同義 詞和相關詞并列。For and in consideration of mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereby covenant and agree as follows: 句中“for and in consideration of ”, “covenants and agreements” 三組同義司和近義詞并列。The parties have agreed to vary the Management on the terms a

10、nd subject to the conditions contained herein. 這里的“on the terms” 和“subject to the conditions”是一個意思,都表示“依照本協議的條款 規定”。合同條款的固定模式是“terms and conditions” 。再例如:“Party A wishes to be released and discharged from agreement as from the effective date”,一句中的“release”和 “discharge”意思幾乎相同。5、 古英語與外來詞的應用(borrowing

11、words使用古英語最為突出的是較多使用 here 、 there 、 where 加后綴 in 、 by 、 after 、 from 等介詞構成的詞。在法律文件中用這些詞,可以避免重復,避 免歧義,使行文準確、簡潔。常用例詞如下: hereafter, hereby, herein, hereof, hereto hereunder, hereupon, herewith, hereinbefore,hereinafter; thereafter, thereby, therein, thereinafter,thereinbefore, thereon, thereof, thereun

12、der, thereupon, therewith; whereas, whereby, wherein, whereof, whereon, etc。合同中也會使用一些外來詞匯,常見的有拉丁語和法語詞匯。 如比例稅 率:用 pro rate tax rate要比 proportional tax rate多;從事慈善性服 務的律師:pro bono lawyer ,不怎么用 lawyer engaged in charitable legal assistance ;委托代理人:多用 agent ad litem。二、 句法特點與翻譯要點如果說商務合同的用詞具有專業、準確、正式的特點,那么商

13、務合同的句法 則有結構嚴謹、句式較長的特點。句子的狀語(從句和定語(從句等附加成 分很多,且往往位置明顯,對主句意義進行解釋、限制或補充,一則可以體現這 種文體莊嚴的風格、 嚴謹的結構和清晰的邏輯; 二則便于排除被曲解、 誤解而出 現歧義引發爭端的可能性, 維護雙方的合法權益。 雖然商務合同英文中的句法特 點有很多, 比如多用陳述句、 多用現在時、 多用被動語態、 多用名詞性結構等等, 但本節結合翻譯難點,重點探討長句,尤其是條件從句的特點和翻譯方法。1. 長句及其翻譯與普通英語相比較而言, 商務合同英語中的句子結構就其長度和使用從句的 連續性要復雜得多。分析合同長句的基本方法是:首先,要找出

14、全句的主語、謂 語和賓語 , 即句子的主干結構;其次,要找出句子中所有的謂語結構、非謂語結 構、介詞短語和從句的引導詞,然后再分析從句和短句的功能,即:是否是主語 從句、賓語從句、表語從句或狀語從句等,以及詞、短語和從句之間的關系。最 后 , 分析句子中是否有固定搭配、插入語等其他成分。1 The Buyer may, within 15 days after arrival of the goods at the destination, lodge a claim against the Seller for short-weight being supported by Inspecti

15、on Certificate issued by a reputable public surveyor. 這是一個簡單長句,其主干為 The Buyer maylodge a claim。修飾謂語 動詞的狀語有三個,分別表示時間(within 15 days after arrival of the goods at the destination 、方式(being supported by Inspection Certificate issued by a reputable public surveyor和原因(for short-weight 。諸多 狀語盡管在原文中位置靈活, 然

16、而在譯文里, 須按照漢語的行文規范適當進行調 整:方式狀語一般應置于動詞之前; 其他狀語可以靈活處理, 如本句中的時間狀 語可以提前至句首。(貨物抵達目的港 15天內, 買方可以憑有信譽的公共檢驗員出示的檢驗證明 向賣方提出短重索賠。 2 If a Party breaches any of the representations or warranties given by it in Articles 18.1 or repeated in 18.2, then in addition to any other remedies available to the other Party u

17、nder this contract or underApplicable Laws, it shall indemnify and keep indemnified the other Party and the company against any losses, damages, costs, expenses, liabilities and claims that such Party or the Company may suffer as a result of such breach.本句的主干是 it shall indemnify and keep indemnified

18、. against. the other Party and the company。 If 引導的是條件從句,條件句的賓語部分 跟隨后置定語 (given by it in Articles 18.1 or repeated in 18.2 。 in addition to 引導的是增補成分,其核心詞 remedies 也跟了后置定語(available to the other Party under this contract or under Applicable Laws 。 That 引導的 則是后置定語修飾緊鄰的五個名詞。 基于以上分析, 再結合漢語的行文習慣 (條 件在前,結構

19、在后以及定語在所修飾的核心詞之前 ,即可翻譯成:如果一方違 反任何其根據第 18.1條或 18.2條所作的陳述及擔保或重述 , 則另一方除根據本 合同或相關法律尋求任何可能的救濟之外 , 違約方應當賠償另一方或合營公司因 此種違反而招致的任何損失、損害、費用、開支、責任或索賠。3 The Seller shall not be responsible for the delay of shipment or non delivery of the goods due to Force Majeure, which might occur during the process of manufa

20、cturing or in the course of loading or transit.上句中信息的重心在句首, 先表明賣方的免責事項, 接著再規定由于什么原因引 起的不能交貨或延遲交貨才會免責, 后對不可抗力又做了限定。 按照漢語的思維 習慣,往往先談原因,再講結論,因此采用顛倒順序的譯法更合理。(凡在制造或裝船運輸過程中,因不可抗力致使賣方不能或推遲交貨時,賣 方不負責任。 2、 條件句及其翻譯商務合同主要約定合同各方應享有的權利和應履行的義務, 但由于這種權利 的行使和義務的履行均賦有各種條件, 所以條件句的大量使用成為商務合同的一 個特點。 條件句多由下列連接詞引導:if, in

21、 the event of, in case (of, should, provided (that, subject to, unless otherwise 等。比如:If the third party accuses the Party B of infringement, Party B shall take up the matter (如果第三方指控乙方侵權,乙方應負責1 In the event of any loss caused by the delay in the delivery, the Representative can claim a compensation

22、 from the Manufacturer with a certificate and detailed list registered by the administration authorities of the Representatives site.(若因任何交貨延誤導致的代理方損失, 代理方可憑代理方所在地行政當局登記 的損失清單向制造方索賠,但須出具證明。 2 Should all or part of the contract be unable to be fulfilled owing to the fault of one party, the breaching

23、party shall bear the responsibilities thus caused. Should it be the fault of both parties, they shall bear their respective responsibilities according to actual situations.(由于一方的過失,造成本合同不能履行或不能完全履行時,由過失一方承 擔違約責任。 若屬雙方過失, 則根據實際情況, 由雙方分別承擔各自應負的違約 責任。 1 Either Side can replace the representatives it ha

24、s appointed provided that it submits a written notice to the other Side.(任何一方都可更換自己指派的代表,但須書面通知對方。 歸納上述各例,除了句(Either Side can replace the representatives it has appointed provided that it submits a written notice to the other Side 以外, 條件句均置于主句之前, 英譯漢時譯成“如果”或“若”即可。 而當條件 句置于主句之后時, 在翻譯這些引導條件句的連詞或短語時, 可

25、按動態等值理論 視具體情況而定,切勿生搬硬套。該句中的 provided that 表示合同該條款需作 進一步規定或在作規定時語氣上的轉折,因而應譯為“但是”才使譯文過渡自 然,符合漢語的表達規范,達到功能對等的效果。二、 譯例文本Purchase ContractThis contract is made on the _ day of _ 20 _ _ , by and between¹ _ Ltd (hereinafter² referred to as the Seller and_ Company (hereinafter referred to as the B

26、uyer. Through friendly negotiation, both Parties have hereby agreed on the terms and conditions stipulated hereunder:1. Contract Products: _2. Specification: _3. Quantity: _4. Unit Price: _6. Country of Origin: _7. Shipping Marks: _8. Shipment: _To be shipped on or before _subject to acceptable Lett

27、er of Credit (L/C reaches Sellers before the end of _, and partial shipments allowed, transshipment allowed.9. Grace Period:Should 4last shipment have to be extended for fulfilment of this contract, the Buyer shall give the Seller a grace period of 30 days upon submitting evidence by the Seller.10.

28、Insurance:To be effected by the Buyer.11. Packing:In new Kraft paper bags of _kg/bag or in wooden cases of _kg/case, free of charge.12. Payment:The Buyer shall open a 100% confirmed, irrevocable, divisible and negotiable and partial shipment permitted Letter of Credit 5in favor of the Seller within

29、5 calendar days from the date of the agreement through the Issuing Bank. The L/C shah be drawn against draft at sight upon first presentation of the following documents:(1 Full set of Seller's Commercial Invoices;(2 Full set of clean, blank, endorsed Bill of Lading6;(3 Inspection Certificates of

30、 quality and weight.13. Notice of Readiness:The Buyer shall advise the Seller by telex the scheduled time of arrival of cargo vessel at least seven days prior to the arrival of the vessel at the loading port.14. Performance Guarantee:(1 Upon receipt of Buyer' s Irrevocable L/C by the Advising Ba

31、nk, the Seller shall perform a Performance Guarantee representing _ % of the L/C value.(2 The Performance Guarantee shall be returned in full to the Seller after completion of shipment and delivery of the contracted goods. In case of non-delivery of ( all or part of the goods for reasons other than

32、those specified in clause 12, the Performance Guarantee shall be forfeited in favor of the Buyer in proportion to the quantity in default.(3 Should the Buyer breach the contract or fail to open the L/C in favor of the Seller within the period specified in clause 9 (except for clause 12, the Buyer ha

33、s to pay the Seller the same value as the Performance Guarantee.(4 The Letter of Credit must fulfill all the terms and conditions of this contract. The terms of the L/C should be clear, fair and made payable to the Seller. Upon acceptance of L/C by the Advising Bank, the Advising Bank shah send the

34、Performance Guarantee to the Issuing Bank.15. Force Majeure7:The Seller or the Buyer shall not be responsible for non-delivery or breach of contract for any reason due to Force Majeure incidents.In case the time of delivery or shipment has to be extended, the Buyer or the Seller shall have to provid

35、e evidence for such event.16. Arbitration:All disputes or divergences arising from the execution of the contract shah be settled through friendly discussion between both Parties. In case no settlement can be reached, the case at issue shall then be submitted for arbitration to the China Internationa

36、l Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission 8in accordance with the provisions of the said Commission.The award by the said Commission shall be deemed as final and binding upon both Parties. The Arbitration fee shah be borne by the losing Party. In course of Arbitration, the contract shah continuous

37、ly be executed by both Parties except for the part under Arbitration.17. Currency Devaluation:In the event of any official devaluation of U. S. Currency, the Seller reserves the right to readjust the contract price in proportion to the devaluation ratio.18. Valid Period:This contract will automatica

38、lly become null and void should the Buyer fail to open a L/C in favor of the Seller within seven days after signing this contract. 4 However, the Buyer shall still be responsible for the payment of compensation in accordance with the terms in clause 11, items 2 and 3.This contract is made in duplica

39、te, both Parties have read carefully and agreed toabide by all the terms and conditions stipulated. The contract is signed by both Parties in the presence of witnesses.Seller: Buyer: Witnesses:(一譯前準備詞匯提示hereinafter adv. 在下文stipulate v. 規定specification n. 規格confirm vt. 確認;保兌kraft n. 牛皮紙irrevocable ad

40、j. 不可撤銷的 divisible adj. 可分割的negotiable adj. 可轉讓的in favor of somebody 以 . 為受益人 endorse v. 背書;為 . 代言 guarantee n. 保證金non-delivery n. 無法交貨forfeit vt. 沒收in proportion to 按 . 比例default n. 不履行、違約 breach vt./n 違反、不履行 arbitration n. 仲裁dispute n. 糾紛、爭端 divergence n. 分歧、歧異 in accordance with 依據、按照 provision n

41、. 規定award n./vt. 裁決;授予、判給 arbitral award 仲裁裁決 statute n. 法令、法規ratio n. 利率valid adj. 有效的null adj. 無效的void adj. 無效的 compensation n. 補償術語unit price 單價shipping mark 嘜頭letter of credit (L/C 信用證grace period 優惠期限issuing bank 開證行advising bank 通知(銀行bill of lading (B/L 貨運提單to be drawn against draft at sight 見

42、票 即付commercial invoice 商業發票 inspection certificate 檢驗證明 performance guarantee 履約保證金 force majeure 不可抗力losing party 敗訴方(二翻譯討論1. By and between, “由 . 和 . 間” 。 英文中常用并列短語來使意思的表達更為正式 嚴謹,在平時應留心這種英文表達。再如 14. (4中的“ terms and conditions ” 表示“合同條款” , 18中的 null and void表示“無效” 。2. 合同常常采用部分古詞來增強其文體的正式程度,這樣不僅能使句子

43、結構緊 湊, 而且增強了雨衣的邏輯銜接和連貫。 該句使用的 hereinafter 、 hereby 、 hereunder 在法律文本中經常出現,可分別譯為:“在下文中” 、 “特此”和“如下的” 。3. F. O. B為 Free On Board的縮寫。 現代國際貿易中最常用的三種價格術語除 F. O. B (裝運港船上交貨價 外, 還有 C. F. R(目的港成本加運費價 Cost and Freight 和 C. I. F(目的港成本加保險費運費價 Cost, Insurance and Freight 。這三種術語 規定賣方交貨地點為裝運港,以越過船舷為劃分雙方風險的界限。4. S

44、hould引起的假設狀語從句,相當于 in case從句,漢譯時一般翻譯成“若 . (發生 ” 。5. L/C為當今國際貿易中的主要貨款支付方式,即信用證結算。6. Clean Bill of Lading:清潔提單。指貨物在裝船后承運人(船運公司在提單 上未加任何有關貨物受損或包裝不良等批注的提單。7. Force Majeure:不可抗力。指合同簽訂后,因為一些無法預料且人力無法控制 的事件導致合同某一方當事人不能履行合同, 或者無法如期履行合同。 包括嚴重 自然災害,以及戰爭、封鎖、沖突、暴亂等社會原因。8. China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會,下設與中國國