"What exactly do you mean 'out of money'?" Regis Philbin's eyes stared uncomprehendingly at the red digits on the financial statement before him. His show's ratings were through the roof and advertisers were clambering over each other to sell soap and toothpaste to his audience. How could they be losing money?"Too many people are winning," the accountant stammered. He was fairly sure breaking this news was technically someone else's responsibility. "We've already given away four million dollars this week alone. The questions are just too easy." He shifted nervously in place. "But maybe it's not that bad. Jim says we've hired some top talent from Beijing. The Chinese government assures us he's one of their best, and our test team couldn't answer a single question of his." Incredulity gave way to thoughtful consideration. It was a brilliant plan, Regis finally decided. Give them seven English questions, and then the eighth in Chinese. His show would be back in the black in no time.
veritas21
said on December 31, 2008
11/15. This was a tricky one. How exactly are we supposed to translate question #10 by the way? I know that 何况 is the right answer (now...) but still don't know exactly what the sentence is supposed to be saying.
I like the introductions by the way. I definitely look forward to my Chinese grammar knowledge making me millions on the game show circuit.
barrister
said on January 1, 2009
Wouldn't it be something like "in situations where competition is fair..."
trevelyan
said on January 1, 2009
"参与国际竞争是迟早的事,何况这是平等的竞争,没什么好怕的。"
One has to participate in international competition eventually, and especially in situations where the competition is fair, there is nothing to be afraid of."
This is different from the usage of 何况 in rhetorical questions where it usually means "let alone" or "much less".
Rabelais
said on January 1, 2009
Shouldn't 何况 here mean 'moreover' (kinda like 再说...) - "Participation in international competition has to happen sooner or later, and besides, it's a level playing field, so there's nothing to be afraid of."I think the fact that you have 这是平等... means that they aren't saying "in situations where", but actually suggesting that all international competition is fair generally. Could be wrong though.
Echo
said on January 1, 2009
@Rabelais,
在这个句子中“何况”和“况且”的意思差不多,都可以是moreover的意思,但是为了防止大家把这两个词弄混,翻译成especially是更好的选择,因为这两个词在很多情况下可以通用,所以容易混淆。
--Echo
echo@popupchinese.com