英语四级翻译练习题：红楼梦

　　《红楼梦》(A Dream of Red Mansions)是曹雪芹在18世纪中期的作品。它不仅是一部中国小说的巨作，同时也是世界文学的瑰宝。曹雪芹出生于一个由极富没落到极贫的贵族权势家族。基于他对生活的理解、进步的思想、认真的写作态度和高超的写作技能，他才能创作出《红楼梦》。这本书描述了一个封建大家庭的生活及其没落，小说中所写的家庭既是现实的反映，又是曹雪芹自己家庭的小说化或者“梦”般的写照。

　　参考翻译:

　　A Dream of Red Mansions was written by Cao Xueqinin the middle of the 18th century.It is not only agreat Chinese novel but also a gem of worldliterature.Cao Xueqin was born into a noble andpowerful family which declined from extremeprosperity to poverty.Based on his own undcretanding of life, his progressive ideas,seriouswriting attitude and excellent writing skill, he was able to create A Dream of Red Mansions.Thebook describes the life and declining fortunes of a large feudal fcmily, which is both a realisticreflection and a fictional or "dream” version of Cao's own family.

　　1.它不仅是一部中国小说的巨作，同时也是世界文学的瑰宝：“不仅...也…”可译为not only...but also"。

　　2.曹雪芹出生于一个由极富没落到极贫的贵族权势家族：“出生于”可译为固定短语be born into。

　　3.这本书描述了一个封建大家庭的生活及其没落：“一个封建大家庭”可译为a large feudal family, “没落”可译为declining fortunes。