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The meaning of "早点”
Jan 30, 2008 01:15
  • ZOEY
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What does 早点 mean in Chinese? Before answering it, please read a joke.

海明威：“你们中国人的确是一个勤奋的民族。”
秘书：“怎见得？”
海明威：“每当我早晨经过街道，常常可以看到路旁的招牌写着‘早点’两个大字，提醒过路上班的人，不要迟到。”

Here “早点” means breakfast, not early.
Jan 30, 2008 09:56
#1  
  • GRIZ326
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I did not get the joke, but then I was trying to translate it.


MAN: You Chinese are certainly industrious.
GIRL: Why?
MAN: Every morning when I pass you on the street I see you writing your store sign: "Light breakfast 50 grams" Don't be late for work.

Perhaps my translation is WAY off the mark?
Jan 30, 2008 22:18
#2  
  • ZOEY
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Griz, your translation is excellent. You didn't get the joke because you understand the difference. The store sells breakfast, not reminding people "Don't be late for work'. However, some foreigners don't understand it and think that the sign is used to remind people 'Don't be late for work'. Or this joke is only for Chinese, hehe.
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