時の、際の：副詞句の修飾先

Translate the following: 印刷制御部は、印刷処理を実行する際の設定値を記憶部に保存する。

ChatGPT:

"The print control unit stores the setting values in the memory unit when executing the printing process."

あなた:

Does the translation clearly and unambiguously convey the meaning of 印刷処理を実行する際の設定値?

ChatGPT:

Yes, the translation "the setting values when executing the printing process" accurately conveys the meaning of "印刷処理を実行する際の設定値" in a clear and unambiguous way.

• "印刷処理" is translated as "the printing process."
• "を実行する際" is translated as "when executing," which reflects the timing or condition under which the action is performed.
• "設定値" is translated as "setting values," which refers to the values or parameters set for the process.

This phrasing effectively captures the original meaning and context.

あなた:

It is possible to interpret the translation as meaning that the act of storing the values occur when the printing process is executed, isn't it? In other words, the translation is a bit ambiguous as to whether the "when" indicates the timing of storing the values or the timing of execution of the printing process, isn't it?

ChatGPT:

You're absolutely right. The translation could indeed be interpreted ambiguously, with the "when" potentially implying that the setting values are stored when the printing process is executed, rather than referring to the setting values for the execution of the printing process itself.

To remove this ambiguity, a clearer translation would be:

"The print control unit stores the setting values for executing the printing process in the memory unit."

This makes it explicit that the "setting values" are related to the execution of the printing process, rather than the timing of storing the values.

あなた:

How about, "The print control unit stores the setting values for when executing the printing process in the memory unit."

ChatGPT:

Your suggestion, "The print control unit stores the setting values for when executing the printing process in the memory unit," is closer to the original meaning, but it still carries a slight ambiguity due to the phrase "for when," which could be interpreted in multiple ways.

A more precise version could be:

"The print control unit stores the setting values used for executing the printing process in the memory unit."

This phrasing makes it clear that the setting values are intended for the execution of the printing process, eliminating any ambiguity regarding the timing of the storage action.

あなた:

Is the phrase "for when" natural English? Give me proper example sentences in which "for when" is used.

ChatGPT:

Yes, the phrase "for when" can be natural in English, but it is typically used in contexts where you're preparing something in advance for a specific moment or condition in the future. Here are some examples where "for when" is used naturally:

1. "I saved some money for when I go on vacation."

   • (Preparing money for a future event, i.e., the vacation.)

2. "She packed extra snacks for when the kids get hungry."

   • (Preparing snacks for a specific future situation, i.e., the kids getting hungry.)

3. "We’re keeping the candles for when the power goes out."

   • (The candles are being kept ready for a future event, i.e., a power outage.)

In these examples, "for when" introduces a future condition or situation that you're preparing for in advance. In your original sentence, however, it might sound a bit awkward because you're referring to the settings related to the printing process, not necessarily preparing for a future event. So while "for when" is natural in some cases, it doesn't work as well in technical or procedural contexts like the one you're working with.

あなた:

But the word 際の in the phrase 印刷処理を実行する際の indicates a future event, doesn't it? The word 際の seems to indicate a certain timing, which is obviously in the future in the case of the initial Japanese sentence, rather than a purpose or a use, which seems to more closely align with the word ための. So, the translation "for when executing the printing process" is more closely aligned with the 印刷処理を実行する際の than "for executing the printing process", isn't it?

ChatGPT:

You're absolutely correct in pointing out that "際の" in the original Japanese phrase "印刷処理を実行する際の" indicates a certain timing, which in this case refers to the time when the printing process will be executed (a future event). The distinction between "際の" (referring to timing) and "ための" (indicating purpose or use) is an important one.

Given this, "for when executing the printing process" is indeed more closely aligned with the meaning of "印刷処理を実行する際の" because it reflects the timing-related nuance, which suggests preparation for a future event.

So, a translation like:

• "The print control unit stores the setting values for when executing the printing process in the memory unit."

does indeed capture the timing aspect more accurately than just "for executing the printing process." However, while this translation is more accurate, it might still sound slightly unnatural in English due to the structure of "for when" in this context.

A refined version that both captures the meaning and reads more smoothly in English could be:

• "The print control unit stores the setting values for use when executing the printing process in the memory unit."

This way, the phrase conveys both the future timing implied by "際の" and maintains clarity and natural flow in English.

 

＊いつも迷う副詞句の係りの明確化の問題。一般的にはChatGPTの示した当初の英語

"The print control unit stores the setting values in the memory unit when executing the printing process."

で良いのかも？

いや、今思いついた、Chat爺とのやり取りには無い、

"The print control unit stores, in the memory unit, the setting values when executing the printing process."の方が良さそうにも思える。

しかしどちらも文法的には解釈の余地があるので、特に特許翻訳では

"The print control unit stores the setting values for executing the printing process in the memory unit."

のようにしたほうが良いのかも。しかし"for"は目的「ための」を示すと感じられるので日本語の「際の」の意味が薄まっているような気もする。

最後の英訳例

"The print control unit stores the setting values for use when executing the printing process in the memory unit."

では原文に無い"use"が入っているのが気になる。

更に聞いてみた。

How about the following: 1. The print control unit stores the setting values associated with the execution of the printing process in the memory unit. 2. The print control unit stores the setting values related to the execution of the printing process in the memory unit. 3. The print control unit stores the setting values as regards the execution of the printing process in the memory unit.

ChatGPT:

All three of your suggested translations are grammatically correct, but they each differ slightly in tone and naturalness. Here's an analysis of each:

1. "The print control unit stores the setting values associated with the execution of the printing process in the memory unit."

   • This is clear and formal. "Associated with" is a common and natural way to express a connection, making this a solid option. It accurately reflects the relationship between the setting values and the execution of the process.

2. "The print control unit stores the setting values related to the execution of the printing process in the memory unit."

   • This is very similar to the first one but slightly simpler and more direct. "Related to" is also a common way to express a connection. This version might be preferable for general or slightly less formal contexts, as it reads a bit more smoothly.

3. "The print control unit stores the setting values as regards the execution of the printing process in the memory unit."

   • "As regards" is less common in modern English, especially in technical writing. It has a formal, almost legal tone, and might sound a bit outdated or stiff in this context. While grammatically correct, it may feel less natural compared to "associated with" or "related to."

Recommendation:

• Option 2 ("related to") is likely the best choice for clarity, simplicity, and naturalness.
• Option 1 ("associated with") is also a strong choice, especially in more formal or technical writing.
• Option 3 ("as regards") is less common and might feel awkward in contemporary English, so it's the least preferred option here.

＊しかしこれらも原文への忠実性という意味では不安がある。結局"for executing"でよいのかも。