《朱子家训》英译

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CHU TZU’s GUIDE TO MANAGING YOUR HOME

 

黎明即起，洒扫庭除，要内外整洁；既昏便息，关锁门户，必亲自检点。

 

You should rise at daybreak and water down the dust in your front and back yards, then sweep it away. You should keep inside and outside your house tidy. In the evening you should prepare to sleep, and, of course, before going to sleep should lock all doors and windows; you should check everything yourself.

 

一粥一饭，当思来处不易；半丝半缕，恒念物力维艰。

 

When you eat your food, you should remember that it is not easy to grow it; remember that every material of your clothing is difficult to produce.

 

宜未雨而绸缪，毋临渴而掘井。

 

Prepare things before you need them; do not wait to dig a well until you are thirsty.

 

自奉必须俭约，宴客切勿流连。

 

You should not be extravagant in buying food for yourself. It is all right to have a guest to dinner, but do not have your guest stay overnight.

 

器具质而洁，瓦缶胜金玉；饭食约而精，园蔬逾珍馐。

 

Do not have a wasteful amount of food and drink.

 

勿营华屋，勿谋良田。

 

Do not buy an over-ornate house or an expensive farm.

 

三姑六婆，实淫盗之媒；婢美妾娇，非闺房之福。

 

Ignore gossiping women. Do not hanker after a young girl’s beauty: it does your home no good if you are greedy.

 

奴仆勿用俊美，妻妾切忌艳妆。

 

Do not employ handsome servants. Do not allow your wife to use makeup.

 

祖宗虽远，祭祀不可不诚；子孙虽愚，经书不可不读。

 

Although your ancestors are not physically present, treat them with respect and honesty. All children should go to school.