Abstract: Xiehouyu, as a unique expression in Chinese, poses difficutlty for its translation. This thesis first analyzes the structure, rhetoric functions and classifications of Xiehouyu. Then it aims to help translators convey Xiehouyu to the target English readers from the perspective of optimal relevance in relevance theory. To achieve a successful translation of Xiehouyu, the translators need to make target audience achieve optimal relevance, then use literal translation and free translation to achieve sufficient cognitive context.

Key words: Xiehouyu; relevance theory; optimal relevance; translation

摘要：歇后语是汉语中的一种独特的表达形式，对翻译造成了困难。本文分析了歇后语的结构、修辞功能和分类,并拟从关联理论的最佳关联角度出发，帮助翻译者传达歇后语给目的语读者。要使歇后语翻译成功，翻译者必须做到让目的语读者找到最佳关联，从而使用直译和意译的翻译方法来达到最佳的认知语境效果。

关键词：歇后语; 关联理论; 最佳关联; 翻译