People were having a ball. They really had a good time.
大家都兴高采烈,玩得挺痛快的。

字里行间

ball不是圆球,而是“舞会”。have a ball 是指“玩得痛快,狂欢”。have a good time也是指“玩得高兴”。

弦外之音

所谓“玩”,英汉两个语言中的表达方法,实在不很一样。如果在办公室里,对一同事说please come to my home and play this weekend,对方一定有点摸不着头脑,因为这个play,并不是成人“玩”的意思。

小孩放学回到家,便抓电话,向朋友发邀请can you come and play at my house,这个play 是正确的,因为他们确实是要“嬉戏,玩耍”。可是,成人之间,就不会有这个play的意思了。更符合习惯的是说come and hang out at my house,这个hang out,就是“玩”的意思。

“玩得高兴”不管是小孩,还是成人,都应该说We had a lot of fun,或者We had a good time,而不是We played very well。

活学活用

1. It was a wonderful trip. We really had a ball.
这次旅行真有意思。我们都玩得很高兴。

2. Come and join us tonight. Let's have a good time.
今晚上过来吧。大家好好玩玩。

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