選報志愿

句子：這些高中畢業生正在老師的指導下選報志愿。

誤譯：These high-school graduates are applying for the university and the major under the guidance of their teacher.

正譯：These high-school graduates are choosing and registering for the university and the major under the guidance of their teacher.

解釋：“選報志愿”是具有中國特色的考試制度決定的，英語很難找到對應的詞。to apply for意思是 to make a formal request, usually in writing, for sth such as a job, a place, etc.，即“申請，通常為書面申請”?！斑x報志愿”可譯為to choose and register for the university and the major, the choice of and registration for the university and the major。如：1. 他正計劃申請就讀一所美國大學的研究生院。He is planning to apply for a graduate school in an American university.

2. 考生選報志愿時有多個學校可供選擇，其中第一志愿最重要。When an applicant chooses and registers for the university and the major, there are several universities he may make a choice of, among which the first option is most important.

“報考”的意思是“報名投考”?？勺g為 to enter oneself for an examination, to register for an examination。如3. 我妹妹打算報考師范學院。My sister intended to enter herself for the examination for the teachers college.“志愿”的第一個意思是“志向和愿望”。動詞可譯為to aspire, to wish。名詞可譯為aspiration, wish, ideal。如：4. 這個女學生在小時候就立下志愿當一名像居里夫人那樣的科學家。When she was young, the girl student harbored an aspiration to be a scientist like Marie Currie.

“志愿”第二個意思是“自愿”。可譯為to volunteer。如：5. 這位大學生志愿到西部山區去工作。The college student volunteered to go to work in the mountainous area of Western China.▲

（本欄目供稿：王逢鑫教授）