Abstract：This paper introduces the methods of translation on Chinese four-word idiom. It includes literal translation, free translation, transliteration, explanation translation, alienation, naturalization and their definitions and examples. Different translation methods show the importance on choosing the word, the sound and the meaning. To understand different kinds of idiom translations, one should pay more attention to Chinese stories of idiom and its background. Getting the real meaning of the idiom will help us to understand and to translate idiom correctly. Using idioms, not only makes the language richer, but also makes communication much more easier. People can also learn more knowledge from idioms

Key words： idiom; translation; cultural background

中文摘要：本文主要介绍了汉语四字成语的翻译及所采用的翻译方法。 方法包括直译，意译，音译，解释性翻译，同化，异化。不同译法的实例体现出在成语翻译中选词，选音，选意的重要性。译者在明白了翻译汉语四字成语的各种翻译方法后，还要深入了解每一个成语的成语故事及其所蕴涵的意义。明白其中所包含的深层含义，将有利于我们更好理解英语语言和汉语语言中的不同点和共同点。成语的使用不仅可以润饰语言，而且可以使人们容易沟通并学到更多的语言知识。

关键词：成语，翻译，文化背景