Abstract: There is no clear definition of the concept of “verbatim translation” in Japanese, and the evaluations of this method are mixed. The author finds that in the context of Chinese to Japanese translation, “verbatim translation” is not only a translation method known as literal translation，but also a translation concept that translation should be precise, meticulous, and faithful to the source text. Taking Ito Soheis translation of A Dream of Red Mansions as an examle, the author explores its characteristics of “verbatim translation”, and argues that “verbatim translation” is a ramification of Japanese exegetic pronunciation. It epitomizes the paradigm of “Japanese translation”, the formation and transformation of which are closely related to the background of the times, showing different features in different periods. Ito Soheis translation focuses on the source text, manifesting an obvious “verbatim translation” style. At the same time, he also lays emphasis on expressions to explicate the text. His choice of translation reflects both the influence of his times and the extent of his fusion with the source text and the target reader.

Key words: verbatim translation, Japanese exegetic pronunciation, target reader, fusion