Resolved Can anyone helpme?CN

Discussion in 'Translator's Corner' started by patatas28, Jul 12, 2020.

  1. patatas28

    patatas28 Well-Known Member

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    心眼就指甲盖点大!
     
  2. SilvaLau

    SilvaLau Well-Known Member

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    Full context helps y'know?
     
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  3. SilvaLau

    SilvaLau Well-Known Member

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    All I can make out from that is something about the mind eye (心眼) becoming ever so slightly widened (about fingernail size)
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2020
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  4. ToastedRossi

    ToastedRossi Well-Known Member

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    The expression "心眼小" means petty, and is usually applied to money matters. So by saying that the "心眼" is as small as a fingernail is to figuratively say that the person in question is miserly and not generous with their money.

    By the way "心眼" by itself can mean all sorts of different things so most such phrases need more context to reveal what the meaning is.
     
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  5. ludagad

    ludagad Addicted to escapist novels

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    Was just about to say the same, Give Context! It's so hard without it. I can guess different things. Also, it lacks a preposition, which is normal for Chinese, but you might need it in the translation. It sounds awkward to say 'The conscience is as big as a fingernail!' Should be 'His/Her conscience'. Other than conscience, it could be patience? I can think of a few other fitting words. Not sure. I need the situation that led to this statement. Closest to English I can come up with :"He/She's so narrow-minded!" or "so cheap!" Again, without context I have no idea which is right.
     
  6. Shibb

    Shibb Well-Known Member

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    "Petty" is also a viable translation.

    But what's the context?
     
  7. xiazixin

    xiazixin Well-Known Member

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    This whole sentence means 小心眼 but needs context.
    But generally means narrow minded.
     
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