have to 和 must 在作“必须”解时,其基本含义是相同的。它们的否定形式 don't have to 与 mustn't 的基本含义是否也相同?
don't have to 与 mustn't 的含义完全不同。前者意为“不必”(not obliged to)、“不需要”(not necessary),后者意为“不许”“不应当”“一定不要”“绝不要”。请分析下面的实例及其译文:
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We don't have to go to school on Sundays. (Wood) 星期天我们不必上学。
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They didn't have to worry about money. 他们不必为金钱操心。
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If you want to be a nurse, you must be kind and patient, and you mustn't be lazy, but you don't have to be good at sport. (Leech) 如果想当护士,你必须和气耐心,不能懒惰,但不必擅长体育。
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You mustn't drink water from the river. 你们绝不要喝这河里的水。
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You mustn't tell the teacher about it. 不许把这件事告诉教师。
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I must speak to Helen soon. She mustn't learn this from someone else. (Greene) 我必须立即跟海伦谈话。她绝不要从另外的人那里听到这个。
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You mustn't keep us waiting. (CGEL) 你绝不要让我们等。
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You mustn't go swimming today. (CGEL) 今天不许你去游泳。
关于表示推测的 mustn't, 见 mustn't/can't。