|
|
1. Chinese idioms differ widely from English idioms in many cases. At times a phrase rather than a word has to be translated, and one Chinese word may require the use of a whole phrase in English for its elucidation. Such is the case with the use of the construction involving the word 隻 ciáh, which signifies “by this means only.” Sometimes it signifies time just elapsed, as “he has just gone” 伊隻隻去 I ciáh-ciáh kó̤. 肘 Diū also has this meaning, and the preceding sentence may be rendered, 伊肘肘去 ĭ diū diū kó̤. It is always used duplicated. You must believe in Jesus then you will be saved, 着信耶穌隻⿰亻鞋得救 Diŏh séng Ià-Sŭ ciáh á̤ dáik géu. None but those who worship God can obtain true benefit, 㑚拜上帝其𠆧隻⿰亻鞋得真其好處 Nû bái Siông-Dá̤ gì nè̤ng ciáh â̤ dáik cĭng gì hō̤-ché̤ṳ.
