弟子规全文中文英文对照版(3)

If an elder’s walking and you’re riding,

Stop and ask if he’s traveling far.

Should I be riding on a horse and spot an elder I know walking, I will dismount and pay respect to the elder.

If I am riding in a carriage, I will stop, get out of the carriage, and ask if I can give the elder a ride.

过犹待。百步余。

Respectfully wait till he’s passed you

Before you continue on in your car.

If I meet an elder passing by, I will stand aside and wait respectfully.

I will not leave until the elder disappears from my sight.

长者立。幼勿坐。

When an elder person is standing,

The young ones should not take a seat,

When an elder is standing,

I will not sit.

长者坐。命乃坐。

But wait till the elder is seated,

And sit down when you are told.

After an elder sits down,

I sit only when I am told to do so.

尊长前。声要低。

Speak softly in front of your elders,

In a low voice that pleases the ear.

Before an elder,

I will peak softly.

低不闻。却非宜。

But you are wrong if you’re speaking

So softly that no one can hear.

But if my voice is too low and hard to hear,

it is not appropriate.

进必趋。退必迟。

Greet your elders promptly,

And take your leave slowly.

When meeting an elder, I will walk briskly towards him;

when leaving, I will not exit in haste.

问起对。视勿移。

Answer questions respectfully,

And don’t let your eyes dart around.

When answering a question,

I will look at the person who is asking me the question.

事诸父。如事父。

You should treat everyone’s parents

Just the same as you treat your own.

I will serve my uncles

as if I am serving your parents.

事诸兄。如事兄。

Treat all brothers and sisters

Just like your family at home.

I will treat my cousins

as if they are my own siblings.

第三章 谨（On Being Careful）

Chapter 3 Be Cautious in My Daily Life

朝起早。夜眠迟。
In the morning it’s best to rise early.At night you should go to bed late.

I will get up each morning before my parents;

at night, I will go to bed only after my parents have gone to sleep.

老易至。惜此时。
Cherish the time that is left you. Don’t expect that old age will wait.

When I realize that time is passing me by and cannot be turned back, and that I am getting older year by year,

I will especially treasure the present moment.

晨必盥。兼漱口。
In the morning, first wash your face, And next brush your teeth very well.

When I get up in the morning, I will wash my face

and brush my teeth.

便溺回。辄净手。
After you go to the toilet, Use water and soap on your hands.

After using the toilet,

I will wash my hands.

冠必正。纽必结。袜与履。俱紧切。
You should put on your hat withcare,And fasten your buttons and snaps.
Then pull up your socks very neatly,And fasten your shoelaces as well.

I must wear my hat straight,

and make sure the hooks of my clothes are tied.

袜与履。俱紧切。置冠服。有定位。
Then pull up your socks very neatly,And fasten your shoelaces as well.
Your hat and other clothes，Should be put in their own special places.

My socks and shoes

should also be worn neatly and correctly.

置冠服。有定位。勿乱顿。致污秽。
Your hat and other clothes，Should be put in their own special places.
Do not leave them just lying around,Or they’re sure to get wrinkled and soiled.

I will always place my hat and clothes away

in their proper places.

勿乱顿。致污秽。

Do not leave them just lying around,Or they’re sure to get wrinkled and soiled.

I will not carelessly throw my clothes around,

for that will get them dirty.

衣贵洁。不贵华。

Your clothing should always be neat.

If it’s not new and stylish, don’t worry.

It is more important that my clothes are clean,

rather than how extravagant they are.

上循分。下称家。

What you wear should make common sense.

Don’t spend too much money on clothes.

I will wear only what is suitable for my station.

At home, I will wear clothes according to my family traditions and customs.

对饮食。勿拣择。

Do not fuss and complain about tastes

When you are given something to eat.

When it comes to eating and drinking,

I will not pick and choose my food.

食适可。勿过则。

Eat enough so that you are full,

But do not eat more than you need.

I will only eat the right amount;

I will not over-eat.

年方少。勿饮酒。

During the time when you are young,

Don’t drink liquor or take harmful drugs.

I am still young,

I must not drink alcohol.

饮酒醉。最为丑。

To get drunk is disgraceful and ugly.

Taking drugs brings you nothing but shame.

When I am drunk,

my behavior will turn ugly.

步从容。立端正。

Your walk should be easy and graceful.

When you stand, keep your back tall and straight.

I will always walk composed, with light and even steps.

I will always stand up straight and tall.

揖深圆。拜恭敬。

Your half bows should be deep and full,

And your full bows made with respect.

My bows will always be deep, with hands held in front and arms rounded.

I will always pay my respect with reverence.

勿践阈。勿跛倚。勿箕踞。勿摇髀。
Watch your step as you enter a doorway. Stand up straight and don’t lean against the wall.
Do not sit sprawled all over the floor. Or wriggle and squirm when you walk.

I will not step on doorsills

or stand leaning on one leg.