常用商务信函(10篇)
1.常用商务信函 篇一
商务信函常用语 a.我们愿与贵公司建立商务关系。We are willing to establish trade relations with your company.b.我们希望与您建立业务往来。please allow us to express our hope of opening an account with you.c.我公司经营电子产品的进出口业务,希望与贵方建立商务关系。This corporation is specialized in handing the import and exports business in electronic products and wishes to enter into business relations with you.2.自我推荐 a.请容我们自我介绍,我们是……首屈一指的贸易公司。Let us introduce ourselves as a leading trading firm in… b.本公司经营这项业务已多年,并享有很高的国际信誉。Our company has been in this line of business for many years and enjoys high international prestige.c.我们的产品质量一流,我们的客户一直把本公司视为最可信赖的公司。Our products are of very good quality and our firm is always regarded by our customers as the most reliable one.3.推销产品 a.我们从……获知贵公司的名称,不知贵公司对这一系列的产品是否有兴趣。Your name has been given by…and we like to inquire whether you are interested in these lines.b.我们新研制的……已推出上市,特此奉告。We are pleased to inform you that we have just marketed our newly-developed….c.我们盼望能成为贵公司的……供应商。We are pleased to get in touch with you for the supply of….d.我们的新产品刚刚推出上市,相信您乐于知道。You will be interested to hear that we have just marketed our new product.e.相认您对本公司新出品的……会感兴趣。You will be interested in our new product…….4.索取资料 a.我们对贵方的新产品……甚感兴趣,希望能寄来贵公司的产品目录及价目表。We are interested in your new product…and shall be pleased to have a catalog and price list.b.我们从纽约时报上看到贵公司的广告,但愿能收到产品的价目表及详细资料。We have seen your advertisement in The New York Times and should be glad to have your price lists and details of your terms.c.获知贵公司有……已上市,希望能赐寄完整的详细资料。We hear that you have put…on the market and should be glad to have full details.d.如蒙赐寄贵公司新产品的详细资料,我们将深表感激。We should appreciate full particulars of your newly developed product.e.如蒙赐寄有关……的样品和价目表,我们将甚为感激。We should be obliged if you would send us patterns(or samples)and price lists of your… 5.寄发资料 a.很高兴寄你一邮包,内装…… We are pleased to send you by parcel post a package containing… b.欣寄我方目录,提供我方各类产品的详细情况。We have pleasures in sending you our catalogue, which gives full information about our various products.c.欣然奉上我方产品样品,在贵方展厅展出。We should be pleased to let you have samples to give a demonstration at your premises.d.为使贵方对我方各种款式的手工艺品有一初步了解,今航邮奉上我方目录和一些样品资料,供您们参考。In order to give you some idea of various qualities of handicrafts we carry, we havepleasure in forwarding you by airmail one catalogue and a few sample books for yourperusal.6.附寄资料 a.随函附上本公司新出品的……样品,请查收。You will find enclosed with this letter a sample of new….b.随函附上购货合同第××号两份,希查收,谅无误。请会签并退我方一份备案。Enclosed please find two copies of purchase Contract No.…,which we trust will be found in order.Kindly sign and return one copy for our file.c.我们很高兴地附上询价单第××号,请贵方报离岸价格。We have pleasure in enclosing our file.d.我们确认向贵方购买……,随函附上订单确认书供参照。We confirm having purchased from you ….A confirmation order is enclosed for your reference.7.请求做代理商 a.我们深盼与英国公司接洽,希望成为其销售代理商之一。We are anxious to contact some British firms with a view to acting as their selling angents.b.如蒙考虑担任销售你们……代理商,我们将十分高兴。We should be glad if you would consider our application to act as agents for the sale of your… 8.请求报价 a.兹函请提供……的报价。We are writing to invite quotations for the supply of….b.请将定期供应……之报价赐知。please let us have a quotation for the regular supply for….c.请将下列货品的最低价格赐知。Kindly quote us your lowest prices for the goods listed below.9.询价 a.随函寄上询价单一份。We are enclosing here with an inquiry sheet.b.如果贵方对……感兴趣,请告具体询价。If you are interested in our…,please let us know with a specific inquiry.c.一收到贵方具体询价单,我方马上航空邮上样品册并报价。Quotations and sample books will be airmailed to you upon receipt of your specific inquiry.10.价格 a.我们发现你方报价比我们从其他地方收到的略为偏高,请你方降价,以适应竞争。We find your quotation slightly higher than those we have received from other sources, and ask you to reduce your price to meet the competition.b.我们很抱歉地通知你方价格无竞争力,若贵方能降低价格,使我方可接受的话,我们仍对交易感兴趣。We’re sorry to inform you that your price has been found uncompetitive, but we’re still interested in doing business if you can bring down your price to a level acceptable.
2.常用商务信函 篇二
1 英语商务信函的文体特征
徐有志 (1992) 按照话语基调将语言分为正式体和非正式体 (个人基调) 。英语商务信函是一种公文文体, 属于前者。因此, 对商务信函的写作要求就比较严格, 它必须坚持“公事公办” (businesslike) 的写作标准。而“时间就是金钱”这一商界行话已体现出讲求实效的商家们对时间与效率的高度重视。因此, 商务信函还必须同时做到语言简洁、语义明确。此外, 由于商务信函的措辞是否得体、语气是否恰当会直接影响公司的商务形象, 所以, 商务信函写作还十分注重礼貌原则。以下就从结构固定、用词正式、语言简洁、语义明确、语气礼貌这五个方面展开论述。
1.1 结构固定
商务英语信函的结构比较固定, 通常包括下列项目:
·信头 (Letter Head) :包括发信人的公司名称、地址、电话号码或传真号码。这些条目通常已经印刷在信笺的左上方;
·写信日期 (Date) ;
·收信人的姓名、职务、收信人的公司名称以及公司的地址 (Inside Name and Address) ;
·信头主题词 (Subject Line) ;
·称呼语 (Salutation) :英语商务信函普遍使用“Dear Sir (s) ”或“Dear Madam (s) ”。
·如果知道对方的姓氏和职衔, 可以用Mr.或Ms加姓氏或职衔加姓氏;
·信的正文 (Body) ;
·结尾 (Closing) :常用Sincerely或Sincerely yours。如果跟对方较熟悉, 还可以使用Cordially;
·署名 (Signature) :署名应由写信人亲手签, 并在署名下用电脑打出署名人的姓名和职务 (Name and Title) 。
此外, 英语商务信函有时还包括副本抄送 (Carbon Copy/cc.) 、附件 (Enclosure/Enc.) 和附笔 (Postscript/P.S) 这几个部分。
1.2 用词正式
英语商务信函常用比较正式的词汇, 少用不正式的口语体词汇。以下用表格举例说明:
如表1所示。
1.3 语言简洁
商场如战场。没有商家愿意把时间浪费在阅读选词陈腐生涩难懂的信函上。因此, 商务信函在选词上非常注意以下几点。
(1) 选用通俗易懂的短词, 少用长词。如表2。
(2) 选用常用词, 不用技术或文学语言。如表3。
(3) 用单词代替短语。
如用now代替at the present time, 用if代替in th e e vent th at, 用so on代替i n the near future等。英语商务信函在注意选词简洁的同时还注意避免使用冗长的语句。大多数英语商务信函中的句子, 其平均长度为20个词左右, 且多为简单句, 常删去不必要的单词。如以下下划线的词常为删去的词:relatively cheaper, true facts, a r e a l d a n g e r, u su a l p r a c t i c e, w e a t h e r conditions, overall length, 等等。
1.4 语义明确
英语商务信函中的语句在传达商务信息时应该做到语义明确, 不可摸棱两可, 以引起贸易伙伴的误解。因此, 英语商务信函在句型、段落的组织方面有如下几个特点。
(1) 大量使用陈述句, 使意思陈述得非常明白。
(2) 为了鼓动对方赶快订购信函中所推销的商品, 较多地使用祈使句。如。
Let us show you how…
Telephone us on…
Call at our showroom and see fo yourself how…
(3) 多用完全句, 少用省略句, 以避免造成对方因猜测不当而造成的误解。
(4) 为了避免含糊和混乱, 需正确使用人称代词, 如:
We will need to calculate the number of residents in each road.
“我们”是指供货商还是用户, 这句话的语义非常含糊, 很容易成为一个法律问题。如果此时换成It will be your responsibility to calculate the number of residents in each road, 语义就十分明晰了。
(5) 商务信函的段落较短, 语句衔接紧密, 逻辑性、概括性强, 这便于对方从语篇的角度对语义进行全面的理解。
1.5 语气礼貌
商务信函是一种具有特殊功能的文章。信函双方是商务交易活动中的买卖双方或银行、保险、各种代理等中介机构。信函往来的目的是顺利地推进各种商务活动。现代商务活动的交易双方地位都是平等的, 所以商务信函的写作应基于一种相互有礼、相互尊重的原则。Grice (1975:45) 曾提出, 任何有意义的言语交际过程中, 交谈双方存在着一种默契, 一条双方都必须遵守的原则, 即合作原则。只有双方遵守了合作原则, 才能确保有意义交际的顺利开展。难以想象如果在合作中缺少应有的礼貌还能将合作顺利地推展下去。所以, 商务信函中运用礼貌的写作语气非常重要, 它最能体现商家的诚信形象。信函写作者在行文时应注意以下三个方面:
(1) 采用“收信人态度 (you-attitude) ”的行文风格。
在商务信函中少用第一人称作主语多用第二人称或第二人称物主代词加名词作主语, 如:
You are requested to settle this account on the 15th of this month.
You are expected to post a cheque to us.
Your prompt attention to this matter would be appreciated.
(2) 经常用被动语态, 如:
We were forced to cancel the contract.
It has come to our notice that license T/445 has not been renewed.
(3) 为了语气婉转, 还经常运用以it为形式主语的句型, 如:
It is with much regret that we have to tell you of our decision to wind up thec om p a ny.
It is a great pleasure to hear from y ou th at yo u h a ve m a rk e te d t he ne wp r o d u c t.
2 结语
综上所述, 英语商务信函有其独特的文体特征:结构固定、用词正式、语言简洁、语义明确、语气礼貌。熟悉和掌握这些特征有利于我们提高商务信函的写作水平, 更好地发挥商务信函的交际功能, 促进商务活动双方的交流, 从而获得最大的经济效益和社会效益。
摘要:随着我国经济建设的快速发展, 越来越多的商家投入到国际商务活动中。因此, 英语商务信函的应用也越来越广泛。本文从文体学的角度具体分析了英语商务信函应具备的文体特征, 以帮助商家成功进行商贸业务往来。
关键词:商务信函,文体特征
参考文献
[1]catford, J.C.A Linguistic Theory of Translation[M].London:Oxford Univer-sity Press, 1965.
[2]Gregory, M.&S.Carroll.Language and Situation:Language Varieties and their Social Context[M]London:Routledge&Kegan Paul Ltd, 1978.
[3]Halliday, M.A.K.Language as Social Semiotic:The Social Interpretation of Language and Meaning[M]London:Edwad Arndd, 1978.
[4]玛丽·特纳, 罗伯特·亚伯拉罕特.商务英语写作[M].西安:世界图书出版公司, 1997.
[5]温赖特.英语商业信函写作指南[M].北京:商务印书馆国际有限公司, 1996.
[6]许小平.国际商务英语写作[M].武昌:华中理工大学出版社, 2000.
3.也谈如何撰写英文商务信函 篇三
商务信函是一种“推销”函,可以说,你的“推销”是否成功,关键取决于你信函中信息的表达方式和内容。信函写得好,就可能为你赢利新的业务,有助于促进和发展你同客户的关系,也能够消除彼此间的误会,缩小分歧;反之,你也可能因此招致新的矛盾,失去原有客户。因此,我们可以这样说,良好的商业往来,从一封好的商务信函开始的。
一、英文商务信函的构成要素
英文商务信函的构成大体上可分为两个部分:必需部分和增加部分。必需部分指在一般情况下不可缺少的部分;增加部分指根据对象、内容的实际需要而增加的部分。在下面表格中带“*”号的为必要部分,其余为可增加部分。
1.信头(Letterhead)*
2.发信日期(Date)*
3.编号 (Serial Number; Reference Number )
4.封内收信人地址(Inside Address)*
5.指定收信人姓名(Attention Line)
6.称呼(Salutation)*
7.事由(Subject Line or Heading)
8.开头语(Opening Sentence)
9.正文(Body)*
10.结尾语(Closing Sentence)
11.客套结束语(Complimentary Close) *
12.签名(Signature)*
13.主办人代号(Identification Mark)
14.附件注明(Enclosure Notation)
15.附笔(Postscript)
16.复本注明(Carbon Copy Notation)
二、各构成要素的写作技法
1.信头(Letterhead)
信头又信端,一般包括公司名称、地址,也可含电报挂号、电传挂号、传真号码、电话号码、网址(Web Site)、电子邮件地址(E-mailAddress)等内容。通常采取印刷方式或打字方式。如:
2.发信日期(Date)
有英美之分。英式的写法常把日期写在月份的前面,而美式的写法常把月份写在日期的前面,是期常用基数词,也可用序数词。年份之前的逗号可省略。如:3rd April,1999或3April199(英式);May24th,1999或May24 1999美式)。
3.封内收信人地址(Inside Address)
一般在信箋的左面,沿左面边线写起。书写时要注意语序与中文恰好相反:小的单位放前,大的单位放在后,如:
Mr. Robert Keats
Director of Personnel
Windsor Knitting Mills Inc.
295 Magnolia Avenue
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301
The United States of America
4.称呼(Salutation)
称呼是写信人对收信人的称呼,其位置在封内地址下两至三行。称呼后英式写法常用逗号,美式多用冒号。特别应该注意的是“Gentlemen”这一称呼用于泛称已多年,但今天已被认为有性别歧视,用“Ladies and Gentlemen”代之已呈趋势。
5.正文(Body)
正文是信函的主体,表达写信人的具体愿望、要求、看法等,最好一段表达一个意思。需两页或更多信纸时,应在续页上注明收集人名称、页数、日期。
6.客套结束语(Complimentary Close)
客套语是写信人对收信人的一种谦称,写法很多,写信人可根据与收信人的关系来选用不同的说法。如:
(1)亲密式:Cordially,Cordially Yours,Intimately Yours,
(2)普通式:Sincerely, Sincerely Yours,Yours Sincerely,
Very Sincerely Yours,
(3)正式:Your truly,Very truly yours,yours Very truly,
yours faithfully, Faithfully yours
(4)(最正式:Respectfully,Respectfully yours,Yours respectfully,
Very respectfully
(5)随意式:Love,Cheers! With love, Best wishes, Best regards,
Warmest regards,Your devoted friend, See you in Phoenix!等
6.签名(Signature)
签名要在结束语下面签,这样能使人感到对方重视此事,严肃认真,也能使对方感到亲切。
总之,商务信函作为一种“推销”函,在商务活动中有着举足轻重的地位。可以说,良好的商业往来,是从一封好的商务信函开始的。要想撰写出一封好得商务信函,除了我们上述介绍的一些写作手法以外,还需要我们具备相关的业务知识,掌握好法规和条款,具备扎实的语言基础。
4.常用商务信函 篇四
11、表示遗憾
此时, 我只能请您接受我的歉意。
Meanwhile, I can only ask you to accept my apologies.
请您宽恕我们的.这一错误。
We apologize you for the mistake.
麻烦不少, 请您宽恕。
We apologize you for troubling you.
从你们 5月10日信中得知, 你方客户仍对该条件不表满意, 甚为遗憾。
We are sorry to learn from your letter of the 10th May that your customer is still dissatisfied with the condition.
在时机尚未成熟以前, 我们就冒昧地写信谈及此事, 对此甚表遗憾。
We are sorry that we have taken the liverty in writing you prematurely on the subject.
我们遗憾地告诉您, 其中两箱, 质量极为差劣。
I am regretted to have to inform you that two cases of them are so bad in quality.
我们遗憾地告诉您, 本公司在R.C.15的房产, 因昨日下午失火, 已部分烧毁。
We regret to inform you that our premises at 15 R.C. were partly destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon
听说P.R.公司已破产, 甚为遗憾。
I learnt with regret of the failure of messrs P.R. & Co.
12、表示抱歉
To take the liberty of doing something||To take the liberty to do something
甚感遗撼, 请多包涵。
To regret||To be sorry||To be chagrined||To be mortified||To be vexed
对此事给您带来的不便, 请接受我们的歉意。
5.常用商务信函 篇五
20.What is your best price? 21.Could you please answer these questions/ the following questions / the questions below : 22.I hope to hear from you soon.23.I look forward to hearing from you.24.This is our overdue payment notice, would you please send your remittance immediately? 25.We urgently need your shipment
26.How soon could you deliver upon receipt of our order? 27.How much would it cost for 30 units? 28.Could you give us a discount? If so, how much? 29.I would much appreciate it / I would be grateful if you could contact me either by phone or e-mail.30.Incidentally, if you do not have a representative for your products in Hk, would you consider us as your exclusive agent? 31.Please let me know if you need further information.32.The answers to your questions are as follows.33.Also, please me know what the shipping charge would be.34.Would there be a deposit? If so, how much and when payable/due? 35.Would you please send/give me a price(quote a price)for 35 squarexxxx? 36.We would like to place an order for … 37.Enclosed is our POxxx 38.How soon could you deliver the remaining? 39.Would this be acceptable? 40.Unfortunately our customer has requested that we reduce(the quantity of)this order from 50 to 25 copies.41.Therefore, would you please send xx only 25 copies as soon as the books become available? 42.I am sorry for the delay in responding to your message of April.4 43.Thank you for your constant help and patience.44.As agreed in our telephone conversation of January 16, 45.You will send xxx and remainder by regular delivery.46.Thank you for your special cooperation.47.Therefore could you ship the first order by Dec.15? This would give us enough training time.48.Would you please let us know whether or not you shipped 200pcs of PIX8020 under POXXX? 49.We sent a purchase order on 12.1 by mail(see the attached).However,we have not received your confirmation.50.Would you please let us know immediately whether you got this order?Also,we need to know the shipping date.51.We intend planning to order one of the following:
52.Would you let me know what is in stock and how soon you can send? 53.Would you please let us know if the part number below has been replaced with a new one/ number? 54.Would you please check the status of this shipment? 55.Would you please immediately confirm which number is correct? 56.I am sorry to trouble you with these questions but would much appreciate your reply.57.The shipping charge estimates you asked about are as follows: 58.Would you please let us know by mail within two days which shipper you prefer? 59.According to your xxx report/ mail, your current delivery date is Nov.11.60.However, our customer urgently needs 96 pieces of part xxx.61.Would you please let us know by mail if you can deliver by mid-October? 62.Could you please confirm right away if the following part numbers, descriptions are correct? 63.Would you please give us a little more time to inform you? 64.Incidentally, please let us know the name of the shipper you will be using.65.Therefore, we regret that we have nothing to submit for this competition.66.Unfortunately, we cannot give discounts on any of the supplementary charges.67.However, we would like to make some additional requests.68.Finally, to reduce cost, please make sure the package is as small as possible.69.Our apologies for the inconvenience.70.Enclosed is our inspection report 71.We assure you that our quality control department carefully checked the xxx and found that it xxxx.72.Enclosed, also, is our e-mail of August 29 73.Thank you for your calls over the last two weeks.I tried calling back a few times but without success.74.Would the morning of March 31 be convenient? 75.I hope this information will help you in your sales efforts.76.Thank you for your continuing support.77.From now on, you should have no further problems.78.Please let us know if you need any further assistance.79.Incidentally, if you can place a substantial number of orders with xx, we may be able to obtain an Elite franchise for you.80.Please keep us informed and good luck!81.We have not decided which parts we would like to receive in exchange but will let you know as soon as we do.82.Please let us know if we can be of further help.83.We are sorry for this error and hope it has not caused any trouble.84.We made an invoice error on your order POXXXX.85.You ordered only one shipment of 1600 pieces, but we prepared two shipments and invoiced you twice.86.Sorry for the confusion!
87.The amount should have been U.S1000, instead.88.I’m very sorry for this inconvenience and hope it does not cause any trouble.89.This is a matter of some urgency.90.I would be grateful if you could allow me to postpone payment for two weeks.91.Please disregard this letter.92.Excuse us for this reminder if your shipment details are already in the mail.93.If payment has already been made, please disregard this reminder.94.Five weeks have passed since my initial order for xxxx unit, but so far I have not received it.95.We should have received the above order by the end of January.96.Would you please give us a shipping date for the following parts:
6.常用商务信函 篇六
实例之一:
dear mr. / ms,
we should like to invite your corporation to attend the international fair which will be held from april 29 to may 4 at the above address. full details on the fair will be sent in a week.
we look forward to hearing from you soon, and hope that you will be able to attend.
yours faithfully
尊敬的先生/小姐,
在上述地址,我们想请贵公司参加于四月二十九日到五月四日举办的1997国际商品交易会,关于交易会的详情我们一周内将寄给你。希望不久能收到你的来信,并能来参加。
您诚挚的
如果是肯定答复的话,可以参照下列写法:
dear mr. / ms,
thank you for your letter of march 20 inviting our corporation to participate in the 1997 international fair. we are very pleased to accept and will plan to display our electrical appliances as we did in previous years.
mr. li will be in your city from april 2 to 7 to make specific arrangements and would very much appreciate your assistance.
yours faithfully
尊敬的先生/小姐,
感谢三月二十八日来信邀请我们公司参加1997国际商品交易会。我们乐于参加并计划展示我们前几年生产的电子设备。李先生将于四月二日至七日去你市做具体安排,非常感谢你的协助。
你诚挚的
如果是否定答复的话,可以参照下列写法:
dear mr. / ms,
thank you very much for your invitation to attend the 1997 international fair. as we are going to open a repair shop in your city at that time, we are sorry that we shall not be able to come.
we hope to see you on some future occasion.
yours faithfully
尊敬的先生/小姐,
非常感谢您邀请我们参加1997国际商品交易会。由于我们将于同一时间到你市新开一家维修店,非常抱歉我们不能前去。
希望以后在某些场合见到您。
您诚挚的
7.浅析商务英语信函的语言特点 篇七
关键词:商务英语,信函,词法,句法
国际贸易对一个国家经济的发展起着重要的作用。作为商务世界有效的沟通渠道, 商务信函在商务活动中起着越来越重要的作用。因此, 如何最大限度地发挥商务信函的作用成了商业活动的重要组成部分。作为英语的一种特殊语体, 商务英语信函有着自己独特的文体特征。分析了商务英语信函的词汇和句法特征, 以期为商务信函的写作提供一些建议。
一、商务英语信函的词法特征
商业信函要注意意思表达准确, 避免误解。因此在英语商业信函的写作时选词要准确, 避免造成歧义, 或者意义表达模糊, 影响双方的有效交流。
1. 选择具体词汇而不是抽象词汇
抽象词汇意义含混, 意思表达不直接、不准确, 具体词汇意思明确, 便于信函双方的迅速沟通。使用具体的词汇准确地表达己方的意愿, 帮助双方快速地交流, 是商务信函的重要特征。因此, 英语商务信函写作应尽量使用具体词汇准确、快速地表达意思, 避免意义模糊。
请看例子: (1) The payment of the goods will be effected on July 1st. (2) The goods will be paid on July 1st. (3) The shipment was affected by weather.例1中作者使用了抽象名词“Payment”表达付款的意思。但是名词“Payment”不可以充当谓语独立表达“付款”, 作者必须借助动词“effect”表达意思。从文体的角度, 例1比例2表述更正式, 但是从意思表达的简洁和准确层面看, 例2意思简洁明了, 更有利于双方的沟通。例3动词“affect”意思不明确, 收信人无法明确了解天气对货物运输产生怎样的影响, 也就无法采取相应的对策。因此写信人应该使用精确的词汇如“hindered”, “delayed”或者“stopped”, 便于收信人对此做出正确的回应。
2. 避免使用歧义词汇
歧义词汇是指有些词汇在同一个上下文语境中有两种甚至多重意思的理解。商务信函中使用造成歧义的词汇可能影响双方的误解, 造成不必要的麻烦。例:We assembled them by the new machine. (“by”can mean“near”or“by means of”) 上例中介词“by”在英语中可解释为“在…旁边”和“通过…方法”。因此, 上例分别理解为: (1) 我们把它们集中放在这台新机器旁边。 (2) 我们用这台新机器把它们组装起来。为了准确的表达意思, 商务信函写作时应根据写信人的意思将上例改写成: (1) We assembled them near the new machine.或者 (2) We assembled them by means of the new machine.另外, 商务英语信函要尽量避免一个句子中一个单词多种意思。例如, “Cotton and silk blouses made in China enjoy a good market in the European market”.在这个句子中, “market”表达了两种意思:第一个“market”的意思是“销售”, 第二个“market”表示“市场”。为了便于理解, 应该把这个例句改写为“Cotton and silk blouses made in China enjoy a good sale in the European marketplace”.
3. 避免形容词或副词的重复使用
中国人写作习惯重复表达相同的意思, 一方面重复可以保持平衡的词法结构, 另外重复也加强了语气, 强化了表达的意思。英语文化强调用简明的语言表达意思。在商务英语信函写作时, 我们应该遵守英语语言的习惯, 避免使用不必要的重复, 保持信函的语言简洁, 意思清晰。商务信函写作时容易出现的形容词或副词的重复错误:General consensus (“consensus”一词本身即表示general opinion) ;True facts (“facts”必须是真实的, 即“true”) ;Assemble together (“Assemble”即put together.) ;Absolutely complete (“absolutely”即completely) 。
4. 使用褒义词和礼貌用语
商务信函写作者如果措辞礼貌得体, 会给对方留下良好的印象, 为双方的合作奠定基础。商务信函写作在遣词造句时应注意恰当运用褒义词和礼貌用语。例: (1a) I’m sorry we blundered on your order; (2a) We regret the inconvenience you’ve been caused by the broken mixer.尽管信函写作者希望表达真诚的道歉, 但是贬义词 (例1blunder和例2inconvenience) 会提醒收信方不良的后果, 影响对方对不良后果的反应。因此写信方可以使用中性的词汇, 淡化收信方对后果的反应。为达到良好的沟通效果, 信函写作可以将上两例改写成: (1b) I want to apologize for the order we delivered; (2b) We are truly sorry about the experience you had with the mixer.
二、商务英语信函的句法特点
1. 选择简洁的句式结构
句子是篇章的基本单位, 英语商务信函的写作必须遵循商务信函的特点, 选择句法结构。专业的商务英语信函写作通常选择简洁的句式。复杂的长句意思表达不明了, 不符合商务活动省时, 便利的要求。
2. 选择恰当的句式突出重点信息
商务信函的句子包含多个信息, 写信人应该根据信息的重要程度选择不同的句式结构, 表达自己的写作意图。试比较2个句子。 (1) Although there was price rise in raw materials last year, the company earned profit; (2) The company suffered form price rise in materials last years although it earned profit.这2个句子包含相同的信息, 写信人通过选择不同的句式结构表达了不同的意思。例句 (1) 写信人强调公司盈利的事实, 例句 (2) 重点说明原材料上涨给公司带来损失。上述比较说明一个句子包含信息的重要程度是不同的, 商务信函写作者应该根据不同的意图, 选择不同的句式, 突出要强调的信息, 便于收信人准确地了解写信人想传达的信息。
3. 尽量使用虚拟语气或疑问句等委婉句式
礼貌是商务信函写作最重要的原则, 商务信函写作者要会尊敬贸易伙伴, 从对方的角度看问题, 理解对方的困难, 在尊敬对方感情和利益的同时, 获得对方的好感, 促进合作的成功。商务信函写作除了要准确、简明地表达写信人的意图, 写信人还需措辞礼貌委婉, 营造良好的氛围, 因此在句式选择上要尽量使用虚拟语气或疑问句等委婉的句式, 如“please, will/would you please…, we would…be kind enough to…”。例: (1) Will you give us more detailed information on your requirements? (2) We would be grateful if you would help us with your suggestion. (1) 和 (2) 都是要求对方给予己方提供服务, 写信人在 (1) 运用疑问句、 (2) 使用虚拟语气, 用委婉的方式向对方提出要求, 既表达了己方的要求, 又兼顾了对方的面子, 较好地完成交际目的。
三、结语
英语商务信函是国际商务活动中的一种重要交流方式。笔者期望通过分析商务英语信函的词法和句法特征, 有助于商务英语信函的写作教学和对外贸易从业者的商务信函写作。
参考文献
[1]何维湘:商务英语应用文写作[M].广州:中山大学出版社, 1997
[2]方春祥:外贸函电[M].北京:中国人民大学出版社, 2005.
8.从关联理论看商务信函的翻译 篇八
【关键词】商务信函商务信函翻译关联理论
【中图分类号】H315.9 【文献标识码】A 【文章编号】2095-3089(2014)02-0100-01
1.引言
关联理论是认知语用学的基本理论,这一理论对研究语言交际和认知具有重要影响。关联理论后经德国学者格特的发展,被引入到了翻译领域,格特认为翻译是一种跨语际的交际行为,关联理论对翻译同样具有解释力。这就为采用关联理论指导商务信函翻译打下了基础。
2.关联理论的翻译观
关联理论(Relevance Theory)是Sperber和Wilson Relevance: Communication and Cognition一书中提出的认知语言学理论[1]。该理论认为,语言交际是一个明示-推理的过程,听话人往往会用一个标准去理解说话人的话语。这个标准就是关联性。关联理论的核心是寻求最佳的关联原则。我国外国语言研究所所长赵彦春教授(2001)将翻译定义为:“翻译不是静态的代码转换,而是以关联为准绳,以顺应手段,以意图为归宿,尽量使译文向原文趋同的动态行为。”[2]
3.商务信函的语言特点
1)词汇特征:商务信函具有大量的专业词汇和术语。如Invoice(发票), Insurance Policy(保险单), Bill of Exchange(汇票)等。而且普通的词在商务信函中的含义也发生了变化。如policy, firm, offer, clean等。2)句法特征:为了使信息准确传达,不至于造成纠纷与麻烦,商务信函还使用了专业套语和句型。例如,Owing to the great demand for the product this offer is valid only for three days.(由于该产品需求量很大,此报价有效期仅为三天。)We hereby confirm having appointed you as our protection agent for ship owners matters.(兹确认任命贵司为我方船东事宜的保护代理。)3)语篇特征:商务信函有其特定的语篇风格,具体可以归纳为“7C” 原则。(1)Correctness(正确); (2)Conciseness(简洁); (3)Clearness(清楚); (4)Completeness(完整); (5)Concreteness(具体); (6)Courtesy(礼貌); (7)Consideration(体谅)。“7C” 原则要求商务信函语篇严谨规范,以期达到预期的交际效果和商业目的。对于商务信函翻译者而言,就是要研究译文受众的认知环境,把从原文本中理解到的交际意图结合译文读者的认知环境,通过分析确定传递给译文读者,让他清楚地了解源语作者的用意和目的。
4.关联理论下的商务信函翻译
商务信函的以上特点要求在翻译过程中遵循最佳关联。下面便从关联理论出发,从术语和措辞两方面来探讨商务信函的翻译方法。
在术语方面,商务信函固定的套式和用语已基本构成搭配。在翻译过程中,使用目标语中相应的套词和套句,以便目标语读者理解和接受。套译主要用来处理一些原文意义较明确,句法结构较固定,直接套译便能够将商务交际的意图传递给译文读者。例如,“随函附上……请查收”译为enclosed please find,还比如“专营”可以译为be specialized in, deal exclusively in。
在措辞方面, 语言的准确化、模式化、专业化是商务信函的文本特征,在翻译的过程中必须去选用相对应的规范文本。这种翻译方法是用译文的习惯而又比较规范的表达方式再现原文的意蕴,得到的译文从目的语读者来看可读性较强,便于译文读者理解原作者的交际意图。例如:“承蒙怀特先生关照……”译为“By/Through the courtesy of Mr.White.”就比“We are indebted to Mr.White for a kindness.”要恰当得体,便于译文读者理解,实现最佳关联。“We are pleased to inform you that goods have been dispatched today.”翻译为“货物今日业已启运,特此奉告”就比“我方很高兴通知您货物已于今日启运”更加规范化,不带有个人感情色彩,是目的语的规范表达方式,便于实现最佳关联,使译文读者理解原作者的真实交际意图。
5.结语
本文首先介绍了关联理论对于翻译的认识;其次通过分析信函示例来总结商务信函的一些比较突出的语言和语篇特点。然后从关联理论的视角出发,对商务信函及其翻译示例进行对比和分析。进而结合商务信函的语言特点,从术语和措辞方面来总结归纳出相关的翻译策略。通过分析发现,有意识的正确使用关联理论,可以对商务信函的翻译产生积极的作用,有助于改善译文质量或提高翻译效率。
参考文献:
[1]Sperber, D. & Wilson, D. Relevance: Communication and Cognition [M]. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 2001.
[2]陈小慰.语言.功能.翻译——汉英翻译理论与实践.福州:福建教育出版社,1998:37-39.
[3]甘鸿,外经贸英语函电[M].上海:上海科学技术文献出版社,2004:23-26.
[4]何自然.语用学与英语学习[M].上海:上海外语教育出版社,1997:15-18.
9.商业英语信函最常用语篇-1 篇九
(1)贵函
Your letter; Your favour; your esteemed letter; Your esteemed favour; Your valued letter; Your valued favour; Your note; Your communication; Your greatly esteemed letter; Your very friendly note; Your friendly advice; Yours.
(2)本信,本函
Our (my) letter; Our (my) respects; Ours (mine); This letter; these lines; The present.
(3)前函
The last letter; The last mail; The last post; the last communication; The last respects(自己的信); The last favour(来信).
(4)次函
The next letter; The next mail; The next communication; The letter following; the following.
(5)贵函发出日期
Your letter of (the) 5th May; Your favour dated (the) 5th June; Yours of the 3rd July; Yours under date (of) the 5th July; Your letter bearing date 5th July; Your favour of even date(AE); Your letter of yesterday; Your favour of yesterday’s date; Your letter dated yesterday.
(6)贵方来电、电传及传真
Your telegram; Your wire; Your cablegram(从国外); Your coded wire(密码电报); Your code message; Your cipher telegram; Your wireless telegram; Your TELEX; Your Fax.
(7)贵方电话
Your telephone message; Your phone message; Your telephonic communication; Your telephone call; Your ring.
(8)通知
Advice; Notice; Information; Notification; Communication; A report; News; Intelligence; Message. (名词)
(Verb)(通知,告知)
To communicate (a fact) to; To report (a fact) to...on; To apprise (a person) of; To let (a person) know; To acquaint (a person) with; To intimate (a fact) to; To send word; to send a message; To mail a notice; to write (a person) information; To give notice(预告); To break a news to(通知坏消息); To announce(宣布).
(9)回信
An answer; A reply; A response. (名词)
(Verb) To answer; To reply; To give a reply; To give one’s answer; To make an answer; To send an answer; To write in reply; To answer one’s letter.
(特此回信)
Reply to; Answering to; In answer to; In reply to; In response to.
(等候回信)
10.商务信函 篇十
1、商务信函信端(Heading)
信端即信头,一般包括写信人的地址和写信日期。一些正式信函的信端还包括发信人或单位的电话号码、电报挂号、电传、传真和邮政编码等。西方国家中有些信端甚至还有单位负责人的姓名、职务和职称等。信端的目的是使收信人一看便知道书信来自何处,何时发出,便于复信和查阅。用一般的信纸写信时,信端应写在信纸的右上角,若字数较多,可从信纸中间或偏右的地方写起。若字数较少,可适当多向右移一些,使整个信端的重心落在右上角。
商务信函信端的写法主要有并列式和斜列式两种。从目前情况来看,前者更为常用。采用并列式时,每行开头要左对齐;采用斜列式时,每行开头逐次向右移二三个字母的距离。例如:
(1)并列式Fuxing Street
Haidian DistrictBeijingPost Code: 100035People’s Republic of ChinaTel: 63211234
Aug.20, 200
4(2)斜列式(Indented Form)Fuxing Street
Haidian District
Beijing
Post Code: 100035
People’s Republic of China
Tel: 63211234
Aug.20, 2004
写信端时,先写发信人的地址,地点的名称按由小到大的顺序排列,然后是其它项目和发信日期。具体次序是:第一行写门牌号和街名;第二行写区名、市(县)名、省(州、邦)名,往国外寄的信,还要写上国家的名称;国家名称的前面加上邮政编码,其后可写上电话号码,最后一行写发信日期。如果写信人的地址是机关单位的名称,则将其作为第一行。如果写信人的单位没有门牌号码和街名,则第一行可写上所在班级或专业组的名称;第二行写系、科、室名称;第三行写学校名称;第四行写市(县)、省(州)名称;然后再写邮政编码、国名、电话号码、发信日期等项。
如果使用标点符号,则在每行末尾加逗号,最后一行的末尾加句号。但当前的信件中行末大都不加标点符号,但在每行之内该用标点符号的地方,仍要用标点。特别要注意的是,门牌号码和街名之间要加逗号。月份和日期之间不可用逗号。在西方国家,城市名称之后往往写有字母或数字(如 New York, 103),表示城市的邮政编码。
关于发信日期的写法,应注意以下几点:
①年份应完全写出,不能简写。
②月份要用英文名称,不要用数字代替。
③月份名称多用公认的缩写式。但 May, June, July, 因为较短,不可缩写。
④写日期时,可用基数词1,2,3,4,5,„„28,29,30,31等,也可用序数词 lst, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, „„28th, 29th, 30th, 31lst等。但最好用基数词,简单明了。
日期可有下列几种写法:
① Oct.20, 2004
② 10 May., 2004
③ 3rd June, 2004
④ Sept.16th, 2004
其中,①最为通用。
2、商务信函信内地址(Inside Address, Introductory Address)
信内地址收信人的姓名和地址,写在信纸的左上角,从信纸的左边顶格开始写,低于写信人地址和发信日期一二行,也分并列式和斜列式两种,但应与信端的书写格式保持一致。其次序是,先写收信人姓名、头衔和单位名称,占一二行,然后写地址,可占二至四行,例如:
①并列式
Ms.Joanna Kerry
Peking University
Haidian District, 100871
Beijing
China
②斜列式
Ms.Joanna Kerry
Peking University
Haidian District,100871
Beijing
China
3.商务信函称呼(Salutation)
对收信人的称呼应自成一行,写在低于信内地址一二行的地方,从信纸的左边顶格开始写,每个词的开头字母要大写,至于末尾处的符号,英国人用逗号,但美国和加拿大英语则多用冒号。称呼用语可视写信人与收信人的关系而定。给外国人写英文信时,称呼用语要注意以下几点:
①对没有头衔的男性一般称呼 Mr.。Mr.用在姓氏之前或姓氏和名字之前,不可只用在名字之前,例如对的称呼,应该是:Mr.或 Mr.White, 不可是:Mr.Phil。若称呼多个男性,则在姓名前用 Mr.的复数形式 Messrs.。对一般以人名为名称的公司和企业常用这种称呼,例如:Messrs.Black and Brothers 布莱克兄弟公司。
②对女性一般称呼 Mrs.,Madam 或 Miss。Mrs.用在已婚女子的丈夫的姓氏之前,或姓氏和名字之前,一般不用在名字前 Madame 此词可以单独使用或加在丈夫的姓名之前 Mrs.没有复数形式。若称呼多个女性,则在姓名前用 Mme.的复数形式 Mmes.而对以女子名字为名称的公司、企业可用 Mesdames 称呼。Miss 多用于未婚女子,此词可缩写为 Ms,用于姓氏之前或姓氏和名字之前,一般不用于名字之前。
③对收信人的称呼,也可用头衔或职位的名称,不分性别。例如 Professor(缩写为 Prof.),Doctor(缩写为 Dr.),General(缩写为 Gen.)。这些称呼都放在姓氏之前或姓氏和名字之前,如 Prof.(Phil)White等。
④对外公函中对收信人的称呼,可用 Gentlemen(而不是 Gentleman),Dear Sir(s)和 My dear Sir(s)等。Gentlemen 之前不能加 Dear,后面也不能带姓名。用 Sirs 时,前面常用 Dear 一词,但也可单独用 Sir。若收信人是妇女,则无论已婚或未婚,都可单独使用 Madam 或其复数 Mesdames。
⑤对外国高级官员的称呼,如国家元首、政府首脑、部长、大使、公使和特使等,可用(Dear)Sir,(Dear)Mr.Chairman,(Dear)Mr.Premier,(My dear)Mr.Ambassador,Your Excellency(复数为 Excellencies)。
⑥对君主制国家的国王和皇帝等男性君主,可以 Sir 称呼,对女王、女皇和皇后等女性君主,可用 Madam 称呼。有时也用 Your Majesty 称呼以表示。客气和尊敬Your Majesty 可兼指男性和女性,其复数为 Your Majesties。
⑦对王室成员,如太子、王子、亲王和公主等,一般可用(Dear)Sir 或(Dear)Madam 但在正式尊称时,一般用 Your Highness(复数为 Highnesses)。
收信人称呼
先生(男人)Mr./Esq.夫人(已婚)Mrs.小姐(未婚)Miss
夫人、小姐统称Ms.夫妇俩人Mr.and Mrs.两位或两位以上男子Messrs
两位或两位以上女子(已婚)Mesdames
两位或两位以上小姐(未婚)Misses
常见的头衔(汉英对照)如下:
教授Professor
博士Doctor(Dr.,Ph.D.)
医学博士Medical Doctor(M.D.)
总统或校长President主席或董事长Chairman副主席或副董事长Vice Chairman副总统或副校长Vice President
首相Prime Minister
总理Premier
省长或州长Governor
市长Mayor
参议员Senator
大使Ambassador
秘书长Secretary General
一秘First Secretary
二秘Second Secretary
院长Director,Dean
副院长Vice Director
系主任Dean,Head,Chair
馆长Chief Librarian,Curator
阁下Excellency
神甫Father
4.商务信函信的正文(Body of the Letter)
信的正文每段第一行应往右缩进约四五个字母。在写事务性信件时,正文一般开门见山,内容简单明了,条理清楚。在写私人信件时,信写好之后若有什么遗漏,可用 P.S.表示补叙。
5.商务信函结束语(Complimentary Close)
结束语是写信人表示自己对收信人的一种谦称,只占一行,低于正文一二行,从信纸的中间或偏右的地方开始写。第一个词的开头字母要大写,末尾用逗号。结束语视写信人与收信人的关系而定例如写给机关、团体或不相识的人的信,一般用:
Yours(very)truly, Yours(very)faithfully,Yours(very)sincerely,等等。
写给上级和长者的信一般可用:
Yours(very)respectfully, Yours(very)obediently, Yours gratefully, Yours appreciatively, Your obedient servant, 等等。
写给同志或同事的信一般可用:
Fraternally yours, Comradely yours,等等。
写给熟人或朋友的信可用:
Yours, Ever yours, Yours affectionately, As ever, Yours sincerely Yours devotedly,(Most)Fondly yours, Yours excitedly, Intimately yours,等等。
写给亲属或挚友的信一般用:
Yours, Ever yours, Yours as ever, As ever, Yours affectionately, Lovingly yours,(Much)Love, With Love,Lovingly, Your loving son, Your most affectionate, Your devoted friend, Devotedly, 等等,意即:“您的”、“永远是您的”、“您的亲爱的”、“您的爱子(孩子、姐妹、侄、侄女、祖母)”、“您的挚友”等。
写给挚友的信有时也可用:
Yours hurriedly, Yours hastily, Yours in haste, 等等。
写信给挚友,表示歉意时,可用:
Contritely yours, Regretfully yours, Yours in(with)regret, Yours in(with)deep remorse 等。
在欧洲一些国家里,多把Yours 放在 sincerely等词的前面。在美国和加拿大等国,则多用,把 yours 放在 Sincerely 等词之后。Yours 一词有时也可省略。
6.签名(Signature)
信末的签名一般低于结束语一二行,从信纸中间偏右的地方开始写。若写信人是女性,与收信人又不相识,则一般在署名前用括号注上 Miss, Mrs.或 Ms.,以便对方回信时知道如何称呼。有的还有署名后写上自己的职称、职务或头衔
7.附件(Enclosure)
信件若有附件,应在左下角注明 Encl.或 Enc.。若附件不止一个,则应写出2(或3,4,5等)Encls.,例如:
Enc: Resume
Encls:Grade Certificate
8.再启(Postscrip, 缩写为 P.S.)
再启部分用于补叙正文中遗漏的话,一般应尽量少用,正式的函件中更应避免使用。
9.私人和公务信函--注意事项
首先,写信者应设身处地想到对方,尊重对方的风俗习惯。
其次,英文信应该行文流畅、言简意赅,避免冗长。这就是说,写信者应用尽可能少的文字表达其必须传递的信息,而且写信者应将其所需传递的信息表达清楚,以免对方产生误解。书信交往,同样需要以礼待人。因而在写信过程中,要避免伤害对方感情,措辞上多选用些礼貌婉转词语。
最后,除了避免语法、拼写、标点错误外,信中所引用的史料、数据等也应准确无误.私人和公务信函--常用句式。常用的起首语有:
1)Thank you for your letter dated Dec.22,1969.2)Many thanks for your letter of Sept.5,1997.3)A thousand thanks for your kind letter of June 5,1997.4)Your kind letter of November 22th arrived this morning.5)Your letter which arrived this morning gave me great comfort.6)In reply to your letter dated 4th July,I want to say„
7)Thank you very much for your letter of August 2 and the gift you sent me on Christmas Eve.8)What a treat to receive your kind letter of May 5th!
9)It is always a thrill to see your nice handwriting.10)First of all I must thank you for your kind assistance and high attention to me.11)With great delight I learn from your letter of this Sunday that „
12)I wish to apply for teaching position you are offering.13)I am too excited and delighted at your good news.14)I am very obliged to you for your warm congratulations.„
15)I am very much pleased to inform you that my visit to your country has been approved.常用的结束语有:
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