老周在翻译行当里混迹了接近二十年。服务过的企业也不少。翻译其实属于治标不治本的活动。只有实际参与国际项目的人掌握了语言，国际交流规则，才能真正地把国际项目做好。

老周积累了一些案例，就先从简单的工程信函说起吧。

国际工程信函常用句式

I. 信头部分

With reference/referring to your letter xxx, we would indicate that…

We refer to your letter xxx in which we discussed xxx.

We are very pleased/sorry to inform that …

Regarding your letter of…, we regret to say that xxx

With reference to the telegrams exchanged between us in the last few days, we are pleased to have been able to finalize the follows with you: xxx

According to the Contract/agreement, we would indicate that…

Since we have agreed on xxx, I would like to remind you of xxx

We can see from the letter xxx that …, but your side has not taken any actions to date.

II． 建立联系

Having had your name and address from …, we now avail ourselves of this opportunity to write to you with a view to entering business relations with your Corporation.

Your firm has been recommended to us by …

We are willing to enter into business relations with your firm on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and exchanging what one has for what one needs.

In order to promote business between us, we are airmailing you samples under separate cover for your inspection.

We understand that you are manufacturers of… and should like to know whether you can supply…

III．询价和报价

Please send us samples and quote your lowest prices for …

We take interest in your products and wish to have your quotations for the items specified below:

If you supply goods of the type and quality required, we may place regular orders for large quantities.

In compliance with your request, we now quote you subject to our confirmation the following: xxx

All quotations are subject to our final confirmation. Unless otherwise stated or agreed upon, all prices are net without commission.

As the prices quoted are exceptionally low and likely to rise, we would advise you to place your order without delay.

Our offer will be withdrawn if not accepted within … days.

We are afraid that we shall have to charge more for the designated packing, as it calls for extra labor and cost.

IV． 质量

It is very clear that the construction quality is not up to the requirements as specified in the Contract, therefore we request you to...

We have to ask for a compensation to cover the loss incurred as a result of the inferior quality of the goods supplied.

Upon examining the goods, we discover to our surprise that they were altogether inferior in quality to the sample on which basis we placed the order.

V. 包装

The packing must be strong enough to withstand rough handling.

It was found upon examination that nearly … percent of the packages had been broken, obviously attributed to improper packing.

VI． 进度及延期

The progress has been behind the time schedule agreed between us, please take necessary measures to expedite the same.

We greatly regret the delay, which has been due to circumstances beyond our control.

Failure to submit the drawings in time may lead to delay in construction.

You are requested to submit the drawings within xxx calendar days.

VII．订货、交货及运输

Please deal with the order as one of special urgency.

The users are in urgent need of the goods contracted and are in fact pressing us for assurance of an early delivery.

Your failure to deliver the goods within the stipulated time has greatly inconvenienced us.

The alleged shortage might have occurred in the course of transit,and that is a matter over which we can exercise no control.

It has to be stressed that shipment must be made within the prescribed time limit, as a further extension will not be considered.

As the time of shipment is now considerably overdue, we hope you will inform us by return of the reason for delay.

We will keep in mind your requirements for the goods and shall contact you once it becomes available.

VIII．付款

Our terms of payment are by confirmed, irrevocable letter of credit by draft at sight.

As agreed, the terms of payment for the above orders are letters of credit at 60 days’ sight.

IX．抱怨、纠纷、索赔

To our surprise, you haven’t finished the work till now.

Please explain what have happened on site.

We have held you responsible for any loss that may accrue to us through the delay.

Kindly tell us what steps you are going to take in the way of compensation for the damage.

This is the maximum concession we can afford. Should you not agree to accept our proposal, we would like to settle by arbitration.

We can hardly be expected to accept your claim after a lapse of over one month.

X. 信尾

It would be highly appreciated if you could do this as soon as possible.

If you have any question please let me know.

It is our hope that you would reconsider the matter and let us know by return.

We are glad to have finalized / put through/ closed / concluded this transaction/business with you.

We look forward to receiving your advice of shipment at an early date.

We hope that you will accommodate us in this respect and look forward to your favorable reply.

XI.  其他

To acquaint you with the suppliers, we submit some information herewith for your reference.

In order to better this matter, we suggest that xxx.

We understand that xxx

Please kindly note that …

Please do your utmost to do it, so that xxx would be effected in …