On English Expression of Chinese Word “jiayou”

王宇超?楊曦

【Abstract】This research mainly explored its profound themes and cultural implications and its corresponding English expressions of Chinese word “jiayou”. Besides， this paper also discusses the different translations distinction and usage in different situations and thinking mode to help readers to get better understanding and using of Chinese word “jiayou” in English.

【Key words】Jiayou； free translation； Cultural Connotations

【作者簡介】王宇超，楊曦，昆明衛生職業學院

1. Research Purpose

First and foremost， the aim of this research is to study the corresponding English expressions of Chinese word “jiayou”， and discuss cultural connotations of “jiayou”. The paper also aims at explaining its Chinese meanings and collecting the ways of “jiayou” can be expressed in English.

2. A Brief Introduction to Chinese Word “jiayou”

In recent years， especially when China successfully holds the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games， the Chinese word of “jiayou” spreads around the word. Many foreign scholars and domestic scholars start to research this powerful word “jiayou”.

3. The Origin， Evolution and Development of “jiayou” in China

The source structure of “jiayou” was a verb phrase， indicating that adding an important raw materials or power. And in the evolution， the meaning of “jiayou” overlapped with Zhuwei and was influenced. These three joint efforts contribute “jiayou” to become a word.

3.1The Cultural Connotations of the Chinese Word “jiayou”

The original meaning of “jiayou” is a slogan from oil worker in China.Now “jiayou” is often used in the race course.The ordinary and incredible Chinese word “jiayou” contains various meanings which can not only be used in the car and cheerful occasions. The word “jiayou” can be used in the both rejoicing occasion and sorrow occasion without any conflict.

3.2 The Definitions of “jiayou”

A literal translation in Chinese is “filling more gasoline in your car or to refuel， to put more oil on/in something”.

Now general meaning is a friendly and cheerful shouting for encouraging athletes or players to have a better performance in competitions.

3.3 The Different English Translation of Chinese Word “jiayou”

There are many different English translations of Chinese Word “jiayou” are listed as below：

There are many different English translations of Chinese Word “jiayou” are listed as below：

4. Conclusion

The present study has been shown that the procedures of the meaning analysis of “jiayou” and how to use it correctly and to explore its connotation. Besides， this paper has discussed the different translations distinction and usage in different situations.

From the above， the study suggests that the appropriate English translation of Chinese phrase “zhongguo jiayou” is “zhongguo jiayou！ Go China！” or directly use Chinese spelling of “jiayou”， we called transliteration. Due to cultural differences， no matter what literal translation or free translation both cannot be accurately translated.

References：

[1]A S Hornby，Z.Oxford Advanced Learners English-Chinese Dictionary[M].Oxford University press，2009.

[2]Goatly，A.The Language of Metaphors[J].Lond：Routledge，1997.