正确理解汉语含义是汉译英的基本条件。这句话是并列句,由转折连词“但是”连接前后两个独立的句子,英语用but很合适。如果用表示转折关系的副词yet, however或者nevertheless等,就需要把前一个句子作为独立句,使用句号。再用yet, however或者nevertheles引导后一个句子。注意标点符号的正确使用。
参考的译法:
My father bought some books last week, but he didn't begin to read them.
My father bought some books last week. He didn't begin to read them yet.
Last week my father bought some books. However, he didn't begin to read them.
Last week my father bought some books; nevertheless he didn't begin to read them.