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1.Introduction
English idioms which are playing a prominent role both in written and spoken language establish its position firmly by the characteristics of simplicity and vivid image.However，due to the differences in cultural backgrounds and customs between the oriental and occidental languages，translation is no easy job，especially the Chinese translation of English idioms.Therefore it becomes an important and tough issue in the translation work.
The paper mainly introduces three translation methods from English to Chinese according to the relationship between English idioms and Chinese idioms，and what is more，from the point of view of keeping the flavor of the English idioms as well as catering for Chinese readers，it discusses six suggestions to translate English idioms into Chinese.
2.The Categories of Chinese Translation of English Idioms
“According to the relationship between Chinese idioms and English idioms，the methods of idiom translation can be divided into three categories： the Chinese translation of corresponding English idioms，the Chinese translation of partial corresponding English idioms and the Chinese translation of specific English idioms” （钟洁玲，2006）.
2.1 The Chinese translation of corresponding English idioms
2.1.1 Word-equivalence.When the Chinese idioms and English idioms are equivalent in meaning and structure，this kind of translation is practicable.For example，burn the boat（破釜沉舟），to go through fire and water（赴汤蹈火），to add fuel to the flames （火上加油）.
2.1.2 Word-amplification.This kind of translation is to add some words that don’t exist in English idioms in order that the translation can correspond with the Chinese idioms.For example，catch at shadows （捕风捉影），two-faced tactics （两面三刀）.
2.1.3 Word-simplification.Contrary to word-amplification mentioned above，this kind of translation is to omit some words in English idioms.When we translate this kind of idioms，it is imperative to simplify it in order to make the translation clear.For instance，“One man’s meat is another man’s poison” should be translated into “人各有所好” instead of “一个人的肉对于另一个人是毒药”.There is no need to translate “meat and poison”.They are omitted but the meaning remains.
2.1.4 Word-transformation.This kind of translation is to change some words in English idioms so that the translation can be understood.For instance，if we Chinese describe a person who spends money in large quantities，we will use the idiom “挥金如土”.However，English use the idiom “spend money like water”.In Chinese “土”are used，whereas in English water.Although they two are different，the deep meaning of the two idioms is exactly the same.Both of then mean “extravagant or luxurious ”.There are more examples： as timid as a hare （胆小如鼠），as poor as a church mouse（一贫如洗）. 2.2 The Chinese translation of partial corresponding English idioms.This kind of idioms is called partial corresponding idioms.When translating this kind of idioms，the first step is to figure out the correct meaning of English idioms and then try to find out suitable Chinese idioms to correspond with.
There is an idiom called “cast pearls before swine”.Pearl if a small hard shiny white ball that forms inside the shell of an oyster and is of great value as a jewel.“to cast pearl before swine” means to present something of great interest or value to someone incapable of appreciating it.In Chinese the idiom with similar meaning is called “对牛弹琴”.
2.3 The Chinese translation of specific English idioms.“Specific idioms are those which are easily confused with Chinese phrases.It seems they have the same meaning，but in fact，they are different” （宋天锡，2004：301）.There is an idiom in English “pull one’s leg” that will remind us of the Chinese phrase “拖后腿”at first sight.However，“pull one’s leg” means to play a joke on somebody usually by making them believe something that is not true，while “拖后腿”in Chinese means “a situation，an event，etc that makes it difficult for you to do or achieve something”.In this sense，“pull one’s leg” should be translated into Chinese “取笑某人，愚弄某人”.There are more examples： in the same boat（同处困境），cat-and-dog life（争吵不休）.
3.Suggestions to Translate English Idioms into Chinese
3.1 Literal translation.In terms of idiom translation，literal translation can keep the original form of English idioms without causing confusion in meaning.What’s more，the most important point lies in the function of keeping the full flavor of English idioms.
For example，“People will stop believing a person who constantly cries wolf”.
A.人们不会再相信经常发出假警报的人。
B.人们不会再相信喊“狼来了”的人。
The fairytale about “cry wolf” is well known to every family.This idiom is from Aesop’s fable of the shepherd boy who once and again raised false alarms crying “wolf” to cause excitement and alarm to his neighbors，who rushed to his aid only to find themselves fooled.At last a wolf did come but nobody paid any attention to his cry and all the sheep he herded were killed.That is how “cry wolf” comes to mean “raise false alarm”.This English idiom has been assimilated by Chinese culture after a long period of transformation.B employs literal translation.It not only does not cause confusion at all，but makes the expression vivid.On the contrary，A produces the loss of cultural meaning. 3.2 Literal translation with notes.“Good literal translation can help Chinese readers to acquire the direct cultural information of English idioms，but sometimes the direct literal translation without any notes will puzzle readers”（倪万辉，2009）.For example，“Without John they can’t do a thing，Hamlet without the prince，I guess”.（译：约翰不在，他们什么事也做不成，我看那就像没有王子的《哈姆雷特》）.As to this version，Chinese readers might be confused，so a note must added.「注：《哈姆雷特》是莎士比亚的一部戏剧名称，该剧主要讲述丹麦王子哈姆雷特的所言所行，如果该剧没有了那位王子，它就成了“缺少精髓的东西”.With the note Chinese readers could acquire new information about this idiom.
3.3 Liberal translation.Liberal translation is also called free translation which does not conform strictly to the form or word order of the original.“when there exists dissimilarity or great differences between English idiom and Chinese idiom in terms of vocabulary，grammatical structure and art devices，free translation can be employed” （郭著章，1996：157）.
For example，“He regards himself as somebody here，but in fact； he is but a fly on the wheel”.
A.他自认为是这儿了不起的人物，但实际上他只不过是个妄自尊大的人。
B.他自认为是这儿了不起的人物，但实际上他只不过是个轮轴上的苍蝇。
Compare A and B，A employs liberal translation while B uses literal translation.They are both right from the point view of sentence structure and grammar.However，according to the meaning of the original，there exists a transition relationship.“He regards himself as somebody here” means he fancies himself important； and from the transition relationship between them，“but in fact he is but a fly on the wheel” must contains a transition that the person is of no importance.Though “妄自尊大的人”in version A has no meaning of “a fly on the wheel”，it makes the sentence reasonable.So the readers will not be confused with the sentence meaning.On the contrary，B would make readers puzzled.
3.4 Liberal translation - replacement with similar Chinese idioms.In this way，we can find out the crossing-point between English and Chinese idioms，which is often the common sense shared by two countries’ peoples.This skill adequately expresses the common crystallization of wisdom of the oriental and occidental people.
The following examples can illustrate this point：
A.A fall in the pit，a gain in your wit.吃一堑，长一智
B.Nothing venture，nothing have.不入虎穴，焉得虎子
C.Love me，love my dog.爱屋及乌
3.5 Combination of literal and liberal translation.“Sometimes stiff literal translation leads to the boring feeling of reading as well as the ineffective cultural transfer； liberal translation beyond limit will often destroy the faithfulness of English idioms.” （钟洁玲，2006）.In order to overcome the problem，the combination of literal and liberal translation should be used.For example， A.To lift a rock only to have his own toes squashed.（搬起石头砸自己的脚）
“搬起石头”is literal translation，while “砸” and“脚”use liberal translation.
B.Until all is over，ambition never dies.（不到黄河心不死）“心不死”is literal translation whereas “不到黄河”is liberal translation.
3.6 Rhetorical devices.“For the aim of making the version more vivid and following one of the three-word translation criteria- “elegance”，rhetorical devices should be adopted in translating idioms” （张春柏，2003：65）.This device can make the version more readable and arouse the readers’ interest.For example，“A true friend is known in the day of adversity”（疾风知劲草，患难知友情）.This English idiom is formed in simple sentence without any rhetoric device.But the version uses Chinese idiom with rhetoric–repetition and antithesis.Another example： All things are obedient to money.
A.金钱支配一切。
B.有钱能使鬼推磨。
Just at a glance，B is more suitable.This version uses rhetoric device-hyperbole.Thus readers are expressed by the vivid expression.
4.Conclusion
As the English idioms itself with a profound implication，as well as a strong ethnic color，it’s not a simple English-Chinese translation of the language conversion process.It requires us to become familiar with the living habits of the two peoples and customs.“A language is a part of a culture and a culture is a part of a language，so one can not separate the two”.（Newmark，2001：39）.Only on that basis can we use appropriate translation methods.Thus the above-mentioned methods are supposed to be employed practicably in the process of idiom translation.
References：
[1]Hornby， A， S.（2004）.Oxford Advanced Learner’s English-Chinese Dictionary[M].Oxford： Oxford University Press.
[2]Newmark， Peter.（2001）.Approaches to Translation[M].Shanghai： Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.
[3]郭著璋，李庆生.（1996）.英汉互译实用教程[M].武汉大学出版社：157
[4]倪万辉.（2009）.从语言文化差异看英汉习语的互译[J].兰州理工大学外国语学院（2）：52-55
[5]宋天锡.（2004）.英汉互译实用教程[M]. 国防工业出版社：301
[6]张春柏.（2003）.英汉汉英翻译教程[M].高等教育出版社：65-234
[7]钟洁玲.（2006）.英语词语翻译与文化背景知识[J].韵关学院学报（1）：138
English idioms which are playing a prominent role both in written and spoken language establish its position firmly by the characteristics of simplicity and vivid image.However，due to the differences in cultural backgrounds and customs between the oriental and occidental languages，translation is no easy job，especially the Chinese translation of English idioms.Therefore it becomes an important and tough issue in the translation work.
The paper mainly introduces three translation methods from English to Chinese according to the relationship between English idioms and Chinese idioms，and what is more，from the point of view of keeping the flavor of the English idioms as well as catering for Chinese readers，it discusses six suggestions to translate English idioms into Chinese.
2.The Categories of Chinese Translation of English Idioms
“According to the relationship between Chinese idioms and English idioms，the methods of idiom translation can be divided into three categories： the Chinese translation of corresponding English idioms，the Chinese translation of partial corresponding English idioms and the Chinese translation of specific English idioms” （钟洁玲，2006）.
2.1 The Chinese translation of corresponding English idioms
2.1.1 Word-equivalence.When the Chinese idioms and English idioms are equivalent in meaning and structure，this kind of translation is practicable.For example，burn the boat（破釜沉舟），to go through fire and water（赴汤蹈火），to add fuel to the flames （火上加油）.
2.1.2 Word-amplification.This kind of translation is to add some words that don’t exist in English idioms in order that the translation can correspond with the Chinese idioms.For example，catch at shadows （捕风捉影），two-faced tactics （两面三刀）.
2.1.3 Word-simplification.Contrary to word-amplification mentioned above，this kind of translation is to omit some words in English idioms.When we translate this kind of idioms，it is imperative to simplify it in order to make the translation clear.For instance，“One man’s meat is another man’s poison” should be translated into “人各有所好” instead of “一个人的肉对于另一个人是毒药”.There is no need to translate “meat and poison”.They are omitted but the meaning remains.
2.1.4 Word-transformation.This kind of translation is to change some words in English idioms so that the translation can be understood.For instance，if we Chinese describe a person who spends money in large quantities，we will use the idiom “挥金如土”.However，English use the idiom “spend money like water”.In Chinese “土”are used，whereas in English water.Although they two are different，the deep meaning of the two idioms is exactly the same.Both of then mean “extravagant or luxurious ”.There are more examples： as timid as a hare （胆小如鼠），as poor as a church mouse（一贫如洗）. 2.2 The Chinese translation of partial corresponding English idioms.This kind of idioms is called partial corresponding idioms.When translating this kind of idioms，the first step is to figure out the correct meaning of English idioms and then try to find out suitable Chinese idioms to correspond with.
There is an idiom called “cast pearls before swine”.Pearl if a small hard shiny white ball that forms inside the shell of an oyster and is of great value as a jewel.“to cast pearl before swine” means to present something of great interest or value to someone incapable of appreciating it.In Chinese the idiom with similar meaning is called “对牛弹琴”.
2.3 The Chinese translation of specific English idioms.“Specific idioms are those which are easily confused with Chinese phrases.It seems they have the same meaning，but in fact，they are different” （宋天锡，2004：301）.There is an idiom in English “pull one’s leg” that will remind us of the Chinese phrase “拖后腿”at first sight.However，“pull one’s leg” means to play a joke on somebody usually by making them believe something that is not true，while “拖后腿”in Chinese means “a situation，an event，etc that makes it difficult for you to do or achieve something”.In this sense，“pull one’s leg” should be translated into Chinese “取笑某人，愚弄某人”.There are more examples： in the same boat（同处困境），cat-and-dog life（争吵不休）.
3.Suggestions to Translate English Idioms into Chinese
3.1 Literal translation.In terms of idiom translation，literal translation can keep the original form of English idioms without causing confusion in meaning.What’s more，the most important point lies in the function of keeping the full flavor of English idioms.
For example，“People will stop believing a person who constantly cries wolf”.
A.人们不会再相信经常发出假警报的人。
B.人们不会再相信喊“狼来了”的人。
The fairytale about “cry wolf” is well known to every family.This idiom is from Aesop’s fable of the shepherd boy who once and again raised false alarms crying “wolf” to cause excitement and alarm to his neighbors，who rushed to his aid only to find themselves fooled.At last a wolf did come but nobody paid any attention to his cry and all the sheep he herded were killed.That is how “cry wolf” comes to mean “raise false alarm”.This English idiom has been assimilated by Chinese culture after a long period of transformation.B employs literal translation.It not only does not cause confusion at all，but makes the expression vivid.On the contrary，A produces the loss of cultural meaning. 3.2 Literal translation with notes.“Good literal translation can help Chinese readers to acquire the direct cultural information of English idioms，but sometimes the direct literal translation without any notes will puzzle readers”（倪万辉，2009）.For example，“Without John they can’t do a thing，Hamlet without the prince，I guess”.（译：约翰不在，他们什么事也做不成，我看那就像没有王子的《哈姆雷特》）.As to this version，Chinese readers might be confused，so a note must added.「注：《哈姆雷特》是莎士比亚的一部戏剧名称，该剧主要讲述丹麦王子哈姆雷特的所言所行，如果该剧没有了那位王子，它就成了“缺少精髓的东西”.With the note Chinese readers could acquire new information about this idiom.
3.3 Liberal translation.Liberal translation is also called free translation which does not conform strictly to the form or word order of the original.“when there exists dissimilarity or great differences between English idiom and Chinese idiom in terms of vocabulary，grammatical structure and art devices，free translation can be employed” （郭著章，1996：157）.
For example，“He regards himself as somebody here，but in fact； he is but a fly on the wheel”.
A.他自认为是这儿了不起的人物，但实际上他只不过是个妄自尊大的人。
B.他自认为是这儿了不起的人物，但实际上他只不过是个轮轴上的苍蝇。
Compare A and B，A employs liberal translation while B uses literal translation.They are both right from the point view of sentence structure and grammar.However，according to the meaning of the original，there exists a transition relationship.“He regards himself as somebody here” means he fancies himself important； and from the transition relationship between them，“but in fact he is but a fly on the wheel” must contains a transition that the person is of no importance.Though “妄自尊大的人”in version A has no meaning of “a fly on the wheel”，it makes the sentence reasonable.So the readers will not be confused with the sentence meaning.On the contrary，B would make readers puzzled.
3.4 Liberal translation - replacement with similar Chinese idioms.In this way，we can find out the crossing-point between English and Chinese idioms，which is often the common sense shared by two countries’ peoples.This skill adequately expresses the common crystallization of wisdom of the oriental and occidental people.
The following examples can illustrate this point：
A.A fall in the pit，a gain in your wit.吃一堑，长一智
B.Nothing venture，nothing have.不入虎穴，焉得虎子
C.Love me，love my dog.爱屋及乌
3.5 Combination of literal and liberal translation.“Sometimes stiff literal translation leads to the boring feeling of reading as well as the ineffective cultural transfer； liberal translation beyond limit will often destroy the faithfulness of English idioms.” （钟洁玲，2006）.In order to overcome the problem，the combination of literal and liberal translation should be used.For example， A.To lift a rock only to have his own toes squashed.（搬起石头砸自己的脚）
“搬起石头”is literal translation，while “砸” and“脚”use liberal translation.
B.Until all is over，ambition never dies.（不到黄河心不死）“心不死”is literal translation whereas “不到黄河”is liberal translation.
3.6 Rhetorical devices.“For the aim of making the version more vivid and following one of the three-word translation criteria- “elegance”，rhetorical devices should be adopted in translating idioms” （张春柏，2003：65）.This device can make the version more readable and arouse the readers’ interest.For example，“A true friend is known in the day of adversity”（疾风知劲草，患难知友情）.This English idiom is formed in simple sentence without any rhetoric device.But the version uses Chinese idiom with rhetoric–repetition and antithesis.Another example： All things are obedient to money.
A.金钱支配一切。
B.有钱能使鬼推磨。
Just at a glance，B is more suitable.This version uses rhetoric device-hyperbole.Thus readers are expressed by the vivid expression.
4.Conclusion
As the English idioms itself with a profound implication，as well as a strong ethnic color，it’s not a simple English-Chinese translation of the language conversion process.It requires us to become familiar with the living habits of the two peoples and customs.“A language is a part of a culture and a culture is a part of a language，so one can not separate the two”.（Newmark，2001：39）.Only on that basis can we use appropriate translation methods.Thus the above-mentioned methods are supposed to be employed practicably in the process of idiom translation.
References：
[1]Hornby， A， S.（2004）.Oxford Advanced Learner’s English-Chinese Dictionary[M].Oxford： Oxford University Press.
[2]Newmark， Peter.（2001）.Approaches to Translation[M].Shanghai： Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.
[3]郭著璋，李庆生.（1996）.英汉互译实用教程[M].武汉大学出版社：157
[4]倪万辉.（2009）.从语言文化差异看英汉习语的互译[J].兰州理工大学外国语学院（2）：52-55
[5]宋天锡.（2004）.英汉互译实用教程[M]. 国防工业出版社：301
[6]张春柏.（2003）.英汉汉英翻译教程[M].高等教育出版社：65-234
[7]钟洁玲.（2006）.英语词语翻译与文化背景知识[J].韵关学院学报（1）：138