外贸英译汉合同翻译

合同文件的翻译直接关系到合同双方的经济利益，因此译文必须精确、无误，这就需要充分理解原文的内在含义，译入语句构严谨无懈、无漏，遣词准确、鲜明、专业词汇娴熟，使译文具有专业化、法律化的水准。
1合同翻译原则
1.1准确严谨
合同文件的翻译不同于文艺作品的翻译，一般不讲求文采、韵味、修辞等。它要求的是把准确严谨置于首位，有的为了避免产生歧义，有些词语的翻译必须保持同一译法，特别是合同中的专业术语和关键词语都有着严格的法律涵义，翻译时绝对不可信手拈来。在翻译专业术语和关键词语时，一定要透彻地理解原文的精神实质，对原文的内容既不歪曲，也不随意增减，要准确完整地表达合同文件的精神实质。如独占区域，应译成exclusive territory，表示许可方不得再把同样内容的技术许可协议授予该地区内的任何第三方，就连许可人本身也不得在该地域使用该技术；但是，exclusive contract则译为专销合同，表示An agreement between manufacturer and retailer that prohibits the retailer from carrying the product lines of firms to firms that are the rivals of the manufacturer．再如，net income可译成净收入；而net profit则译成纯利润。
1.2规范通顺
所谓规范通顺，就是要把理解了的东西，用规范通顺的、合乎合同语言要求的文字表达出来，因为合同英文属于庄严性的文体，不能允许文字上的随意性。这就要求合同词语运用规范，符合约定俗成的含义。
例23 By irrevocable Letterof Credit available by Sellers documentary bill at sight to be valid for negotiation in China until 15 days after date of shipment，the Letter of Credit must reach the Sellers 30 days before the contracted month of shipment．
原译文：以不可取消的信用证，凭卖方即期付有单据的票据协商．有效期应为装运期15天后在中国到期，该信用证必须于合同规定的装运月份前3O天到达卖方。
原译文有四处翻译不妥：第一．irrevevocable Letter of Credit不能译成不可取消的信用证，其行话应该是不可撤消的信用证。第二，documentary bill at sight译为即期付有单据的票据，概念不清，因为票据的涵义是广义的，它包括汇票、本票和支票。在涉外合同支付中的票据主要指汇票。因此，此短语应译成跟单汇票。第三，negotiation不能译成协商．其行话应该是议付。第四，until 15 days after date of shipment。应该是装运期后的l5天。
经审校改译为：以不可撤消的信用证，凭卖方即期跟单汇票议付，有效期应为装运期后l5天在中国到期。该信用证必须于合同规定的装运月份前3O天到达卖方。

例24 Without prejudice to any rights which exist under the applicable laws or under the Subcontract，the Contractor shall be entitled t withhold or defer payment of all or part of any sums otherwise due by the Contractor to the Subcontractor．
错误译文：
承包商依据适当的法律或分包合同在对拥有的任何权力不带成见的条件下，应该有权扣留或暂缓支付在不同情况下应由承包商支付给分包商的任何全部或部分金额。
正确译文：
在不影响使用法律或分包合同享有任何权利的情况下，承包商有权扣留或暂缓支付承包商应付给分包商的全部或部分到期金额。
prejudice具有成见、偏见、歧视、损害之意，而without prejudice to则有不使（合法权利等）受损害之意，这一短语在合同中经常出现。如：
①Without prejudice to the generality of Article 4.1,
在不违背第4.1条一般原则的情况下．．．．．．
②Without prejudice to the Contractors entitlement to interest under Sub-Clause 60.10.
在不影响承包商按第60.10 款享有利息的权利．．．．．．；
③without prejudice to the Contractor's right to suspend /terminate this Agreement,
在不影响承包商暂停/终止本协议的权利的情况下．．．．．．。
合同译文的语言不仅要符合法律语言的要求与规律，还应体现在通顺上。翻译时要注意译文语言的词句结构，不拘泥于原文语言的词句结构和句法框框的限制。通顺的合同译文应着重体现在条理清晰。合同译文有其独特的表现方式，有时两种文字有很大的出入，所以在不影响原文的条件下，应尽量使译文明确清晰，体现法律性文献的语言特点，切不可只是逐字逐句地照搬原文。

3 合同翻译方法
3.1 合同常用词翻译
①shall 的翻译
Shall的用法分为两类，一类用作助动词表示一般将来时：一类用作情态动词表示各种语气，如承诺、目的、建议、要求、习惯等。shall是国际商务合同中出现频率最高的词汇之一，是一个极为严谨的法律文件专用词，主要表示应当履行的义务和应承担的法律责任，在使用时不受主语的人称影响。Shall在翻译时应根据合同条款的具体内容采用灵活的、动态的译法，一般可译为应当、必须，也可处理为将或不译出来。
例25 The Seller shall bear all expenses，risks of the Commodity be fore it passes over the vessel’s rail and is released from the tackle．After it has passed over the vessel’s rail and has been released from the tackle，all expenses，risks of Commodity shall be for the Buyer’s account．
译文：
货物越过船舷和脱钩前的全部费用、风险应由卖方负担；货物越过船舷和脱钩以后的全部费用、风险应由买方负担。
该条款的交货条件为FOB价格术语，表达完全符合INCOTERMS 2000(国际贸易术语解释通则2000年版)的解释。因此，句中的两个shall均应处理为应该，表示双方各自承担自己的责任或义务。
例26 In case the accident lasts for more than ten weeks，the Buyer shall have the right to cancel Contract．
译文：若事故超过十周，则买方有权取消合同。
此句摘自国际商务合同中不可抗力条款，说明发生不可抗力事件所引发的后果有两种：一种是解除合同，另一种是延期履行合同。本款选择了前者，是一种合同赋予买方的权利，因此在翻译时，可不译出来。
例27 The termination of this Contract shall not affect in any way the outstanding claims and liabilities existing between the two parties upon the expiry of the validity．
译文：本合同期满时，双方发生的未了债权和债务将不受合同期满的影响。
该条属国际商务合同中的清算和清理条款，实质上表示一种条件，即合同约定的结算和清理事宜不因合同的解除或终止而失去效力。因此，该句中的shall可译成将。
②古英语词汇的翻译
古英语中的一些旧体词语在现代英语中已很少使用，但在合同等法律文件中却大量沿用。这些旧体词语通常由here，there，where作前缀加上介词构成。其作用在于承上启下，避免重复。使用这类词反映出合同英语句子简练严谨、行文正式权威的文体特征。为避免混淆这类词，要注意掌握以下规则：here代表this如hereby by this means，herein=in this， hereof= of this， hereinafter= later in this Contract；there代表that。如therein=in that，thereof=of that；where代表which，一般与介词连用，引导定语从句。如whereof=of which。
以上是这类词构成的基本规则和含义，但在具体译文处理上，应依据上下文灵活处理，用贴切的汉语再现法律语言的语体风格。必要时可运用动态等值原理酌情使用文言词和连词，以示庄重。现举例说明：
例28 The undersigned hereby certify that the goods to be supplied are made in USA．
译文：下列签署人兹保证所供应之货系美国制造。
句中hereby译成兹符合法律文书的文体要求。文言词之、系的使用突出了译文的庄重严谨。
例29 The titles to the Articles are for convenience of reference only，not part of this Contract and shall not in any way affect the interpretation thereof．
译文：各条款中使用的标题仅为了查阅方便，并非本合同的构成部分，决不影响本合同内容的解释。
句中thereof：of that，依据上下文理解，具体表示of the said Contract，应译为本合同的。
例30 In faith whereof the undersigned，being duly authorized thereto，have signed this Protoco1．
译文：下列签署人经正式授权在本议定书上签字，以昭信守。
句中whereof直译为关于那个，实际指上述内容：In faith where of译成以昭信守是约定俗成的译法。完全符合合同语言的特点。
③同义词重复翻译
将两个或两个以上同义词或近义词用and连接起来使用是合同英语的又一大语言特点。翻译这类词组时，汉语勿需重复同义词或近义词。
例31 If the Contractor shall duly perform and observe all the terms，provisions， conditions and stipulations of the said Contract，this obligation shall be null and void．
译文：如果承包人切实履行并遵守上述合同的所有条款，本保证书所承担的义务即告无效。
句中连用两组同义词以强调法律条款的严密性。其中terms。provisions，conditions，stipulations同义为条款；null和void同义为无效。
3.2合同句子翻译
3.2.1被动句翻译
合同英语中，凡是在不必说出合同涉及的当事人的场合，或为了突出和强调行为动作的承受者以及便于行文上的连贯等原因，往往使用被动语态。汉译英时大多采用主动语态表示。但在具体翻译的处理上，译者应根据动态等值理论采用多样的翻译手法，切勿过于迁就原文的句子结构和词序排列，必要时，应对句子的结构和形式进行适当调整，力求达到译文组句的规范性。
3.2.1.1被动语态的转换翻译
在进行国际商务合同英汉翻译时，为使译文成为规范的汉语，一般应对原句中某一成分进行转换。
①把动作的发出者转换为主语。
此类被动句中'by或between引导的短语在句中作状语，名词是本句涉及的当事人，为突出动作的发出者，可将其转换为主语。
例32 Payments shall be made in the U．S．Currency by the Buyer to the seller．
译文：买方应以美元支付卖方货款。
②把状语转换为主语，前提是该状语与主语存在包容关系。
例33 The cost of the nonreturnable containers of the goods sold under this Contract is included in the prices herein specified．
译文：所定价格包括依照本合同所售装货用的一次容器费。
③把主语转换成宾语，使译文成为无主语句。
例34 If a foreign auditor registered in other country is necessary to be employed to undertake annual examination，Party A shall give its consents．
译文：如需聘请其它国家的审计师对年度财务进行审查，甲方应予以同意。
3.2.1.2被动语态的顺序翻译
在翻译国际商务合同时，为使译文符合合同文件的汉语表达方式，有时可将原文中的某些被动语态按原句中的语序顺译。
①译成汉语的主动语态且不添加任何词。
例35 The seller shall be entitled to terminate this Contract in the event of failure by the Buyer to comply with any terms or conditions stated in this Article．
译文：如果买方违反本条所规定的条件，卖方有权终止本合同。
②译成汉语的被动语态，并添加一定词汇，如由，经等。
例36 All taxes，customs duties and other excises arising in connection with the performance of Contact outside the territory of Party A’S Country shall be borne by the Party B．
译文：因履行本合同而在甲方国家以外发生的一切税费，均由乙方负担。
③It is+过去分词+that从句是合同英语中常见的特殊被动结构，这种结构已形成固定的译法,如:It is mutually agreed that译成双方同意，It is strictly understood that译成严格明确，It is essentially stressed that译成必须强调。
3.2.2合同长句翻译
合同的作用在于明确陈述和规定不同当事人在有关活动中的权利和义务，因此从句式的使用上来看，合同一般采用完整的长句，以便准确界定权利和义务关系，排除被曲解或误解。
合同长句翻译一般分为以下两种情况。

3.2.2.1简单长句翻译
简单长句只含有一个主谓结构，再加上各种成分的修饰语，如定语、状语等附加成分。从语用的角度来看，这些定语对名词性术语的内涵和外延进行了精确的界定，而状语界定了履行权利和义务的条件、方式、地点和时间等。
例37 The Buyers may, within 15 days after arrival of the goods at the destination, lodge a claim against the sellers for short weight being supported by Inspection Certificate issued by a reputable public surveyor.
这是一个简单长句，其主干为The Buyers maylodge a claim。修饰谓语动词的状语有三个，分别表示时间(within 15 days after arrival of the goods at the destination)）、方式（being supported by Inspection Certificate issued by a reputable public surveyor）和目的（for short weight），而且状语中还有状语，作定语的分词issued还有自己的状语by a reputable public surveyor。众多状语，尽管在英语中的位置十分灵活，然而按照汉语的行文规范，方式状语一般应位于动词之前；而有些状语在译文中可以灵活处理，例如本句中的时间状语，可以提前至句首。因此，上句可译为：
货物抵达目的港口后15日内，买方可以凭有信誉的公共鉴定员出示的检验证明向卖方提出短重索赔。

例38 Within 30 days after the signing and coming into effect of this contract, the Buyer shall proceed to pay the price for the goods to the Seller by opening an irrevocable l/C for the full amount of USD30.000 in favor of the Seller through a bank at import port.
此句的主干为the Buyer shall proceed to pay the priceto the Seller,其中含有一个时间状语within 30 days after the signing and coming into effect of this contract。从语用的角度来看，商务合同中许多表示时间的状语所表示的是某一缔约方必须在何时何地承担某一义务和享有某一种权利，即时效性。因此整个句子的重心不是句子的动作，而是发生动作的时间。在译成中文时，为了突出行为的实效性,时间状语应尽量靠近表示义务责任的关键词须。此句中还含有一个较为复杂的方式状语by opening an irrevocable L/C，其中含有三个介词短语做定语修饰an irrevocable L/C。按照汉语的行文规范，方式状语一般应位于动词之前。此外，若动词同时带有时间状语和方式状语时，英文的通常顺序是方式在前，时间在后，而汉语却正好与之相反，为方式在后，时间在前。译成中文时应经过一些调整，以符合中文的行文规范。
因此本句可译为：
买方须于本合同签字并生效后三十天内通过进口地银行开立以卖方为收益人的不可撤消的信用证支付全部货款30000美元。

例39 The Equipment and Material shall be carefully and properly packed in the best and stable condition according to the figures and characteristics of the Equipment and Material so as to withstand long-distance sea and inland transportation and numerous handlings.
此句的句子结构并不复杂，但包含一个较为复杂的方式状语。从语用特征的角度来看，方式状语通常都是规定性的，其作用是规定合约方履行某项义务必须的方式或手段，在合同的语言环境下，即使有关缔约方履行了合同规定的义务，但若其履行义务的方式与合同规定的方式不符，仍构成违约。因此，方式状语的作用通常都是比较重要的。翻译时应充分考虑方式状语的语用特征并注意对其进行适当的调整。
因此，本句可译为：
设备和原料须根据其形状和特点以完善而牢固的方式精心妥当的包装。包装须适合于长途海陆运输，能经受多次装卸。

3.2.2.2复杂长句翻译
为了保持合同的严谨性，英文商务合同中还经常使用含有多个从句的复合长句，以致句子结构长，语法关系复杂，但脉络清晰，表达准确，逻辑严密。在翻译这种类型的长句时，必须弄清原句结构关系，分清主次，翻译时以主句为主导，从句作说明，用规范的中文准确地传达出原文的意义。
①定语从句的翻译
定语从句是英文的一大特色，英文合同也大量使用定语从句，对于定语从句的翻译要么采用前置法，译成中文的字结构，要么采用后置法，译成中文的独立句。
例40 One side which meets force majeure should notify the other side by fax or e-mail as soon as possible and give the other side the official certification by international express mail within two weeks.
译文：受不可抗力阻碍的一方应在最短的时间内，用传真、电子邮件将不可抗力的发生通知另一方，并在此后的两周内，用国际特快邮件将当地政府证明上述不可抗力事件的文件寄给另一方。

例41 The Buyer agrees to buy from the Seller and the seller agrees to sell to the Buyer equipment, materials design and technical documentations, license and know-how and technical services for a plant with a 54,000kw phosphorus electric furnace which has a production capability of 30,000(thirty thousand) metric tons of yellow phosphorus per year and 70,000(seventy thousand) metric tons of sodium tripolyphosphate per year with phosphate rock as material using the process stipulated in article 10.1 to the contract.
译文：买方同意向卖方购买，卖方同意向买方出售以磷酸岩为原料，采用本合同10.1款所规定之工艺，年生产能力为黄磷30 000（三万）公吨和三聚磷酸纳70 000（七万）公吨的，拥有54 000千瓦黄磷电炉一座的工厂所需的设备、材料设计，以及技术、专利使用权、专利技术和技术服务。
上述两例定语从句被译为汉语中的的字结构作定语成分。
The duration of patent right for utility models or exterior designs shall be five years, which shall be effective from the date of filling an application.
译文：使用新型和外观设计专利权的期限为五年，自申请日起计算。

例42 If any event of the Force Majeure occurs which causes damage to the Project or the infrastructure project, then C or New Company shall not be obliged to reinstate the same, or, as the case may be, complete the same, until the parties hereto have agreed upon the terms for such reinstatement or completion.
译文：如不可抗力的发生损坏了工程或基础设施，C或新公司没有义务重新恢复之，或完成其修建，但双方就这种恢复或完成的条件达成一致意见则例外。
上述两例定语从句译译成中文独立的小短句。

例43 The Seller must deliver goods which are free from any right of claim of a third party based on industrial property or other intellectual property.
译文：卖方所交之货物，必须是任何第三方均不能根据工业产权或其他知识产权享有任何权利或提出任何要求的货物。
本例中，译者将原文中的主句 The Seller must deliver goods 译为汉语的名词短语充当译文的主语，原文的定语从句则被译为汉语中的谓语结构，因此，原文中的主句与从句之间的关系变成了译文中的主谓结构。

例44 International business has emerged as a separate branch of management training, because the growing scale and complexity of business transactions across national boundaries gives rise to new and unique problems of management and governmental policy that have received inadequate attention in traditional areas of business and economics.
译文：国际商务作为管理训练的一个分支出现，是由于跨国界的商业交易日益增长的范围和复杂性产生了新的、特殊的管理问题和政府问题。这些问题没有在传统的商业和经济领域里受到足够的注意。
本句中的关系代词that前的先行词为 problems。对于关系代词的这种前指，我们可以使用两种方法：一是使用名词将关系代词所指代的名词重复一遍；二是使用诸如他、他们、她、它、它们之类的代词来指代。在指代明确、可用方法二。若否，用重复方法来处理。
②状语从句的翻译
国际商务英语合同状语从句多为条件状语从句、时间状语从句等。翻译过程中对这些状语从句的处理有两种处理方式：一是将状语置于汉语的谓语动词前充当汉语句子中的状语；二是将状语置于汉语句子中主句的前面充当状语。英语中由介词短语引导的或是由状语从句引导的较长的状语几乎从来不直接置于限定谓语动词的前面，但可以置于句首、句中、句末。

例46 Notwithstanding any reference to arbitration, both Parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations under the Contract unless otherwise agreed.
译文：除非另有规定，仲裁不得影响合同双方继续履行合同所规定的义务。
汉语中的条件，一般都放在句首，而英语却句首、句中、句末都行。
但是，现在汉语也有将其顺译，置于句末的。这是因为大家见多了，逐渐接受了这种译法。

例47 On the Transfer Date New Company shall transfer to B ,free from any lien or encumbrance created by New Company and without the payment of any compensation ,all its right , title to and interest in the infrastructure project, unless otherwise specified in the Agreement or any supplementary agreement.
译文：在转让期，新公司应将对基础设施的权利转让给B，新公司不应滞留，也不能要求补偿，除非协议或补充协议中另有规定。

例48 Within 30 days after the signing and coming into effect of this contract, the Buyer shall proceed to pay the price for the goods to the seller by opening an irrevocable L/C for the full amount of USD30,000 in favor of the Seller through a bank at import port.
译文：买方须于本合同签字并生效后三十天内通过进口地银行开立以卖方为收益人的不可撤销的信用证支付全部货款30000美元。
此句的主干为 the Buyer shall proceed to pay the price for the goods to the seller，其中含有一个时间状语 Within 30 days after the signing and coming into effect of this contract.从语用的角度来看，商务合同中许多表示时间的状语所表示的是某一缔约方必须在何时何地承担某一义务和享有某一种权利，即时效性。所以时间状语应尽量靠近表示义务责任的关键词须 。
另外，此句中还有一个较为复杂的方式状语 by opening an irrevocable L/C和三个介词短语 for the full amount of USD30,000 in favor of the Seller through a bank at import port做定语修饰 an irrevocable L/C.按照汉语的行文规范，方式状语一般应位于动词之前。若同时有时间状语和方式状语时，英文的通常顺序是方式在前，时间在后，而汉语恰恰相反。
例49 A party may suspend the performance of his obligation if, after the conclusion of the contract, it becomes apparent that the other party will not perform a substantial part of his obligations as a result of :(a) a serious deficiency in his ability to perform or in his creditworthiness; or (b) his conduct in preparing to perform or in performing the contract.
译文：如果订立合同后另一方当事人由于下列原因显然将不履行其大部分重要义务，一方当事人可以中止履行义务：（a）他履行义务的能力或他的信用有严重缺陷 ；（b）他在准备履行合同或正在履行合同中的行为。
时间状语从句的翻译一般较容易，顺译就可以了。

例50 After arrival of the goods at the port of destination, the Buyer shall apply to China Commodity Inspection Bureau (hereinafter referred to as CCIB) for a further inspection as to the specifications and quantity/weight of the goods.
译文：货到目的港后，买方将申请中国检验局（以下简称商检局）对货物的规格和数量/重量进行检验。

1、Try to translate the following sentences related with contracts into Chinese.
⑴This contract is made in a spirit of friendly cooperation by and between Party A and Party B, whereby Party A shall invite Party B for service as a foreign staff on the terms and conditions stipulated as follows:
⑵The parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective representatives on the date above written.
⑶The deposit paid by the Buyers shall not be refunded if the Buyers fail to make full payment within the time herein specified.
⑷Any failure or delay in the performance by either party hereto of its obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach hereof or give rise to any claims for damages if and to the extent that it is caused by occurrences beyond the control of the party affected, including, but not limiting the generality of the foregoing, acts of governmental authority, acts of god, strikes or concerted acts of workmen, fires, floods, explosions, wars, riots, storms, earthquakes, accidents, acts of a public enemy, rebellion, insurrection, sabotage, epidemic, quarantine restrictions, shortages of labour, materials or supplies, failures by contractors or subcontractors, transportation embargoes, failures or delays in transportation, rules, regulations, orders or directives of any government or any state, subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof or the order of any court of competent jurisdiction.
⑸Within sixty days after Party A has received the documents from Party B, if Party A does not declare in writing any shortage and request to cover the same, it is considered as accepted.
⑹If the Contractor shall duly perform and observe all the terms, provisions, conditions and stipulations of the said Contract, this obligation shall be null and void but otherwise shall remain in full force and effect.
⑺The headings and marginal notes in these terms and conditions shall not be deemed part hereof or taken into consideration in the interpretation or construction thereof or of the Contract.
⑻In consideration of mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
2、Try to translate the following contract into Chinese.
CONTRACT
Trademark: Party A at present has the property of the use of the trademark, the design, and other marks, without the written agreement specially by Party A, party B does not directly or indirectly, completely either partially use or register. Even if according to some way, the party B with the written agreement specially by party A , this kind of use should immediately stop and the cancellation. when this agreement expires or the termination. About above right, if has any dispute or sues for damages, party A is authorized to unilaterally cancels this agreement and not to undertake immediately from this any responsibility which produces.
Guaranteed: according to this agreement, The manufacturer guarantees, all "the products" would be given free repaired or exchanged by manufacturer approval after the confirmation when selling the quality to be inferior. But this free repairs or exchanges the guarantee is limited on not being changed after selling or useing incorrectly. Besides the above guarantee, both sides agreed does not provide any other guarantees.
Termination: both sides of the Agreement should earnestly responsibly carry out each provision. Under the following condition, each side should inform by the written notification to another side terminate this agreement immediately or cancel some part:
(1) provided that if either party has not been able to fulfill this agreement any duty, therefore this item breaks a contract after receives the notice which another only then written request corrects _ _ in the _ _ day not to be able to perform to correct; Or
(2) provided that if either party automatic or is compelled to apply to declare bankruptcy, is automatic or is compelled to apply for the reorganization, the cleaning up, dismisses, Or has assigned the industrial supervisor to this side; Or
(3) provided that occurs violates the situation which this agreement 8th related trademark use or registers;
Transfer  Either party is not be able to transfer any rights and obligations of this agreement to the third party. Without giving written undertaking to the other side. Any transfer, without any written agreement of otherwise is invalid.
Accidental force: The accidental force results in any direct or indirect delay and null performance of the full or part items in this agreement to either side, the other side have no right request for any claims. The accidents include: flood, fire, wind disaster , earthquake, tsunami, lightning strike, epidemic, war, quarantine, embargo, impounding, war menace, imposition, disturbance, electric power control, import or export forbidden, as well as the similar reasons out of control by parties and any other special reasons under the both side approval. The related side should notice the other side by written form within__________ days after the accidents and provide the documentary proofs by local related institution and testify the accidents.
Valid date: The agreement will be valid since both sides put the signatures on it.
Outstanding articles: Should the outstanding articles be complemented or amended in this agreement, the articles should be put forward by written form and become valid after both authorized representatives subscribe this agreement.