中国习惯用语英译

一桶水摇不响，半桶水响叮当

　　有人照字面译成：The full pot of water makes no sound ;the half-empty pot of water is noisy.

　　老外听后，也许会感到困惑．他们有自己的说法：Ａ　little knowledge (or learning)can be (or is)dangerous.(一知半解很危险．）或者说：Ｓtill water runs deep.(静水深不可测．）也可以说：Ｈe who knows the most says the least.(懂得越多的人，说得越少．）

　　至于＂大智若愚＂，通常可以这么说：Ａ　truly wise person does not show off his (her) ability.(真正聪明的人，是不会显示自己的能力的．）

    有人照字面译为：Ａs the water level sinks ,the stones are exposed.老外的说法是：Ａll secrets may eventually come to light.(所有秘密总会曝光．）也可以说：Ｅventually ,every secret will be disclosed.

　　如要译成：If you stand on a mountain ,you feel the distant mountain seems higher than yours.老外也勉强能接受．而他们的习惯说法是：Ｔhe grass always looks greener on the other side .(另一边的草，看来总是绿些．）

    有人译成：Ｆire is the test of gold; adversity is the test of friendship.这句译文，虽然很好，老外也能了解，但是他们还有另外的说法：Liquor brings out a person's true color.(烈酒能显示一个人真正的特色．）虽然老外不用＂烈火炼真金＂的比喻，但有＂路遥知马力＂的说法：By a long road , we know a horse's strength;at times of difficulty ,we discover a friend's true character.