This article deals with Lu Xun's theory of "hard translation" (ying yi), a type of formal equivalence avant la lettre, confirming that it is a particularly intelligible strategy in the context of the May 4th Mouvement, characterised by a fundamental lack of confidence in the traditional Chinese culture of which language is a central element. Every attempt to render a "more Chinese" text results in a "weaker meaning" than that of the source text. "Hard translation" is justified by the need of satisfying the urgent needs for cultural and social changes. From an aesthetic point of view Lu Xun creates a new experience for the Chinese readers of Western literature.