英語中能夠引導(dǎo)時(shí)間狀語從句的連接詞和連接短語較多,如when, whenever, as, before, after, until, till, since, while, once, each time,以及表示“一......就(立即)”的 as soon as, the moment, the instant, instantlv, immediately, directly 等。時(shí)間狀語從句的譯法主要有以下幾種。
1. 直譯
把時(shí)間狀語從句譯成漢語的時(shí)間狀語,并譯出連接詞本身的意義。要注意的是英語的時(shí)間狀語從句既可以置于主句之前,也可置于主句之后,有時(shí)也可以放在句子的中間。但漢譯時(shí),為了使譯文符合漢語的習(xí)慣,不論原句子中時(shí)間狀語從句是在句首還是句尾,或是在句子中間,原則上應(yīng)譯在句首。如:
* The spot of light describes a circular path when the lens assembly is rotated.
當(dāng)透鏡系統(tǒng)旋轉(zhuǎn)時(shí),光點(diǎn)畫出一個(gè)圓形軌跡。
* Whenever a wave moves out from a source in uniform medium, it travels in straight lines.
每當(dāng)波從均勻介質(zhì)中的波源發(fā)出時(shí),它都呈直線傳播。
* The 3n endosperm nucleus usually divides to form numerous nuclei before the zygote begins to divide.
三倍體胚乳核,通常在合子開始分裂前就分裂形成多個(gè)胚乳核。
* Since numerical control was adopted in machine tools, the productivity has been raised greatly.
自從機(jī)床采用數(shù)控方式以來,生產(chǎn)率大大提高了。
2. when引導(dǎo)的狀語從句的特殊譯法
(1) when引導(dǎo)的時(shí)間狀語從句除了譯為“當(dāng)……時(shí)”,還可以譯為“在……之后”,如:
* Some people develop skin rashes when they take sulfas.
有些人服用磺胺藥物后會出現(xiàn)皮疹。