思考题 Posted January 19, 2011 at 07:36 AM Report Posted January 19, 2011 at 07:36 AM Over the past 6 months I've taken an avid interest in Chinese language songs as a productive means of studying and supplementing my Mandarin. With friends' encouragement, I have undertaken the posting of English translations of both widespread classics and some of my personal favorites. My interest does not lie in literal, word for word translation. Certain words and phrases, though poignant in their native Mandarin context, sound ambiguous or halting in English. Rather I aim to express the feeling of each song -- as if the lyrics were as natural to sing in translated English as they were in the original Chinese. I am not avoiding literal interpretation, so much not allowing it to interfere with the tone or underlying concepts of each song. While I encourage any questions, 'quires and qualms, my hope is that rather than simple criticism, we instead make constructive suggestions with specific examples. My initial words are not the end all, but rather the instigation of further creation. ===================================================================================================================================================== Chinese Song Translation (北京欢迎你） - Beijing welcomes you. For an online recording of the song click &cat=0&gate=1&ct=134217728&tn=baidumt,%B1%B1%BE%A9%BB%B6%D3%AD%C4%E3++&si=%B1%B1%BE%A9%BB%B6%D3%AD%C4%E3;;%C8%BA%D0%C7;;140912;;140912&lm=-1&mtid=1&d=8&size=3879731&attr=0,0&titlekey=1276640121,715556944&mtype=1"]HERE A feature song in the lead up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, this song features a who's who of China. Even well after the event, this song has enjoyed remarkable longevity, to the point that it has become a cult classic. My translation is as follows: 迎接另一个晨曦，带来全新空气.............Welcome a new morning, with a breath of fresh air 气息改变情味不变，茶香飘满情谊...........The look has changed but the feeling hasn’t, still full of warmth and friendship 我家大门常打开,开放怀抱等你.............Our door is open, waiting for you 拥抱过了就有默契你会爱上这里............After you arrive, there is no doubt you will fall for this place 不管远近都是客人请不用客气..............No matter where you are from, you’re all guests, make yourself at home 相约好了在一起,我们欢迎你...............We have made the date, we warmly welcome you 我家种着万年青开放每段传奇..............The door to our home is always open, 为传统的土壤播种为你留下回忆............On this soil, you will have a time you will never forget, 陌生熟悉都是客人请不用拘礼..............Whether it is your first time or you are a regular guest, just make yourself at home 第几次来没关系有太多话题...............You have been before? Even better, we have much to catch up on 北京欢迎你为你开天辟地.................Beijing welcomes you, to the first Chinese hosting of the Olympics 流动中的魅力充满着朝气.................Share in the beauty of the Olympic spirit, 北京欢迎你在太阳下分享呼吸..............Beijing welcomes you, to share in the spirit 在黄土地刷新成绩......................In China， to compete for glory 我家大门常打开开怀容纳天地 .............Our door is open, open to the world 岁月绽放青春笑容迎接这个日期 ...........With open smiles, we wait for the day, 天大地大都是朋友请不用客气 .............We are all friends here, please make yourself at home 画意诗情带笑意只为等待你 ...............All that you could imagine, and with a smile is waiting for you 我家大门常打开开放怀抱等你..............Our place is open, waiting for you, 拥抱过了就有默契你会爱上这里............After you arrive, there’s little doubt you’ll fall for this place 不管远近都是客人请不用客气 .............No matter where you’re from, you’re all guests, make yourself at home 相约好了在一起我们欢迎你................We’ve made the date, we warmly welcome you 北京欢迎你像音乐感动你..................Beijing welcomes you, with an open heart 让我们都加油去超越自己..................Let’s celebrate being the best that we can be, 北京欢迎你有梦想谁都了不起...............Beijing welcomes you, let us celebrate the dream, 有勇气就会有奇迹 ......................With bravery we can create miracles, 北京欢迎你为你开天辟地..................Beijing welcomes you, to the first Chinese hosting of the Olympics 流动中的魅力充满着朝气..................Share in the beauty of the Olympic spirit, 北京欢迎你在太阳下分享呼吸...............Beijing welcomes you, to share in the spirit 在黄土地刷新成绩...................... In China to compete for glory 北京欢迎你在太阳下分享呼吸...............Beijing welcomes you, to share in the spirit 在黄土地刷新成绩...................... In China to compete for glory This is a song of celebration; a celebration of the olymipics and a celebration of China. This song was released 100 days before the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, with to intention to build excitment and anticipation to the event. The lyrics are difficult, one of the most challenging songs that I have attempted so far. 2 Quote
LucyxLucy Posted January 20, 2011 at 04:00 AM Report Posted January 20, 2011 at 04:00 AM Good Job on finishing the entire song! I've tried to do some translations of lyrics and whatnot in the past as well, and they are so hard. I don't think it's possible (for me at least) to translate the lyrics of a song and still retain its original meaning and feelings. I guess it goes back to the characteristics that is unique to every language and can't be expressed in another. Is it Lin Xi that wrote the lyrics for this? He's one of my favorite lyricists apart from Fang Wen Shang and Yao Ruo Long. Quote
内森 Posted January 22, 2011 at 06:26 AM Report Posted January 22, 2011 at 06:26 AM Alright ... so many suggestions I'll just repost the song in it's entirety: 迎接另一个晨曦，带来全新空气..............THE DAWN IS BREAKING; A breath of fresh air 气息改变情味不变，茶香飘满情谊..........IF THE look has changed, STILL the feeling REMAINS, 我家大门常打开,开放怀抱等你................Our door EVER open, OUR EMBRACE EVER READY 拥抱过了就有默契你会爱上这里.............BUT A GLANCE, YET IT'S LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 不管远近都是客人请不用客气................NO MATTER NEAR OR FAR, OUR HOME IS YOURS 相约好了在一起,我们欢迎你..................THE TIME IS AT HAND, TO WELCOME YOU ON 我家种着万年青开放每段传奇...............THIS LAND OF TRADITION, THIS LAND FILLED WITH LEGEND, 为传统的土壤播种为你留下回忆............FROM ITS soil, WILL SPRING MEMORIES you will never forget, 陌生熟悉都是客人请不用拘礼................ALL STRANGERS AND FAMILIARS, OUR HOME IS YOURS 第几次来没关系有太多话题...................SO YOU'VE been HERE before? THERE'S STILL SO MUCH TO DISCUSS 北京欢迎你为你开天辟地......................Beijing welcomes you, TO HISTORY IN THE MAKING 流动中的魅力充满着朝气.....................TO BASK IN THE BEAUTY OF OLYMPIC SPORT, 北京欢迎你在太阳下分享呼吸..............Beijing welcomes you, to share in the spirit 在黄土地刷新成绩.................................IN AND OF China， ALL AWASH IN glory 我家大门常打开开怀容纳天地 ..............Our DOORS, AS OUR HEARTS AND MINDS, 岁月绽放青春笑容迎接这个日期 ...........LIKE YOUTHFUL SMILES, EVER OPEN 天大地大都是朋友请不用客气 ..............NO MATTER BIG OR SMALL, OUR HOME IS YOURS 画意诗情带笑意只为等待你 ..................All OUR THOUGHT AND OUR CULTURE, LIKE OUR SMILES, EVER PRESENT 我家大门常打开开放怀抱等你..............Our door EVER open, WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU, 拥抱过了就有默契你会爱上这里...........BUT A GLANCE, YET IT'S LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 不管远近都是客人请不用客气..............NO MATTER NEAR OR FAR, OUR HOME IS YOURS 相约好了在一起,我们欢迎你.................THE TIME IS AT HAND, TO WELCOME YOU ON 北京欢迎你像音乐感动你......................Beijing welcomes you, STRIVES TO MOVE YOU 让我们都加油去超越自己......................LET US celebrate being the best we can be, 北京欢迎你有梦想谁都了不起..............Beijing welcomes you, LETS OUR DREAMS SHINE THROUGH, 有勇气就会有奇迹 .................................With COURAGE ANY MIRACLE CAN BECOME REALITY, 北京欢迎你为你开天辟地......................Beijing welcomes you, TO HISTORY IN THE MAKING 流动中的魅力充满着朝气.....................TO BASK IN THE BEAUTY OF OLYMPIC SPORT, 北京欢迎你在太阳下分享呼吸..............Beijing welcomes you, to share in the spirit 在黄土地刷新成绩..................................IN AND OF China， ALL AWASH IN glory 北京欢迎你在太阳下分享呼吸..............Beijing welcomes you, to share in the spirit 在黄土地刷新成绩..................................IN AND OF China， ALL AWASH IN glory Needless to say, I was really liberal with this one. For example, the line 气息改变情味不变，茶香飘满情谊...........The look has changed but the feeling hasn’t, still full of warmth and friendship Not only is the English sentence too long and clunky, in my opinion there's no need to list in detail the explicit nature of said feelings, as they are more than amply expressed throughout the remainder of the song. A little subtly never hurt anyone. Additionally, there are obviously a lot of reference to open doors and smiles, so with an aim towards improved lyricism, I took those themes and stretched / ran (with) them a little. Quote
思考题 Posted February 15, 2011 at 02:09 AM Author Report Posted February 15, 2011 at 02:09 AM Lucyxlucy and Yeodda3 for your comments, In response to Lucyxlucy quesiton, I can confirm that the lyrics of this song was written by Lin Xi (林夕), with the music being composed by Xiao Ke (小柯). As for Yeodda3, I think you have made the translation a million times better. Thank you. Quote
LA Guy Posted June 9, 2011 at 03:07 AM Report Posted June 9, 2011 at 03:07 AM Hi all, Believe or not, just discovered this song as I was looking for a Mandarin song to play on the guitar and learn some Mandarin in the process. Maybe, a guitar player can add the chords ? Is their a Cantonese version ? Below is the Chinese, Pinyin and English. Don't know how accurate the translation is ... EDIT - now that I read the other translations, I see they are much superior but at least their is some PinYin ( alas no tone marks sucks ). Thanks, LA Guy http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080815052635AArnlNL 迎接另一个晨曦，带来全新空气。陈天佳 Let' s embrace another morning and enjoy its ever new air. Ying jie ling yi ge chen xi, dai lai quan xin kong qi. 气息改变情味不变，茶香飘满情谊。刘欢 With the fragrance of tea, it smells different. But it feels great, full of friendship. Qi xi gai bian qing wei bu bian, cha xiang tiao man qing yi. 我家大门常打开，开放怀抱等你。那英 Our door is always open. We are waiting for you open-armed. Wo jia da men chang da kai, kai fang huai bao deng ni. 拥抱过就有了默契，你就会爱上这里。孙燕姿-Stefanie Sun After a big hug, you'll feel close with us. And surely you will love this place. Yong bao guo jiu you le mo qi, ni jiu hui ai shang zhe li. 不管远近都是客人，请不用客气。孙悦 Our guests, no matter where you come from, please feel at home. Bu guan yuan jin dou shi ke ren, qing bu yong ke qi. 相约好了在一起，我们欢迎你。王力宏-Wang Lee Hom We promised to get together here. So welcome! Xiang yue hao le zai yi qi, wo men huan ying ni. 我家种着万年青，开放每段传奇。韩红 We cultivate Chinese Evergreen in the garden. All the time, it is producing a new legend. Wo jia zhong zhe wan nian qing, kai fang mei duan chuan qi. 为传统的土壤播种，为你留下回忆。周华健-Emil Chou In the soil rich in traditions, we plant. Hope everything we plant here leaves you a great experience. Wei chuan tong de tu rang bo zhong, wei ni liu xia hui yi. 陌生熟悉都是客人，请不用拘礼。梁咏琪 Our guests, no matter we've met before or not, please feel at ease. Mo sheng shu xi dou shi ke ren, qing bu yong ju li. 第几次来没关系，有太多话题。羽泉 Even if you have been here for many times, you won't feel bored 'cause we have vast new things for you. Di ji ci lai mei guan xi, you tai duo hua ti. 北京欢迎你，为你开天辟地。成龙-Jackie Chan Welcome to Beijing; we've done a lot for your visit. Bei jing huan ying ni, wei ni kai tian bi di. 流动中的魅力，充满着朝气。任贤齐-Richie Ren Its charm in ever changing is full of life. Liu dong zhong de mei li, chong man zhe chao qi. 北京欢迎你，在太阳下分享呼吸。蔡依林-Jolin Tsai Welcome to Beijing; let's breathe together in the sunshine. Bei jing huan ying ni, zai tai yang xia fen xiang hu xi. 在黄土地刷新成绩！孙楠 Let's establish new records here in China. Zai huang tu di shua xin cheng ji. 我家大门常打开，开怀容纳天地。周笔畅 Our door is always open. We are open armed, ready to embrace the world. Wo jia da men chang da kai, kai huai rong na tian di. 岁月绽放青春笑容，迎接这个日期。韦唯 5000-year-old China is flashing a youthful smile, waiting for the day. Sui yue zhan fang qing chun xiao rong, huan jie zhe ge re qi. 天大地大都是朋友，请不用客气。黄晓明-Huang Xiao Ming Our guests, no matter where you come from, please feel at home. Tian da di da dou shi peng you, qing bu yong ke qi. 画意诗意带笑意，只为等待你。韩庚-Hangeng from Super Junior We paint pictures and write poems to express the joy for your coming. Hua yi shi yi dai xiao yi, zhi wei deng dai ni. 北京欢迎你，像音乐感动你。汪峰 Welcome to Beijing; like moving music, our hospitality will warm your heart. Bei jing huan ying ni, xiang ying yue gan dong ni. 让我们都加油去超越自己。莫文蔚-Karen Mok Let's try to challenge ourselves. Rang wo men dou jia you qu chao yue zi ji. 北京欢迎你，有梦想谁都了不起。谭晶 Welcome to Beijing; people who have dreams are all bravo. Bei jing huan ying ni, you meng xiang shei dou liao bu qi. 有勇气就会有奇迹。陈奕迅 If only you keep the courage, miracles will happen. You yong qi jiu hui you qi ji. 北京欢迎你，为你开天辟地。阎维文 Welcome to Beijing; we've done a lot for your visit. Bei jing huan ying ni, wei ni kai tian bi di. 流动中的魅力，充满着朝气。戴玉强 Its charm in ever changing is full of life. Liu dong zhong de mei li, chong man zhe chao qi. 北京欢迎你，在太阳下分享呼吸。王霞, 李双松 Welcome to Beijing; let's breathe together in the sunshine. Bei jing huan ying ni, zai tai yang xia fen xiang hu xi. 在黄土地刷新成绩！廖昌永 Let's establish new records here in China. Zai huang tu di shua xin cheng ji. 北京欢迎你，像音乐感动你。林依轮 Welcome to Beijing; like moving music, our hospitality will warm your heart. Bei jing huan ying ni, xiang ying yue gan dong ni. 让我们都加油去超越自己。张娜拉 Let's try to challenge ourselves. Rang wo men dou jia you qu chao yue zi ji. 北京欢迎你，有梦想谁都了不起。林俊杰-JJ Lin Welcome to Beijing; people who have dreams are all bravo. Bei jing huan ying ni, you meng xiang shei dou liao bu qi. 有勇气就会有奇迹。阿杜-Ah Du If only you keep the courage, miracles will happen. You yong qi jiu hui you qi ji. 我家大门常打开，开放怀抱等你。容祖儿-Joey Yung Our door is always open. We are waiting for you open-armed. Wo jia da men chang da kai, kai fang huai bao deng ni. 拥抱过就有了默契，你就会爱上这里。李宇春-Chris Li After a big hug, you'll feel close with us. And surely you will love this place. Yong bao guo jiu you le mo qi, ni jiu hui ai shang zhe li. 不管远近都是客人，请不用客气。黄大炜-Huang Da Wei Our guests, no matter where you come from, please feel at home. Bu guan yuan jin dou shi ke ren, qing bu yong ke qi. 相约好了在一起，我们欢迎你。陈坤-Chen Kun We promised to get together here. So welcome! Xiang yue hao le zai yi qi, wo men huan ying ni. 北京欢迎你，为你开天辟地。谢霆锋-Nicholas Tse Welcome to Beijing; we've done a lot for your visit. Bei jing huan ying ni, wei ni kai tian bi di. 流动中的魅力，充满着朝气。韩磊 Its charm in ever changing is full of life. Liu dong zhong de mei li, chong man zhe chao qi. 北京欢迎你，在太阳下分享呼吸。徐若瑄-Vivian Hsu Welcome to Beijing; let's breathe together in the sunshine. Bei jing huan ying ni, zai tai yang xia fen xiang hu xi. 在黄土地刷新成绩！费翔 Let's establish new records here in China. Zai huang tu di shua xin cheng ji. 我家大门常打开，开怀容纳天地。汤灿 Our door is always open. We are open armed, ready to embrace the world. Wo jia da men chang da kai, kai huai yi rong na tian di. 岁月绽放青春笑容，迎接这个日期。林志玲-Lin Ci Ling, 张梓琳 5000-year-old China is flashing a youthful smile, waiting for the day. Sui yue zhan fang qing chun xiao rong, huan jie zhe ge re qi. 天大地大都是朋友，请不用客气。张靓颖 Our guests, no matter where you come from, please feel at home. Tian da di da dou shi peng you, qing bu yong ke qi. 画意诗意带笑意，只为等待你。许茹芸, 伍思凯 We paint pictures and write poems to express the joy for your coming. Hua yi shi yi dai xiao yi, zhi wei deng dai ni. 北京欢迎你，像音乐感动你。杨坤, 范玮琪-Fan Wei Qi Welcome to Beijing; like moving music, our hospitality will warm your heart. Bei jing huan ying ni, xiang ying yue gan dong ni. 让我们都加油去超越自己。游鸿明, 周晓欧 Let's try to challenge ourselves. Rang wo men dou jia you qu chao yue zi ji. 北京欢迎你，有梦想谁都了不起。沙宝亮, 满文军 Welcome to Beijing; people who have dreams are all bravo. Bei jing huan ying ni, you meng xiang shei dou liao bu qi. 有勇气就会有奇迹。金海心, 何润东 If only you keep the courage, miracles will happen. You yong qi jiu hui you qi ji. 北京欢迎你，为你开天辟地。飞儿-FIR, 庞龙 Welcome to Beijing; we've done a lot for your visit. Bei jing huan ying ni, wei ni kai tian bi di. 流动中的魅力，充满着朝气。吴克群-Kenji Wu, 齐峰 Its charm in ever changing is full of life. Liu dong zhong de mei li, chong man zhe chao qi. 北京欢迎你，在太阳下分享呼吸。5566, 胡彦斌-Anson Hu Welcome to Beijing; let's breathe together in the sunshine. Bei jing huan ying ni, zai tai yang xia fen xiang hu xi. 在黄土地刷新成绩！郑希怡, 刀郎 Let's establish new records here in China. Zai huang tu di shua xin cheng ji. 北京欢迎你，像音乐感动你。纪敏加, 屠洪刚, 吴彤 Welcome to Beijing; like moving music, our hospitality will warm your heart. Bei jing huan ying ni, xiang ying yue gan dong ni. 让我们都加油去超越自己。郭容, 刘耕宏, 腾格尔 Let's try to challenge ourselves. Rang wo men dou jia you qu chao yue zi ji. 北京欢迎你，有梦想谁都了不起。金莎, 苏醒, 韦嘉 Welcome to Beijing; people who have dreams are all bravo. Bei jing huan ying ni, you meng xiang shei dou liao bu qi. 有勇气就会有奇迹。付丽珊, 黄征, 房祖明 If only you keep the courage, miracles will happen. You yong qi jiu hui you qi ji. 北京欢迎你，有梦想谁都了不起。 Welcome to Beijing; people who have dreams are all bravo. Bei jing huan ying ni, you meng xiang shei dou liao bu qi. 有勇气就会有奇迹。 If only you keep the courage, miracles will happen. You yong qi jiu hui you qi ji. 北京欢迎你，有梦想谁都了不起。 Welcome to Beijing; people who have dreams are all bravo. Bei jing huan ying ni, you meng xiang shei dou liao bu qi. 有勇气就会有奇迹！ If only you keep the courage, miracles will happen. You yong qi jiu hui you qi ji. Quote
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