2017翻譯碩士：中華思想文化術語翻譯選讀——剛柔

備考指導來源：中公考研 2016-02-03　

剛柔(ɡānɡróu)

人和事物所具有的兩種相反的屬性或德性。主要有三種含義：其一，就自然物或器物而言，“剛”指堅硬，“柔”指柔軟。其二，就個人的品格而言，“剛”指為人剛毅、堅強，“柔”指溫柔、謙遜。其三，就為政、執法的風格而言，“剛”指嚴厲，“柔”指寬宥。“剛柔”被認為是“陰陽”的某種具體表現。“剛”與“柔”之間的對立與調和是促成事物運動變化的根本原因。在具體事物或行事中，二者應達到某種平衡，“ 剛”與“柔”過度都是不好的、危險的。

Gang and Rou

Two opposing properties or qualities that objects and human beings possess. The term has three different meanings. First, when describing natural or manmade objects, gang (剛) means hard androu (柔) means soft. Second, when describing human qualities, gang means strong and determined, while rou means gentle and modest. Third, when describing a style of governance or law enforcement, gang means strict and rou means lenient. Gang and rou are one of the manifestations of yin and yang. Their mutual opposition and accommodation are the basic causes of change, and they must achieve a certain balance within any object or action. Too much of either is inappropriate and dangerous.

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【引例】

是以立天之道曰陰與陽，立地之道曰柔與剛，立人之道曰仁與義。(《周易•說卦》)

剛柔相推，變在其中矣。(《周易•系辭下》)

The laws governing the ways of heaven are yin and yang, those governing the ways of the earth arerou and gang, and those governing the ways of human society are benevolence and righteousness. (The Book of Changes)

Change occurs when gang and rou interact. (The Book of Changes)