英语抽象词及其翻译

Abstract: One of the features of modern English is the wide use of abstract

nouns in all kinds of writing. Abstract nouns are characterized by simplicity in

form but generalization and vagueness in meaning. In E-C translation, English

abstract nouns should be flexibly dealt with, otherwise there would occur improper

Chinese if they were translated word for word. This paper gives a relatively

systematic analysis of English abstract nouns and discussions on origin, formation,

classification and translation respectively. Finally, some suggestions are offered on

the basis of the discussions and the analysis.

Key Words: abstract noun, origin, formation, classification, E-C translation.

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English Abstract Nouns and Their Translation

英语抽象词及其翻译

1. Introduction

Nowadays, abstract nouns are frequently found in modern English. But it is not always

easy to catch them and let alone to translate them. So, for English majors, it is under the

necessity of making a research on them. To begin with, we need to make clear what abstract

nouns are. “Abstract” means “existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or

practical existence”. (A ., 2000) The abstract nouns refer to an abstract quality or

state, e.g., goodness or freedom. The mode of thinking, the feature of thinking and the style of

thinking are language philosophical mechanism. Therefore, not only should we wipe off the

barrier of languages but also we should constitute a new way of thinking in language research

and translation.

2. Origin of English Abstract Nouns

As a matter of fact, every nation has its abstract or concrete thinking. Due to the historical

reasons and cultural differences, various nations have their own unique concerns and selections.

It is known to us that English people emphasize abstract thinking while the Chinese focus on

concrete thinking. But what’s the real cause of this common phenomenon? The Chinese tend to

think and observe things from specific perspectives. It is not habitual for them to do research

and work out the relationship among different things, that is, to build abstract regulations.

They pay much attention to concrete things so as to complement the abstract meanings with

vivid words and express their emotions. Yet English people praise highly on deep thinking.（刘宓庆, 1996）In the process of analyzing the objective world, they take classification as their

basic method and get through the surface to understand the deeper meaning. Finally, the pure

abstract thinking personality has been formed. (甲小龙,1996，12)The Chinese strive

perseveringly for perceptive cognition to convey profound and reasonable thought and to show

connotation through skillful perception of analogy. This can be found in the vivid image by the

features of pictograph, associative compounds, and pictophonetic characters. As Rudolf Flesh

said, “so naturally, instead of using words like institutionalizing or anti-progressivism, as our

thinkers do, they (the Chinese) formed the habits of expressing ideas by metaphors, similes

and allegories, in short, by every known device for making a thing plain by comparing it with

something else”.（, 1949）The western people lay stress on thinking which leads to the

losing of the vividness in word formation and finally their words become the conceptual signs.

The minimal meaning unit of the word is morphemes, which are also a linguistic abstraction

and a concept. It is obvious that the use of abstract nouns in English is more frequent than that

in Chinese. We can find the action abstract nouns, which contain the behavior meaning and

action meaning. For example,

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a) I marveled at the relentless determination of the rain.

b) He had surfaced with less visibility in the policy decision.

Abstract nouns can also be found to express people, object or phenomenon. Let’s look the

example,

e.g. Wisdom prepares for the worst, but folly leaves the worst for the day it comes.

Abstract nouns are also used to convey the complicated reasoning concept.

e.g. The absence of intelligence is an indication of satisfactory development

From the above examples, we can find that more abstract nouns are used in English than

in Chinese. So the proper use of abstract nouns will make translation more idiomatic.

3. Formation of Abstract Nouns

There are mainly two ways to form abstract nouns. One is to form a noun from a verb or

an adjective. The other is to form a noun from a verbal phrase or a prepositional phrase.

3.1 Abstract Nouns Composed by Adding Suffixes

Abstract nouns can be formed by adding suffixes, as:-ness, -tion, -ity, -ure, -ence, -ment,

-ship and so on behind verbs or adjectives. The words such as approval, management and

popularity are all formed this way.

1) Verb+-ment, -al, -sion, -tion and -age

V+ment: argument, development, settlement.

V+al: arrival, approval, betrayal.

V+sion or tion: conclusion, diversion, expression, confusion.

V+age: flowage, leakage, passage, shortage, stoppage.

V+y: mastery, discovery, unity, entreaty, envy.

2) Adjective +-ness, -dom, -hood, -ity, or –ty.

Adj+ness: darkness, loneliness, effectiveness, hardness, goodness, illness.

Adj+dom: wisdom, freedom, officialdom.

Adj+hood: falsehood, likelihood, livelihood.

Adj+ity or -ty: safety, ability, necessity, loyalty, acidity, activity, density.

3) Adj or Verb+-th or -t, -ry, -cy, -ance(ancy) or –ency(ence)

Adj or V +th or t: death, thought, growth, strength, truth,width.

Adj or V +ry: bravery, distillery, finery, watery, inquiry, discovery.

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Adj or V +cy: accuracy, advocacy, intimacy, bankruptcy, secrecy.

Adj or V +-ance(ancy) or –ence(ency): tolerance, absence, appearance, consistence,

decency, reliance, continence, disturbance, reference, allowance, assistance.

3.2 Derivative Abstract Nouns

Derivative abstract nouns are those words derived from verbal phrases or prepositionsl

phrases. The function of the two kinds of nouns is to give an abstract description that is similar

to that of other abstract nouns. Also such derivative nouns contain meanings of abstraction or

exaggeration. So they are called abstract nouns.

a) His business takes a turn for the better. (improvement of something that already exists

or that has gone before)

b) Although it was well on in the evening, we decided to try our luck at fishing again. (try

to do or get something, hoping to succeed)

4. Classification of Abstract Nouns

Similarly, there are countable abstract nouns and uncountable ones. But in modern

English, most of abstract nouns are uncountable ones, with some countable, and some both

countable and uncountable.

4.1 Countable Abstract Nouns

Countable abstract nouns not only have plural forms but also can be used with indefinite

articles.

a) It’s quite a task to figure out ten problems in an hour.

b) There are a lot of heavy tasks for the young people to take upon themselves.

a) ton had a narrow victory in the reform.

b) We have to consolidate our victories in the reforms.

a) Would you spare me a few minutes? I want to have a talk with you.

b) The students enjoyed his talks on American culture

Sometimes countable abstract nouns can be used as uncountable ones, but with their

meanings changed.

a) He’s all talk. (It means that he only talks but never takes action.)

b) I took him to talk for his carelessness. (It means that I blamed him for his carelessness.)

4.2 Uncountable Abstract Nouns

There are so many uncountable abstract nouns that here are only a few can be discussed.

a) We’re sure of his honesty.

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b) She used to take some work home to do when she was a worker.

c) His happiness defies utterance.

d) She has made great progress in her studies.

e) The Long March was of great historical significance.

4.3 Meanings of Abstract Nouns

Some abstract nouns can be used either as countable nouns or uncountable ones, but with

meanings changed. Here are some examples.

a) He’s a professor of ten years’ experience. (knowledge or skill gained from doing

something)

b) Her tour by spaceship was quite an experience. (event or activity affecting one in some

way)

a) I’m always grateful to her kindness in helping me to tide over the difficulties. (good

intention)

b) They have done him a few personal kindnesses. (good deeds)

a) Friendship first, competition second. (close relationship)

b) His friendships never last very long. (behaviors that embody good relationship)

a) Nowadays passengers have to be searched for security reasons. (Safety)

b) Recently people like to trade in government securities. (bonds)

Generally speaking, abstract nouns derived from countable single nouns usually have

changed meanings. For example,

a) There are three rooms in his flat. (shelters)

b) There’s much room for discussion. (leeway)

a) It is known that he is a fool. (stupid person)

b) She was fool enough to believe him. (stupid person)

a) They will live forever in our hearts. (minds)

b) No matter what difficulties may come our way, we must never lose heart. (confidence)

Broadly speaking, abstract nouns derived from verbs or adjectives usually keep their basic

meanings. The examples are shown below.

a) He held a position of importance when he was alive.

b) It is important to have a good mastery of foreign language.

a) Though he is only five, he is able to swim.

b) We have confidence in their ability to resolve the problems.

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a) He approved himself an honest man.

b) Don’t slightly express your approval or disapproval.

a) This well delivers one thousand tons of oil a day.

b) You’re required to make delivery of the goods before June.

From the above discussion, we can easily find that not every abstract noun is uncountable

and it is better to consult the dictionaries when unfamiliar abstract nouns are met. Never take it

for granted that abstract nouns always keep their meanings unchanged.

5. Translation of Abstract Nouns

Languages are a tool of expressing and communicating. Although different languages

have much in common in expression ways and word usages, the existence of differences is

very normal. There is no exception between English and Chinese. Mostly it depends on the

translator whether the differences can be reduced to the minimum or not. Here is an old

English saying: “Words have no meanings; people have meanings for the words.”（王敬群，2001）English word have connotations which are so broad that we must follow contexts to get

their exact meanings especially for English abstract nouns. Some of them have their equivalent

words in Chinese, such as “science”, “literature”, “friendship”, “phenomenon”, “art”, and so

on. But most of them have no equivalents. In English reading materials, we often meet abstract

nouns, of which we can only understand their meanings, but can’t say clearly their exact

meanings in simple words in the target languages. So we often have trouble in understanding

their abstract and conceptive meanings, which is usually the obstacle for translators. In order to

express their meanings precisely and make them easier for the readers to understand, we

should make painstaking efforts to research into abstract nouns to know their nature and

characteristics so as to translate them correctly. Compared with English, Chinese is more

concrete and plain. Therefore it is a better way to translate them into concrete and vivid

Chinese words. The following are common ways for translation.

5.1 Translating Abstract Nouns into Adjectives

1) Abstract nouns derived from adjectives can often be translated into adjectives. This is an

effective method to deal with the problem.

a) The photo mask must possess dimensional stability.

光掩模必须具有稳定的(stable)尺寸。

In this sentence the word “stability” was translated into Chinese adjective “stable”.

b) She realized the absurdity of dealing with them through intermediaries.

她意识到了通过中间人与他们达交道太愚蠢了.(absurd)

c) The spokesman admitted the feasibility of the Chinese proposal.

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这位发言人承认,中国的建议是可行的。(feasible)（王敬群,2001）

d) Both the Chinese and we approached that first opening toward each other with caution,

uncertainty, even trepidation.

我和中方都怀着谨慎(cautious),不安甚(uncertain)至是恐慌的(trepid)心情,来看待彼此间的首次接触。

2) In addition, abstract nouns used as attributes or objects and derived from adjectives are

usually translated into adjectives in Chinese.

a) It is no use employing radar to detect objects in water.

使用雷达测水下目标是没有用的。(useless)（邱天河,1994）

b) The blockage was a success.

封锁很成功。(successful)

5.2 Translating Abstract Nouns by Adding Words

If abstract nouns are used as objects in sentences and verbs contain the meanings of

doubts, inquiries or the like, we should translate them by adding words. The examples are

below.

a) You should consider the safety of going there.

你应该考虑单独去那儿是否安全。(whether it is safe or not)

b) He questioned the wisdom of her going there with them.

他对于她跟他们一起去是否明智表示怀疑。(whether it is wise)

5.3 Translating Abstract Nouns into Verbs

It is often known to us that usually there is only one predicate verb in an English sentence

while in Chinese there is often more than one predicate verb in a sentence, especially in

political essays.

a) One after another, speakers called for the downfall of imperialism, abolition of

exploitation of man by man, liberation of the oppressed of the world.

发言人一个接一个地表示要打倒(down with)帝国主义,消灭(abolish)人剥削人的制度,要解放(liberate)世界的被压迫人民。（张培基,1980）

b) Until 1972, all efforts by the two nations to curb the nuclear arms race had foundered

on one point: U.S insistence on the right to make on-site inspections of Soviet strategic arsenal

and Russia’s refusal.

到1972年为止,美苏之间关于限制核军备竞赛的一切努力都在这一点上失败了:美国坚持(insist)有权视察苏方战略武器现场,而苏联拒绝(refuse)这样做。(张培基,1980)

c) The rotation of the earth on its own axis caused the change from day to night.

地球绕轴自转 (rotate),引起昼夜的变化。

d) The adoption of new device will greatly cut down the percentage of defective products.

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采用(to adopt)这种新装置可大大降低废品率。

5.4 Translating Abstract Nouns into Adverbs

Abstract nouns used as core words could be translated into adverbs.

e.g. a) When he catches a glimpse of a potential antagonist, his instinct is to win him over

with charm and humor.

只要一发现有可能反对他的人，他就本能地(instinctively)要用他的魅力和幽默将这人争取过来。

b) The new mayor earned some appreciation by the courtesy of coming to visit the city

poor.

新市长有礼貌地(courteously)前来访问城市贫民，获得了他们的一些好感。

5.5 Translating Abstract Nouns into Sentences

Since English abstract words have the advantages of simplicity and generalization, if they

were translated into words or phrases, the version would be unnatural. Under this

circumstance，to translate them into a sentence is a good choice.

e.g. a) Your silence on this matter puzzled me.

你对此事沉默不语，(You keep silent about this matter.) 我对此感到迷惑不解。

b) He shook his head and his eyes were wide, and then narrowed in indignation.

他摇了摇头，两眼睁得圆圆的。接着又眯成一条线，脸上露出了愤怒的神色。(There is an indignant

look on his face.)

c. The vacancy of his expression made me doubt if he was listening.

他毫无表情，(He showed no facial expression.)因此我怀疑他是否听着。

6. Some Other Translation Techniques for Abstract Nouns

6.1 Abstract Nouns Used with Propositions

Some abstract nouns are used with the preposition “of”, in this case, they seem to be

nouns but actually they act as attributes.

e.g. a) People have a tendency to choose the safety of the middle ground reply.

人们倾向与选择一种安全的(safe)不偏不倚的回答。

b) They passed from the heat and glare of a big square into a cool, dark cave.

他们穿过一条热气灼人，阳光眩目的(hot and glaring)宽阔广场来到一个凉快幽暗的大山洞。

6.2 Translating Abstract Nouns in Singular or Plural Form Flexibly

It is generally thought that abstract nouns have only singular form as uncountable nouns.

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But if they are used in plural form, how do we deal with them? Often they have different

meanings in the two cases. The first way is to translate them by keeping their basic meanings

for emphasis. e.g. “live up to one’s hopes.” (不辜负某人的期望) “fall short of one’s

expectations” (辜负某人的期望) . The second is to be translated into their concrete meanings.

e.g. have pleasant experiences (有不少愉快的经历). In this phrase, “experiences” indicate

event or activity affecting someone in some way. If it is in singular form, it indicates

knowledge or skill gained from doing something. e.g. have a great deal of experience (有不少经验).

Here are also two other examples.

a) It (well-meaning advice) leads to ponderous opening platitudes, repetitions of the

subject of the essay to write, to vague generalizations that only before the issues.

听了这种好心的劝告,人们写文章的一开头就会发表冗长的陈词滥调的议论,进而泛泛其谈地陈述主题（then talk the subject of the essay again and again）,继而又不厌其烦地进行含糊得

概括(furthermore make a very detailed conclusion tediously),结果只会把问题搞得模糊不清。

In fact, in this sentence, the words “repetition” and “generalizations” have complex and

concrete meanings. So some other words must be added to complement their practical meanings.

Otherwise their exact meanings can’t be fully expressed, if only their basic meanings are

translated.

b) In consequence, I’m inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up

many curious natures to me, and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.

由于这种缘故,我对人对事尽可能采取保留的态度,不乱下断语(take attitude with certain reservation and

never make judgment at will).我这个习惯招致了很多性情古怪的人(people with eccentric characters)向我吐露心腹话,甚至弄得有些惹人讨厌的家伙也敢跟我纠缠不清。

In this sentence, the words “judgments” and “natures” are both translated into their

concrete meaning. The former indicates various thoughts and the latter means people.

7. Conclusion

In a word, frequent utilization of abstract nouns is one of features of English while the use

of concrete nouns is the feature of Chinese. Abstract nouns wildly used in English texts are

very important to English learners. So when we translate English abstract nouns into Chinese,

we should make our versions according to the specific contexts. Only after gaining a better

understanding of abstract nouns and their characteristics, nature as well as relevant contexts,

could we make our translation more naturally and idiomatically.

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Acknowledgement

I wish to thank Prof. Lilian, who is the tutor for my thesis. During the accomplishment of

my thesis, she gave me numerous helps and generously offered me some books, periodicals and

some other information relevant to my theme. I also thank all working staff in College of Foreign

Languages. They helped me a lot in the process of my paper writing. Then I’d like to give my

sincere thanks to my classmates who helped me with my information collecting and

paper-polishing. Finally my appreciation is also given to my parents for their support and

encouragement to me.

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Bibliography

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[5]. 王敬群. 英语学习“避虚求实”谈英语抽象名词的汉译处理[J] 2001.

[6]. 邱天河. 对英译汉技巧的探索[C]. 对英译汉技巧的探讨， 重庆：重庆大学出版社， 1994.

[7]. 张培基等. 英汉翻译教程[M]. 上海：上海教育出版社， 1980.

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