一、前置法:把定语从句翻译到所修饰的先行词前面,可以用“的”来连接。
He who has never tasted what is bitter does not know what is sweet。
没有吃过苦的人不知道什么是甜。
Space and oceans are the new world which scientists are trying to explore。
太空和海洋是科学家们努力探索的新领域。
His laughter, which was infectious, broke the silence。
他那富有感染力的笑声打破了沉寂。
二、后置法:把定语从句翻译在所修饰的先行词后面,翻译为并列分句。
(一)重复先行词。
I told the story to John, who told it to his brother。
他把这件事告诉了约翰,约翰又告诉了他的弟弟。
We wish to express our satisfaction at this to the Special Committee, whose activities deserve to be encouraged。
在我们对特别委员会表示满意,特别委员会的工作应该受到鼓励。
You, whose predecessors scored initial success in astronomical research, have acquired a greater accomplishment in this respect。
你们的先辈在天文学研究方面取得了初步的成功,而你们现在则在这一方面获得了更大的成就。
Although he lacks experience, he has enterprise and creativity, which are decisive in achieving success in the area。
他虽然经验不足,但很有进取心和创造力,而这正是在这一领域获得成功的关键。
(二)省略先行词。
ceived the letter that announced the death of your uncle。
是他接到那封信,说你的叔叔去世了。
They worked out a new method by which production has now been rapidly increased。
他们制定出一种新方案,采用之后生产已迅速得到提高。
三、融合法:把定语从句和它所修饰的先行词结合在一起翻译。
There is a man downstairs who wants to see you。
楼下有人要见你。
In our factory, there are many people who are much interested in the new invention。
在我们工厂里,许多人对这项新发明很感兴趣。
We used a plane of which almost every part carried some indication of national identity。
我们驾驶的飞机几乎每一个部件都有一些国籍标志
She had a balance at her banker’s which would have made her beloved anywhere。
她在银行里的存款足以使她到处受到欢迎
四、状译法
(一)译成表示“时间”的分句
A driver who is driving the bus mustn’t talk with others or be absent-minded。
司机在开车时,不许和人谈话,也不能走神。
(二)译成表示“原因”的分句
He showed no further wish for conversation with Mrs. Smith, who was now more than usually insolent and disagreeable。
他似乎不愿再和史密斯太太讲话,因为她现在异常无礼,令人厌烦。
(三)译成表示“条件”的分句
Men become desperate for work, any work, which will help them to keep alive their families。
人们极其迫切地要求工作,不管什么工作,只要它能维持一家人的生活就行。
(四)译成表示“让步”的分句
He insisted on buying another house, which he had no use for
尽管他并没有这样的需要,他坚持要再买一幢房子,。
(五)译成表示“目的”的分句
He wishes to write an article that will attract the public attention to the matter。
为了引起公众对这一事件的注意,他想写一篇文章。
He is collecting authentic material that proves his argument。
为了证明他的论点,他正在收集确凿的材料以。
(六)译成表示“结果”的分句
They tried to stamp out the revolt, which spread all the more furiously throughout the country。
他们企图镇压反抗,结果反抗愈来愈烈,遍及全国。
(七)译成表示“转折”的分句
She was very patient towards the children, which her husband seldom was。
她对孩子们很有耐心,而她丈夫却很少这样。