Different Chinese artistic conceptions of an English poem
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From online updates: In this era when everyone is learning foreign languages, it seems that we’re all almost forgetting just how beautiful and powerful our Chinese language is! There is a piece of English poetry here; it was translated into Chinese, and everyone was shocked! Don’t believe it? Look! You say that you love
Ordinary translation version: You say you like rain, but when it rains you open an umbrella； You say you like the sun, but when it shines, you hide in the shade ； You say you like the wind, but when a gentle breeze blows, you close the window. I’m afraid you love me just as much.
Artistic version: You say, \"The misty rain casts a faint glow; the Lan Ting Pavilion is visible in the distance.\"； Later, it gently embraced the swirling movements, fully concealing the colorful robes. You say the spring scenery is splendid, with green sleeves and sweet scents ； Later, he hid inside the western pavilion and stood quietly beside Qing. You say the gentle breeze blows, as I lie drunk in thought ； Later, the doors and windows were tightly closed, and darkness covered everything in sorrow. You speak of tender feelings and deep affection – how can one forget them? ； Yet my gaze shifted slightly, remaining frosty as ever.
In the version from The Book of Songs, it says: He longs for the rain, but opens an umbrella to stay away from it. The child prefers the sun, but seeks shade to avoid it. The child likes the wind, so the door is closed to keep it away. The son speaks of growing old together; that is what I fear. Lisao version: You enjoy the rain, so the umbrella’s branches unfold; you enjoy the day, as the trees shade out the sun; you enjoy the wind, as the curtains flutter in the breeze; you enjoy me, yet my heart is torn apart.
Five-character version: In love with rain, yet I use an umbrella; fond of the sun, but I seek shade. The wind closes the windows; Lord Ye is startled by the Dragon King. Short are the words spoken, yet long-lasting is the longing. The man says he loves me; I dare not think too deeply about it. Seven-character quatrain version: In the misty rain, the umbrella moves gently; happily, the sun shines as it rests beneath the trees. Let the wind blow; keep the window tightly closed, for my thoughts about you remain full of doubt.
Final version of the seven-character quatrain: In March in the Jiangnan region, the rain is light and misty; an umbrella is held gently, exuding a delicate fragrance. Each day, a gentle intoxication like a dream; I rest in the lush greenery, basking in the shade. Suddenly, the sound of wind is heard coming from the red pavilion; she frowns slightly, her brows drawn together by the green windows. My longing for you is beyond your understanding; I fear the mandarin ducks in the beautiful pond will part as well.
It’s really good to read; it’s a masterpiece!
You say you love rain, but you open your umbrella when it rains. You say you love the sun, but you find a shaded spot when the sun shines. You say you love the wind, but you close your windows when the wind blows. This is why I’m afraid, because you say you love me too.