- 有求必應 (yǒu qiú bì yìng)-to get whatever is asked. 有: to have. 求: to ask, to wish, to request. 必: must. 應: respond.
例句: 身為獨女的她總是有求必應。
Example: As the only child, she always gets what she wants. - 悼念(dào niàn)-to grieve, to mourn. 悼: to grieve, to lament. 念: to think of, to remember.
例句: 人們用著自己的信仰方式來悼唸過世的親友。
Example: People use their own religions to mourn friends and family who have passed away. - 熱身 (rè shēn)-warm-up. 熱: hot, warm. 身: body.
例句: 若想儘可能的必免運動傷害，運動前的熱身運動很重要。
Example: To avoid the possibility of sports injuries , warm-up exercises before the actual sport is very important. - 惆悵 (chóu chàng)- melancholy, depression
例句: 考試沒考好讓他覺得很惆悵。
Example: He felt depressed because he didn’t do well on the test. - 恍神 (huǎng shén)- to zone out, to space out
例句: 忙祿的時候，工作可以讓我轉移注意力，但一旦有空閒，想起煩心的事，我就變得有點恍惚。
Example: Work can distract me when I’m busy, but whenver there’s a spare moment and I’m reminded of my worries , I tend to become spacey. - 遲疑 (chí yí)-hesitation, reservation. 遲: delay. 疑: doubt.
例句: 有些決定得馬上做，一旦遲疑便可能錯失良機。
Example: Some decisions need to be made on the spot, as hesitation might lead to a missed opportunity. - 騰出時間 (téng chū shí jiān )-to make time. 騰出: to make, to part. 時間: time.
例句: 做子女的，應該儘可能的騰出時間陪陪父母。
Example: Children should try their best to make time for their parents. - 號淘大哭-to cry loudly. 號淘: loud cry. 哭: cry.
例句: 小孩子第一天上安親班，常常在爸爸媽媽離開去上班以後捨不得的號淘大哭。
Example: On the first day of daycare, children often cry out when they see their parents leave for work. - 似懂非懂 (sì dǒng fēi dǒng)-to appear as if understanding, but not really. 似: seemingly, as if. 懂: understand.
例句: 她似懂非懂的聽著大人說話，但心裡明白這關乎件嚴重的事情。
Example: Although she only understood part of the conversation between the adults, she was certain that it was about something serious. - 內疚(nèi jiù)-to feel guilty, to have qualms about. 內: within, inside. 疚: sorrow.
例句: 她因為偷了媽媽的錢深感內疚，但又不願意把錢放回去。
Example: She feels bad for stealing from her mother, but she’s also unwilling to put the money back.
Month: August 2012
How to Prepare for a Phone Interpreting Session
What is Phone Interpretation
Phone interpreting is the oral translation of conversations through the phone. Some people find it easier because it doesn’t involve direct human contact; others find it more difficult because there isn’t face-to-face contact.
The benefit of phone interpreting is you can focus on the words while taking notes in a place you’re comfortable in–your quiet office, your bedroom, wherever. You can even have your laptop in front of you and quickly look up unfamiliar terminology while on the job. The downside is that you are not physically present and that you are reliant on technology that can sometimes be unpredictable.
Preparing for A Conference Call
The basics are the same as any interpreting session. You need the language capacity and to keep in mind the code of ethics, but you’ll also have to make sure that you put yourself in the best setting when making calls.
Environment. It’s important that you are in a quiet place when placing calls so that you can hear the other line(s) and so you’re clear of distractions during the call. While you can’t control the connection or sound quality on the other end of the phone, you should do what you can to ensure that you are in a quiet environment.
Phone Reception. I prefer landlines over cell phones as I find that the connection is better. Not everyone has a landline nowadays so making sure our phone reception is good is the best we can do to ensure clear transmission of messages. If you’re using Skype or an internet phone service, make sure that the internet connection is stable.
First Person. Same with in-person interpretation jobs, interpretations should be in first person, and if you need the speaker to repeat or rephrase something, ask in third person, “The interpreter would like you to repeat….”
Consecutive Interpretation. Phone interpretations are often consecutive. At in-person interpretation sessions, I ask the parties involved to use short sentences so I can make sure that I interpret everything that is said. I also raise my hand in a “stop” motion if I need them to pause, so I can interpret. On the phone, it’s a little different because no one can see each other. The way I interrupt is simply to start interpreting after a sentence or two. Don’t be shy to interrupt. Your goal and job is to transmit all information, and you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.
Sensitivity to Tones and Cultures. This one is obvious. To be a good interpreter, one must know the language. Especially in cases where you can’t read the speaker’s facial expressions, hand gestures, and body language, it’s even more important to know the cultural nuances and be able to read/copy the intonations of the speaker.
Familiarity with the Topic. Interpreters are sometimes given the subject to be discussed before the conference call. This would allow you to prepare ahead of time–catch up on the vocabulary, and read up on the topic. This is not always the case, however, so it’s important for interpreters to constantly educate themselves on new subject areas and vocabulary.
Happy interpreting!
Chinese-English Vocabulary Builder: Positive and Hopeful Words
- 夢想 (mèng xiǎng)-dreams, aspirations
Example: 夢想成真 / dream come true - 抱負(bào fù)-ambitions, aspirations
Example: 遠大的抱負 /great aspirations - 理想 (lǐ xiǎng)-ideal
Examples: 理想的工作 / the idea job、理想的生活方式 / ideal lifestyle. - 目標 (mù biāo)-goal
Examples:人生目標 / life goal - 快樂 (kuài lè)-happiness
Examples:什麼可以帶給你最大的快樂? / What can bring you the most happiness? - 憧憬 (chōng jǐng)-to look forward to, to aspire
Examples: 對未來的憧憬 / a longing for the future - 希望 (xī wàng)-to hope, to wish for
Examples: 希望能考上理想的學校。/I hope I can get into my ideal school. - 渴望 (kě wàng)-to long for, to desire
Examples: 她渴望得到他的認同 。/ She longs for his acceptance. - 努力 (nǔ lì)-to work hard
Examples: 再努力一點吧。/Let’s try harder. - 加油 (jiā yóu)-a phrase used to cheer someone on
Example: 明天考試加油喔!/Good luck on the test tomorrow! - 勤奮 (qín fèn)-diligent, hardworking.
Examples: 老闆喜歡勤奮的員工。/ The employer appreciates diligent workers. - (qín kuài)-diligent, hardworking.
Examples: 他做事勤快。 / He’s a hard worker. - 再接再厲 (zài jiē zài lì)-To persevere. Used to encourage people to keep at something despite difficulties.
Examples: 再接再厲! 下次一定會成功的。/ Persevere! You’ll get it next time.
Their Words. Your Voice. 