[Probe in the untranslatability of technical terms in traditional Chinese medicine]

Based on studying the manifestation of untranslatability of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technical terms, and through analysis on the enriched cultural content and special linguistic characteristics, the author summarized the factors that caused the untranslatability, and suggested some projects for compensation and reformation, including transliteration, word-formation, free translation and literal translation. Although the existence of untranslatability of TCM technical terms is affirmable, on account of the uninterrupted international cultural communications, the untranslatability of TCM terms will not be lasting invariable.