Author(s): Chuanmao Tian

Abstract: The article makes a detailed and comprehensive analysis of Chinese four-character phrases in its definition, classifications, structures, characteristics and functions. Then, it makes an analysis of the reason for the difficulties in translating Chinese four-character phrases, namely the difference of the mode of thinking between Chinese people and Westerners. As for the strategies of translating four-character phrases, this article introduces literal translation, free translation, combination of literal translation and free translation, borrowing and annotation. These strategies can be used as a reference for the practical translation of four-character phrases.

Keywords: Chinese; four-character phrase; translation; strategy.