Here are a few ways to translate "徐妈妈写给孟林的生日礼物" into English, depending on the nuance you want:
Most Common & Natural:
1. Auntie Xu's Birthday Gift for Meng Lin
* Why it works: This is the most natural and expected way in English.
* "Auntie Xu" is the common way to translate "徐妈妈" in an affectionate, familiar context (like a family friend or neighbor).
* "Birthday Gift for Meng Lin" clearly states the purpose and recipient.
* This sounds like a label written *on* the gift or a description *of* the gift.
2. Auntie Xu's Birthday Present for Meng Lin
* Why it works: Identical to the first, using "Present" instead of "Gift". Both are perfect synonyms here.
Slightly More Literal (Focusing on the Action):
3. The Birthday Gift from Auntie Xu to Meng Lin
* Why it works: This emphasizes the action of giving ("from... to"). It sounds a bit more like describing the gift in a sentence rather than a simple label, but is still very natural.
Preserving "Mama" (Less Common in English):
4. Xu Mama's Birthday Gift for Meng Lin
* Why it works: This directly transliterates "妈妈" as "Mama". While understandable, especially in communities familiar with Chinese culture, "Auntie Xu" is generally more immediately natural for a broad English audience. "Xu Mama" might sound a little unusual or overly direct in standard English outside specific contexts.
Recommendation:
* Use "Auntie Xu's Birthday Gift for Meng Lin" or "Auntie Xu's Birthday Present for Meng Lin". These are the most natural, clear, and commonly used translations for this concept in English. They perfectly convey that the gift is from Xu Mama to Meng Lin for their birthday.
Key points:
* "Auntie Xu": This is the standard, affectionate way to translate "徐妈妈" meaning a respected older female figure who isn't necessarily a blood relative (like a neighbor, family friend, or elder in the community).
* "For Meng Lin": This clearly shows Meng Lin is the recipient.
* "Gift" vs. "Present": Both are excellent choices. "Present" is sometimes perceived as slightly less formal, but the difference is minimal.
* Avoiding "to": While "The gift *to* Meng Lin" is grammatically correct, "Auntie Xu's gift *for* Meng Lin" or "The gift *for* Meng Lin from Auntie Xu" sound much more natural when describing the purpose/recipient of a gift. "To" is often used more for the direction of an action (like "I gave it *to* him").
Choose the first or second option for the most natural and expected English translation.