四、定语从句的汉译
1、只要是比较短的，或者虽然较长，但汉译后放在被修饰语之前仍然很通顺，一般的就放在被修饰语之前，这种译法叫做逆序合译法。 例如：
(1)The speed of wave is the distance it advances per unit time. (波速是波在单位时间内前进的距离)。
(2)The light wave that has bounced off the reflecting surface is called the reflected ray(从反射表面跳回的光波称为反射线。)
(3)stainless steel, hick is very popular for its resistance to rusting, contains large percentage of chromium.(具有突出防锈性能的不锈钢含铬的百分比很高。)来源：www.examda.com
2、定语从句较长，或者虽然不长，但汉译时放在被修饰语之前实在不通顺的就后置，作为词组或分句。这种译法叫做顺序分译法。例如：
(1)Each kind of atom seems to have a definite number of"hands"that it can use to hold on to others.
每一种原子似乎都有一定数目的“手”，用来抓牢其它原子。(顺序分译法)每一种原子似乎都有一定数目用于抓牢其它原子的手。(逆序合译法)这句限制性定语从句虽然不长，但用顺序分译法译出的译文要比用逆序合译法更为通顺。来源：www.examda.com
(2)Let AB in the figure above represent an inclined plane the surface of which is smooth and unbending.
设上图中AB代表一个倾斜平面，其表面光滑不弯。(顺序分译法)
设上图中AB代表一个其表面为光滑不弯的倾斜平面。(逆序合译法)上面两种译法，看来也是用顺序分译法比用逆序合译法更为通顺 简明。
3、定语从句较长，与主句关联又不紧密，汉译时就作为独立句放在主句之后。这种译法仍然是顺序分译法。例如：
(1)Such a slow compression carries the gas through a series of states. each of which is very nearly an equilibrium state and it is called a quasi-static or a" nearly static" process.
这样的缓慢压缩能使这种气体经历一系列的状态，但各状态都很接近于平衡状态，所以叫做准静态过程，或"近似稳定"过程。
(2)Friction wears away metal in the moving parts, which shortens their working life.
运动部件间的摩擦力使金属磨损，这就缩短了运动部件的使用寿命。
4、There be句型中的限制性定语从句汉译时往往可以把主句中的主语和定语从句溶合一起，译成一个独立的句子。这种译法叫做溶合法，也叫拆译法。例如：
(1)There are bacteria that help plants grow, others that get rid of dead animals and plants by making them decay, and some that live in soil and make it better for growing crops.
有些细菌能帮助植物生长，另一些细菌则通过腐蚀来消除死去的动物和植物，还有一些细菌则生活在土壤里，使土壤变得对种植庄稼更有好处。
(2)There is a one-seated which you could learn to drive in fifty minutes.
有一种单座式汽车，五十分钟就能让你学会驾驶