漢語說“年輕一代”“年老一代”等,說成英語是young (old) generation還是younger (older) generation?許多同學可能認為是前者,因為漢語意思中并沒有比較意味,所以要用原級。恰恰相反,在這兩個結構中,英語習慣上要用比較級。如:
Many representatives of the older generation were there. 老一輩的各類人都在那里?!砸浴杜=蚋唠A英漢雙解詞典》第四版(商務印書館)的representative 詞條
I feel pretty ancient when I see how the younger generation behaves. 看到年輕一代的舉止行為, 我覺得我太老了?!浴杜=蚋唠A英漢雙解詞典》第四版(商務印書館)的 ancient 詞條