“是”字句的翻译

“是”字句在汉语中占有相当的比例，但并非所有的“是”都是判断词，因此不能机械地用英语的连系动词be来翻译，必须结合语境含义来译。汉语中的“是”可表示等同、类属、特征、存在等意义；“是……的”含有被动意义；与“才”、“就”、“正”等连用表示强调；“是”还可以表示一种直观表象或结果。下面介绍一些“是”字句的翻译方法。

1. 译为英语连系动词be 

---那年月，有钱人是天天过年。

In those years, the rich people's extravagance was such that everyday was a Spring Festival.

2. 省略“是”字

---工业企业效益差是当前许多矛盾的症结所在。

All the contradictions existing in industrial enterprises today boil down to scanty economic returns.

3. 译为被动语态

---革命者是杀不完的。

Revolutionaries can never be wiped out.

4. 根据“是”的实际意义翻译

---这是大势所趋，人心所向。

This represents the general trend of development and the common aspiration of the people.

5. 译为but it is (was)…

---这个故事好是好，就是长了点。

It is a good story all right, but it's a bit too long.

6. 用there be结构翻译表示“凡是”的”是”字

---是重活，他都抢着干。

Whenever there's a tough job, he is always the first to do it.