Abstract:
To translate "metaverse" into Chinese, we need to focus not only on its linguistic accuracy, but also avoid malpositioning of the term in a bigger system of terminology in Chinese. Therefore, this is a typical case to study whether an English term is appropriately translated to fit into a bigger terminology system in Chinese. The Chinese translation of "metaverse" as "yuanyuzhou" may trigger malposition of the term in the Chinese terminology system, as the prefix "meta-" does not naturally correspond to "yuan" in Chinese. To solve this problem, this paper suggests that "universe" be translated into "benyuzhou" to relocate the term "yuzhou" in Chinese terminology system. Further, study shows that wide use of the word with "meta-" in the internet has changed the original meaning of this prefix, dissolving the risk of indirect correspondence of "meta-" and "yuan". Finally, this paper suggests that a naming formula of "X-Y-Z" with "-verse" as the core be established. X is a qualifier, Y stands for basic dimensions, and Z is the root. A Chinese formula of "X-Y-Z" is deductive, normative and extensible for future terms to be appropriately translated from and into English.