Determining the best possible word to express a concept among several choices.
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1answer
3k views
Translating “kind words” (as in “Thank you for your kind words.”)
In English if someone complements you or expresses their gratitude for something you've done, you can respond with something like, "Thank you for your kind words."
What Spanish phrase would best ...
1
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1answer
513 views
Translation of “llevar a cabo”
What does the Spanish phrase llevar a cabo mean in English? What are the most common translations of the phrase into English?
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2answers
86 views
Translation of “to play favorites”
What is the best Spanish translation of the English idiom "to play favorites" (as in favoring individuals in a group instead of treating everyone equally)?
1
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1answer
214 views
Speakers' location in determining venir vs. ir
In English, we use the word "come" very loosely (at least in day-to-day spoken English):
Want to come over to my place later?
Can I come over to your house for New Years'?
Can you come meet me at ...
1
vote
3answers
365 views
Translating “to be excited to…”
What is the best way to translate sentences like:
I'm so excited to see you next week!
He's really excited about graduation.
We're excited to have you come visit for Christmas.
Do emocionado and ...
1
vote
4answers
111 views
Spanish words for cake, pie, pastry, etc
English has several specific words for different types of sweet, baked products:
cake
pie
pastry
tart
torte
cobbler
Does Spanish have the same level of detail for describing these sweets? What ...
1
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4answers
103 views
¿Mejor manera de decir: “como parte de”?
Quiero decirle a alguien algo como:
"como parte de nuestros estudios..."
"ayudado por nuestros estudios..."
"para complementar y mejorar nuestros estudios..."
"en el cuadro de nuestros estudios" ...
1
vote
2answers
170 views
Translating “shrewd” (as in “a shrewd businessman”)
The English word "shrewd" (as in "a shrewd businessman") describes someone who is sharp, clever, crafty, or cunning. For example, a shrewd businessman might come up with a coupon offer that seems ...
1
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2answers
72 views
Difference between “susto” and “aprensión”
Del susto y la aprensión, el rujido ha cesado.
What are the differences between "susto" and "aprensión"?
Both mean fear, no?
Or they have different degrees of fear?
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vote
2answers
100 views
waste: desperdiciar vs. malgastar
I learned that "waste" in English can be translated as desperdiciar or malgastar in Spanish. What is the difference between these two words? Are there any cases where one is correct and the other is ...
1
vote
1answer
718 views
Translation of “take your time”
In English, when making a polite request, it's common to say "take your time" (to tell the other person there's no need to rush). What is the most natural translation of this into Spanish? Is this ...
1
vote
1answer
117 views
Indicative vs. subjunctive in “no importa qué dice el destino”
If I'm hearing it correctly, there's a line in Carlos Baute's "Colgando En Tus Manos" that says:
No importa qué dice el destino.
I thought that sentence should be expressed:
No importa qué ...
1
vote
1answer
64 views
holy: santo vs. sagrado
What is the difference between santo and sagrado in translating the English religious word "holy." How are the two words used in religious contexts in Spanish-speaking countries?
1
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1answer
397 views
What are some terms of endearment for a girlfriend/wife? [closed]
What are some Spanish terms of enderment you could use for a girlfriend or a wife? In English I'm thinking things like sweetheart, sweetie, darling, cutie, babe, etc..
Any others that are unique to ...
1
vote
3answers
83 views
Difference between “salvo” and “salvado” (religion)
For expressing the religious concept of being "saved," what is the difference between salvo and salvado? Is there any difference in connotation or formality of the two words? Are there any contexts ...
0
votes
1answer
116 views
caja vs. cajón vs. estuche
"Box" in English can be translated into Spanish as caja, cajón, or estuche. What exactly is the difference between these three words? What types of boxes are translated as each? Which would best ...
0
votes
2answers
106 views
Words for “grave”: tumba vs. sepultura
English has several words for burial places, many of which have specific, distinct meanings:
grave
tomb
vault
crypt
mausoleum
sepulcher
As far as I know, Spanish has at least two words for ...
0
votes
1answer
124 views
Translation of “What was your name again?”
In English, if someone has already met someone else but later forgets their name, they might ask them something like, "I'm sorry, what was your name again?" (which is less forceful than a blunt "What ...
0
votes
1answer
896 views
Words for boat, ship, and other seafaring vessels
In English, we have many words to describe the different types of vessels that travel on water:
boat
ship
yacht
dinghy
canoe
kayak
raft
watercraft
vessel
sailboat
barge
catamaran
lifeboat/liferaft
...
0
votes
2answers
120 views
What is the best way to refer to those of Spanish descent or language?
In English there are several ways to refer to people who speak Spanish or are from a Spanish-speaking country: Hispanic, Latin, Latino, Chicano, Spanish-speaking, etc.
What equivalent terms exist in ...
0
votes
2answers
153 views
Translation of “a simple vista”
What is the most idiomatic English translation of the Spanish phrase a simple vista? Does it mean "at first glance," or does another expression fit better?
0
votes
1answer
902 views
Translation of “What have you been up to lately?”
In English, when meeting someone you haven't seen for a while, you might ask, "What have you been up to lately?"
What is the equivalent question in Spanish?
0
votes
1answer
53 views
Is the country México or Méjico?
Is the name of the country south of the United States spelled México or Méjico? Which is the official name of the country in English and Spanish? When is each version used?
0
votes
1answer
459 views
Translating “for the rest of the day”
What is the best way to translate the phrase "for the rest of the day" into Spanish, as in the following examples:
I'm tired, I think I want to stay home for the rest of the day.
Do you think it ...
0
votes
1answer
140 views
Packing material vocabulary
In English, there are quite a few words to describe materials used to pad and insulate packages that are being shipped from one place to another:
packing peanuts or foam peanuts are individual ...
0
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1answer
152 views
Translation of “to wind (a rope, hose, string, cord, etc.)”
The other questions about "wind" got me thinking about it's normal verb use. To "wind" something is to wrap it in circles, either around an object or simply making a coil. For this use, it looks like ...
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votes
2answers
441 views
Translating “Me la paso pensándote”
In Wisin y Yandel's "Estoy Enamorado," the chorus contains the following line:
Me la paso pensándote, nunca voy a soltarte
What does "Me la paso pensándote" mean? Is "me" a reflexive or indirect ...
0
votes
1answer
143 views
Translation of “have (someone) do (something)”
What is the most common way in Spanish to express "have (someone) do (something)"? For example, a boss might say to his secretary:
Have the marketing manager come see me ASAP!
-1
votes
1answer
128 views
Receta de Cocina
Estoy traduciendo una parte de un pequeño script. aparece en http://wp.tutsplus.com/tutorials/theme-development/integrating-google-rich-snippets-into-a-wordpress-theme/
Aquí aparece como queda en ...
-4
votes
1answer
628 views
Why does “no sé” mean “I don't know?” [closed]
If "no" means "no", and if "se" means "is", why does "no sé" mean "I don't know"?
This has been a bit of stumbling block for me as I learn the language. I as learn how to learn, I like to know the ...
