index
yìng : answer
應
roots | pinyin, English |
?心
|
yàn eagle, xïn heart
|
而莫之應
38:14 ér mò zhï yìng
But none answer it
but when no one responds | L1, FE, W1, WO, PC |
and finds no response | LY, W1, EC |
but no response | RP, GR |
and if you don't respond | CM |
when men did not respond to it | JL |
upon encountering no response | DL |
upon receiving no response | DC |
and if there is no proper response | WW |
but other do not respond to him | VM |
but if others do not respond | PI |
if people fail to respond | AW |
nd when people do not respond to it | WC |
when no one pays them any heed | AH |
reciprocate | AL |
follows | C1 |
when no one follows along | DL |
Given how many translators use 'answer' for 'yìng' in Chapter 73, it is surprising none use it here, as it is just as appropriate in this context as the other. 'reciprocate' (AL) is obtuse, and 'follow' (C1, DL) too specific, and neither is used next.
不言而善應
73:11 bù yán ér shàn yìng
Does not speak but is good at answering
good at answering | VM |
adeptly answers | GR |
answers wisely | RP |
answers fully | LG |
answering effectively | AH |
and so answers perfectly | DL |
finds the right answer | WO |
but nonetheless to get an answer | AW |
and yet it is answered | FE |
good in responding | EC, PI |
[Excels] in responding | L1, DH |
skillfully respond | RH |
skillfully responds to things | WC |
sure to respond | PC |
responds | AL, JS |
to respond well | CM |
responding without announcing | DC |
to get responses | W1 |
[spontaneously] receives a response | C1 |
rewarding (vice and virtue) without words | LY |
Most of the diversity here comes from the interpretation of 'shàn' rather than 'yìng'; 'yìng' gets 'answer' and 'respond' about equally, and they are not worth much of a fight. I prefer 'answer' only as in more common English use. LY is the exception here, with little context and much editorial. The other significant discrepancy is whether the Way of Heaven is answering or being answered. AW, FE, W1, and C1 take the latter tack, which seems more authoritarian and less naturally beneficent, and breaks the parallelisms of paradoxes of the Way. And some translators reverse the order of the line.
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