Abstract：Language is an expression of national spiritual civilization. It is a reflection of state cultural inside information. Idioms reflect the huge and rich ability of language expression, and ability of semantic fusion. Master idioms can understand the culture of the country and improve their own quality better. Because of cultural differences, some idioms context are unknown, or have differences in culture, thus become the obstacle in the translation activities.   Therefore, it is very important to seek the translation strategy and improve the translation level of study characteristic and cultural diversity of Chinese-English idioms. According to analyze the origin and difference of Chinese-English idioms, summarizing the common translation method. According to contrastive translation of Chinese and English idioms, enable readers to understand and master the characteristic of Chinese-English idioms better. Let people has a comprehensive understanding of Chinese-English idioms translation, make people master two types different cultural custom in all directions. In today’s intercultural communication, it is necessary to know some translation strategy skills, proper use idioms in Chinese-English translation, adequately give up play the advantage of idioms, improve the level of translation, reveal the particularly charm of language.

Key words：idioms; translation; method; origin; culture

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Origins of Chinese and English Idioms-1

2.1 Origins of Chinese Idioms-1

2.2 Origins of English Idioms-3

3. Cultural Differences Between Chinese and English Idioms-4

3.1 The Differences in History Background-4

3.2 The Differences in Social Custom-5

3.3 The Differences in Religions Belief-5

3.4 The Differences in Geographical Environment-6

4. Translation Methods of Chinese and English Idioms-7

4.1 Literal Translation-7

4.2 Free Translation-8

4.3 Literal Translation and Free Translation-9

4.4 Equivalent Translation-9

5. Conclusion-10

References-13

Acknowledgments-14