原文：

The beauty of that country is hard to define as it is easy to enjoy.

原译：

正如该国的美丽容易欣赏，也很难下定义。

辨 析：

英语中的(as...) as...结构是用于表示同级比较的，即用于表示两个事物在某方面一样，如：

• This box is (twice) as big as that one.这个盒子和那个一样大（比那个大一倍）。

• I love her as much as he.我和他一样爱她。

请注意这一句的意思：Tom studies as hard as anybody in the class不是“汤姆和班上任何人一样用功”， 而是“汤姆之用功在班上是数一数二的”。

as...as...也用于构成明喻，但有许多和汉语形象不一样，如：

• as cunning as a fox 像狐狸一样狡猾

• as strong as a horse 力壮如牛

• as large as life 和真物一样大；栩栩如生

• as old as the hills 陈年老旧的

• as blind as a bat 完全瞎了

• as silent as a mouse 不声不响

• as dumb as an oyster 守口如瓶

• as tight as a drum 一毛不拔

• as sharp as a needle 非常精明

• as snug as a bug in a rug 非常舒服

但是，用于连接两个形容词时，as...as...往往表示“既……又……”， 如：

• The new car runs as stably as fast. 新车跑得又稳又快。

• The boy is as clever as good-looking.这孩子很聪明，人也长得很俊。

• The professor's lecture is as enlightening as vivid.这位教授的讲座既有启发性又生动有趣。

这种用法也可以表示不同的主语的特点，如：

• Pears are sweet as dates are crisp.梨儿有多甜，枣儿有多脆。

• He is as kind as his sister is honest.他很善良，而她姐姐十分诚实。

• Dobbin looked as pale and grave as his playmates were flushed and jovial. 多宾脸色苍白，显得很忧郁，而他的玩伴们却个个笑逐颜开，红光满面。

有时需要注意这种“比较句”中的省略，如：

• His temper was as quick as his smile (is quick).他忽而笑容可掬，忽而大发雷霆。

原文就是这类用法，意思是说该国的风景好欣赏（人人都会欣赏），却不好形容。措词可以改进一下，建议译为：该国风光秀丽，有目共赏，却难以描绘（形容） 。