摘 要：随着我国加入世贸组织，对法律文件翻译的研究，比如经济法规、合同文件的翻译研究，将成为我们翻译工作者的一个重要课题。本文在总结以往的经验基础上，探讨了合同翻译，分析法律文件中英语语言特点，提出了合同等法律文件翻译的技巧之一，即：合同翻译的第一部 ———— 读懂合同文件。

关键词：法律文件；专业词汇；句子结构

Abstract: After China’s entry into WTO, the study of translation of legal documents, such as the translation of economic laws, regulations and rules, and contract documents, will surely become a important research topic for translators. This article discusses sufficiently, on the basis of past experience, some language characteristics in the translation of legal documents, which shall be paid attention to. The article also provides detailed comments on the different English versions of translating the Contract Law to show some practical skills of translation of legal documents.

Key words: legal documents; legal terminology; language structure