词典词条 · 问答

sacrifice of/for(to)

核心问题

If his object had been health for health's sake, the result would still have been well worth any sacrifices of momentary desire that it cost him; but he had a higher purpose. [原译]如果他的目的是为健康而健康的话,那结果仍然是值得他为一时的欲望而付出任何的代价;但实际他却有更高的目的呢。(钱歌川:《英文一日一题》,p.212) 原译文将 any sacrifices of momentary desire 译为“他为一时的欲望而付出的任何代价”,是否符合原意?

词典解答

原译者混淆了 a sacrifice of Aa sacrifice to/for A 的用法。前者意为“牺牲 A”(即 A 为宾语性的),后者意为“为……而作的牺牲”。请对比下面的实例:

  1. At the sacrifice of his own comfort, he allowed the guest to use his bed. 他牺牲自己的舒适,把床让给客人睡觉。

  2. You will gain nothing by the sacrifice of your principles. 你靠牺牲原则是什么也得不到的。

  3. A mother who loves her son very much will make many sacrifices for his happiness. (Frank) 非常爱自己儿子的母亲会为他的幸福做出许多牺牲。

  4. He gave his life as a sacrifice for his country. (ALD) 他为国牺牲了。

  5. Is the sacrifice of one's health to money-making worth while? (ALD) 牺牲健康去赚钱值得吗?

[试译]如果他的目的是为健康而健康的话,那么他牺牲一时的欲望所换来的结果,还是很值得的;但是实际上他却有更高的目的。

(参见 worth 5^{5} )

来源:英语常见问题解答大词典-7.md · 第 73727393 行 · 原文哈希 fa86ae543c