當接到一個英文合同翻譯任務,這里一個herein,那里一個whereof,后面又來一個hereby,這些平時很少用到的詞全集中在這一份合同里了,相信很多不熟悉法律翻譯的小伙伴一定會一臉懵逼。法律翻譯的內容全然與日常接觸到的英文不是一個風格,覺得一頭霧水也是可以理解的。對于這些困惑,今天我們先來一起看看合同英語中的常用詞匯吧,對于正在學習英語的小伙伴,IP精英領域也為你們精心的準備了小英福利社(可至文末查看)。
先看看幾個例句:
This contract is made this 19th of February,2014 by WFX Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Sellers")who agree to sell and HK Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Buyers"), who agree to buy the following goods on the terms and conditions as below.
本合同由WFX公司(以下簡稱"賣方")與HK公司(以下簡稱"買方")于2014年2月19日訂立,雙方同意按下述條件買賣下列貨物。
The deposit paid by the Buyers shall not be refunded if the Buyers fail to make full payment within the time herein specified and the Buyers shall be liable for all losses incurred therefrom to the Sellers.
如果買方在規(guī)定的時間內未付清貨款,買方的保證金將不予退還,而且買方應承擔賣方由此產生的一切損失。
在翻譯古體詞的時候,應根據(jù)本意及上下文靈活掌握釋義。例如在此例中, herein可以不必譯出?;虿捎脻h語的文言詞例如"茲"、"之"、"鑒于"、"特"等進行翻譯。
IN WITNESSTH WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Contract by their authorized representatives as of the date first above written.
茲特由雙方授權的代表,于上述首開日期簽署本合同為據(jù)。
此例中的"IN WITNESSTH WHEREOF"意思是"作為協(xié)議事項的證據(jù)",是格式化的合同語言,類似采用大寫形式的還有:IN CONSIDERATION OF(考慮到,以為約因)、WHEREAS (鑒于)、IN THE PRESENCE OF (見證人)、NOWTHEREFORE(特此、茲特)、NOW THESE PRESENTS WITNESS(茲特立約為據(jù))。
當然,類似這樣運用大量"古體詞"的句子在任何一本英文合同里都可以找出上百句來。于是我們整理了這么一個列表,如果將下述詞匯全都理解透,相信各位一定會對法律英語有進一步的了解,至少能更順利地閱讀法律文本。
1. hereafter
after this in sequence or in time, in some future time or state(此后,以下)
例句:
Both parties must agree to the terms specified hereunder.
雙方均須同意以下條款。
2. hereby
by this means(以此方式,以此,特此)
例句:
I hereby acknowledge receipt of your letter of 25 July.
特此告知貴方7月25日的來函收悉。
3. herefrom
from this fact or statement(由此,從此)
例句:
The organization, XXXX, will be liable for any economic and legal liability incurred herefrom.
XXX一方將承擔由此產生的一切經濟和法律責任。
4. herein
in this document(此中,于此,在此文件中)
例句:
The statements and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the Wilson Centre.
本書中的陳述和觀點為作者個人意見,不一定代表威爾遜中心的看法。
5. hereinabove
at a prior point in this writing or document(前文,上文)
例句:
Any tax or duty other than those described hereinabove, if any, be borne by the Buyer.
除上述的稅務和關稅外,如果產生其他的稅務和關稅, 應有買方負擔。
6. hereinafter
in the following part of this writing or document(在下文)
例句:
These territories are hereinafter referred to as trust territories.
此項領土以下簡稱“托管領土”。
7. hereinbefore
in the preceding part of this writing or document(在上文)
例句:
The hereinbefore is authentic and assures our business activities are legal.
以上所填內容屬實,保證所從事的經濟活動符合法律法規(guī)。
8. hereof
of this(就此,關于此)
例句:
The amount of each drawing must be endorsed on reverse hereof.
每筆匯票金額必須在信用證背面給予簽注。
9. hereto
to this writing or document(對此,至此)
例句:
The Parties hereto reach an agreement in writing.
雙方達成書面協(xié)議。
10. hereunder
under or in accordance with this writing or document(在下面,在下文)
例句:
Please quote us your lowest price for the items listed hereunder.
請報下列商品的最低價。
11. herewith
with this communication;enclosed in this(同此,隨信附上)
例句:
Please find two samples enclosed herewith.
寄上樣品兩種,請查收。
12. thereafter
after that(此后,后來)
例句:
The commitment fee shall quarterly be paid from the date in the third month thereafter to the earlier day of the Disbursement Date and the Termination Date.
從其后第3個月的該日起開始按季支付承諾費至發(fā)放日與終止日中較早之日。
13. therein
in or into that place,time,or thing(在那里,在其中)
例句:
A certificate of the Borrower shall, substantially, comply with the form set forth in Appendix 4, and the attachments specified therein.
借款人證明書,其格式基本上應遵照附錄4及其附件規(guī)定的格式。
14. thereinafter
in the following part of that matter (as writing, document, or speech)(在下文)
例句:
All expenses and risks thereinafter shall be borne by your side.
此后一切所發(fā)生的風險和費用由你方承擔。
15. thereof
of that(在其中)
例句:
When the Buyer is entitled to determine the time within a specified period and /or the place of taking delivery, the Buyer in question shall give the Seller the notice thereof.
買方有權確定在規(guī)定期限內提取貨物的時間和/或地點時,應將有關信息通知賣方。
16. thereto
to that(此外,在其上)
例句:
The parties thereto shall, in good faith, comply with the decision and award of the arbitration tribunal.
雙方須以良好誠信的態(tài)度遵守仲裁庭的決定。
17. thereunder
under that part of a contract(在其下,按規(guī)定條款)
例句:
The Borrower fails to pay amount payable thereunder as amount shall become payable.
借款人未能支付根據(jù)該協(xié)議規(guī)定到期應付的款項。
18. therewith
with that(與此)
例句:
I therewith withdraw my complaints.
我同時撤回我的投訴。
19. whereby
by which(憑此,由此)
例句:
They voted to accept a deal whereby the union will receive nearly three-quarters of a million pounds from the International Miners Organisation.
他們表決同意了一項協(xié)議,根據(jù)這一協(xié)議工會將從國際礦工組織得到近75萬英鎊。
20. wherein
in which(在那方面)
例句:
Adequate housing is possible in developed, mixed economies wherein the interests of the poor have prevailed.
在發(fā)達的混合經濟體中,充足的房源供給是可能的,在那里貧困階層的利益較有保障。
21. whereof
of which(其中,有關的)
例句:
A contract made by an urban council, whereof the value and amount exceed X50, must be under seal, and certain other formalities must be observed.
由市政廳簽署的合同,若其中涉及的金額和數(shù)量超過50倍,則須蓋章并履行其他手續(xù)。
另外還順便介紹下 5 個法律文件用語特點以饗讀者。
使用正式的詞語;使用具有不同意義的常用詞;使用古英語和中古英語中常用擔當代很少使用的詞;使用外來詞語;使用法律術語和行話、套話。
(1) 使用正式的詞語(Formal)
合同中的正式用語:
例1:使用prior 代替before
From and after the date of this Agreement, Party A shall, and shall cause its affiliates and successors to, use the same efforts to maintain the confidentiality of any Confidential Information as Party A used to maintain the confidentiality of such information prior to the date hereof. (P.28)
自本協(xié)議之日起及其后,甲方應盡力并應促使其關聯(lián)公司或承繼人盡力對機密信息進行保密,一如其在本協(xié)議之日前為該等機密信息保密。
例2:使用subsequent代替after
No terms or provisions of this Agreement shall be varied or modified by anyprior or subsequent statement, conduct or act of either of the Parties, except that the Parties may amend this Agreement by written instruments referring to and executed in the same manner as this Agreement. (P.38)
任何一方均不得以先前或以后的聲明、舉動或行為修改或變更本協(xié)議的任何條款或規(guī)定,但雙方可以以本協(xié)議提及的和以本協(xié)議相同方法簽署的書面文件修改本協(xié)議。
例3:使用provided that 代替but
provided that the assignee agrees in writing to be bound by all the terms and conditions of this Agreement and provides documentation as evidence that the assignee has the ability and capability of meeting all of the obligations under this Agreement.
但受讓方須書面同意受本協(xié)議所有條款和條件的約束, 并提供文件證明受讓方有資格、有能力履行本協(xié)議項下的全部義務。
其他還有:construe(understand), deem(consider), operate, same, object to, whereas, without, prejudice等等。
宣誓書( affividat)的正式用語: being first duly sworn, depose and says; before me, a notary public。
例4: being first duly sworn:
I certify under penalty of perjury, or after first being duly sworn, that I have provided complete and accurate responses to the items on this application.
茲本人證明本申請內容準確,完善,如有不實,甘愿嚴守誓言或當受偽證罪之罰。
判決書的正式用語: Now therefore, It is ordered, adjudged, and decreed 做出判決。
(2) 使用具有不同意義的常用詞
action (訴訟)、alienation (轉讓)、 avoid (取消)、 consideration(對價)、 counterpart(有同等效力的副本)、 execute(簽署)、 hand(簽名)、 instrument(法律文件)、 negligence(過失)、 party(一方)、 prejudice(損害)、 presents(本法律文件)。said(上述,該)、 save(除了)、 serve(送達)。
例1. action (訴訟)
The Licensee will, at the request of the Licensor and at the Licensor’s expense, give full cooperation to the Licensor in any action or claim brought or threatened to be brought in respect of the Licensed Trademarks, including joining in as a party to any proceedings.
對于就受許可商標提起或擬將提起的訴訟或索賠,應許可方要求并由許可方支付費用,被許可方將給予充分合作,包括作為當事人參與任何訴訟。
例2.
The rights conferred upon the respective parties by the provisions of this Clause are additional to and do not prejudice any other rights the respective parties may have.
本款規(guī)定賦予各方的權利,是對各方可能享有的其他權利的補充,而不是損害。
(3) 使用古英語和中古英語中常用擔當代很少使用的詞
古英語(Old English):公元約1100年前的英語
中古英語(Middle English): 元約1100年至1500年間的英語
其在法律英語中的使用主要表現(xiàn)在以 here, there 和 where 與介詞合成的詞:
如:- hereafter, herein, hereof, hereto, heretofore, hereunder, herewith;
- thereafter, thereat, thereby, therefore, therefrom, therein, thereof, thereon, thereto, theretofore, thereunder, therewith;
- whereas, whereby, wherein, whereof
此外還有 aforesaid, forthwith 及作形容詞用的 said 和 such
例1 :thereafter
This Agreement shall take effect on the Effective Date and shall continue for a period of ten (10) years. This Agreement shall be automatically renewed for one-year terms thereafter unless and until terminated by either Party hereto by giving six (6) months' written notice to the other.
本協(xié)議自生效日起生效,有效期為十( 10)年。此后,除非一方提前六( 6)個月向另一方發(fā)出終止本協(xié)議的書面通知,本協(xié)議逐年自動延長一( 1)年。
例 2:therewith
Licensor shall have the right but not the obligation to bring, at its own expense, an infringement action against any third party and use Licensee’s name in connection therewith and to name Licensee as a party thereto.
許可方有權利但無義務針對任何第三方提起侵權訴訟,并在訴訟中使用被許可方的名稱,以及指定被許可方為訴訟的當事人,訴訟費由許可方負擔。
(4) 使用外來詞語
外來詞語是指拉丁語,有一些已經被吸收為英語
如:affidavit(宣誓書)、 alias(化名;別名)、 alibi(不在犯罪現(xiàn)場)
另外一些拉丁文有:
ad hoc(專門的;專門地)、 bona fide(真誠的,真誠地)、 de facto
(事實上的)、 in re(關于)、 inter alia(除了別的因素以外)、 mutatis
mutandis(在細節(jié)上作適當修正后)、 part passu(按相同比例)、 per se
(自身)、 pro bono(為了公益)、 pro rata(按比例)
例1.
We hereby engage with drawers and/or bona fide holder that drafts drawn and negotiated on presentation and that draft accepted within the terms of this credit will be duly honored at maturity.
茲對出票人及/或善意持票人保證,凡按本信用證開具及議付的匯票一經提交即予承兌;凡依本證條款承兌之匯票,到期即予照付。
(5) 使用法律術語和行話、套話
比較常見的術語:
l alibi(不在犯罪現(xiàn)場)、 appeal(上訴)、bail(保釋)、 burden of proof(舉證責任)、 cause of action(案由)、contributory negligence(與有過失)、 damages(損失賠償金)l defendant(被告)、 due diligence(審慎調查)、 felony(重罪)l negotiable instrument(流通票據(jù))、 novation (更替)、 plaintiff (原告)、 prejudice (損害)
套話:and for no other purposes, shall not operate as a waiver, shall not be deemed a consent, including but not limited to, or other similar or dissimilar causes, without prejudice to, nothing contained herein shall
例1:without prejudice to
a) any liability of the Company to any form of taxation whether created or imposed in the PRC or any other part of the world and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, includes any tax computed on profits or income, any tax computed on capital assets, estate duty, profits tax, provisional profits tax, interest tax, death duty, gift duty, payroll tax withholding tax, rates, custom and excise duty, transfer tax, inheritance tax, stamp duty, capital duty, employment taxes, value added tax, and generally any tax, imposition, levy or rates or any amount payable to the revenue, customs or fiscal authorities in any part of the world;
公司須繳納的由中國或世界任何其他地區(qū)設置或征收的任何形式的稅收,在不損害前述一般性原則的情況下,包括按利潤或收入計征的稅款、按資本資產計征的稅款、財產遺產稅、利潤稅、臨時利潤稅、利息稅、遺產稅、贈予稅、工資預扣稅、稅率、關稅和消費稅、過戶稅、繼承稅、印花稅、資本稅、就業(yè)稅、增值稅及一般應向世界上任何地區(qū)的稅務、海關或財政機關繳納的任何稅收、進口稅、稅款、稅費或任何款額;
此外:名詞和代詞有單數(shù)和復數(shù)形式,又有性別之分,為了防止所涉及的條款出現(xiàn)片面性解釋,在合同的“定義和解釋”部分,通常都有這樣“以一概全”的固定句子:
Words in the singular Include the plural and vice versa(包括復數(shù)詞的單數(shù)和反之亦然);
words used in the masculine gender include every gender(表示陽性的詞包含每一個性別)