unless 是连词,意味“除非、如果不”。为什么在句子翻译的时候,多出了否则的意思?
The mice knew that unless they helped her make a dress, she would not be able to go to the party. 老鼠知道除非它们帮她做衣服,否则她不能去参加晚会。
这个“否则”是不是我们可以随意添加的?
根据汉语行文的搭配需要,unless 可译成“如果不”“除非”、“除非 ......,否则”。例如:
He will fail the course unless he gets a 90 on the exam. 如果考不到90分,他这门功课就不及格。
Unless something is done, the species will become extinct. 如果不采取措施,这一物种将会灭绝。
I won't have an operation unless surgery is absolutely necessary. [= I will only have an operation if surgery is absolutely necessary.] 除非绝对必要,否则我是不会做手术的。
“Will I have to pay?”“Not unless [= only if] you want to.”“我要付钱吗?”“不用,除非你愿意付。”
(摘自《韦氏高阶英汉双解词典》,中国大百科全书出版社出版发行,2017年1月第1版)