朱子家訓的英文翻譯

（1）一粥一飯，當思來之不易。半絲半縷，恆念物力維艱。

The growing of rice and of grain

Think on whenever you dine;

Remember how silk is obtained

Which keeps you warm and looks fine。

（2）宜未雨而綢繆，勿臨渴而掘井。

In periods of drought

Wise birds mend their nest

So when the clouds burst

They snugly may rest;

Never be the fool

Who starts to dig a well in the ground

When he wants a drink of water

And water can’t be found。

（3）與肩挑貿易毋佔便宜，與貧苦親鄰須加温恤。

Bargain you not with the traveler who vends;

Share of your wealth with your neighbors and friends。

（4）居家戒爭訟，訟則終兇；處世戒多言，言多必失。

Don’t take into court your family disputes，

Unpleasant endings emerge from lawsuits;

To comport yourself well in society，

Restrain loose tongue’s impropriety。

（5）勿恃權勢而凌孤寡；勿貪口腹而恣殺性。

Use not your bow and arrow

To bully orphan and widow。

Do not dumb animals slaughter at will

Your appetite greedy to over fulfill。

（6）乖僻自是，悔悟必多；頹惰自甘，家園終替。

Egocentric people grow

Much regret and sorrow;

Lazy， slothful people sow

Poverty tomorrow。

（7）施惠勿念；受恩莫忘。

In proclaiming your virtues go slow;

And be mindful of mercy you own。

（8）凡事當留餘地，得意不宜再往。

Leave room for retreat

When trying new feat。

You will try， try in vain

To repeat windfall gain。

（9）人有喜慶，不可生忌妒心；人有禍患，不可生欣幸心。

Don’t envy other’s success;

Don’t gloat o’er other’s distress。

(注：o’er即over，為了譯文的`音律而採用縮略的形式)

（10）善欲人見，不是真善；惡恐人知，便是大惡。

To brag of the good you have done

Will never impress anyone。

Personal scandals you try hard to hide

Will soon be known far and wide。