How best to render a tricky Spanish word or expression in English or one from some language in Spanish.
5
votes
3answers
126 views
Blob in computer vision
I would like to find a good translation for the term "blob" as used regularly in computer vision, when describing a rough outline of the tracking element as a result of a segmentation algorithm.
I ...
6
votes
4answers
153 views
Ironic constructions in Spanish
English
As part of my masters in linguistics, I am taking a course on the subject of irony. We were given examples of sentences that are most likely ironic, as the English sentence "he is not ...
8
votes
2answers
209 views
What is the spanish translation for “Account” when referring to a user account on a website?
The English > Spanish translation of account on Google Translate comes up with various forms of the word cuenta.
However, the Spanish > English translation of cuenta returns words relating to ...
5
votes
2answers
161 views
Putting a child in “time out” en Español
Is there a proper way to say "time out" in Spanish? I've just been using the English word with my son, which he understands, but I'd like something en Español, if something other than a literal ...
3
votes
1answer
54 views
“performance car” en español
Cuál es el término correcto para "performance car" en español? Esos autos que modifican o que construyen especialmente para carreras.
4
votes
2answers
134 views
Is there an idiomatic equivalent in Spanish for “to have other fish to fry”
Is there an idiomatic equivalent in Spanish for “to have other fish to fry”?
have other fish to fry: "To have more important things to do"
In the two romance languages I am familiar with, this ...
6
votes
4answers
158 views
What is the role of the “le” in the sentence “Miguel le dio a su novia un anillo.”?
The sentence "Miguel le dio a su novia un anillo." translates into
Miguel gave a ring to his girlfriend.
I would think that there would be no need for the "le", since the direct object (his ...
3
votes
2answers
76 views
Can someone help deconstruct the sentence “Hicieron usted su tarea para hoy?”
A possible translation of the sentence "Hicieron usted su tarea para hoy?" could be:
Did you do your homework (for) today?
That said, hicieron is the preterit of hacer for third person plural, ...
5
votes
1answer
69 views
What is the correct translation for “licensed file”?
I want to know what would be a correct translation for a "licensed file", as in "Requesting a download for a licensed file" I just don't know what is correct:
Archivo licenciado
Archivo con ...
4
votes
2answers
204 views
Describing stress in Spanish
In Spanish class, I remember learning that "stress" (as in what someone who is coming up on a deadline feels) isn't commonly spoken of in Spanish-speaking countries for cultural reasons, but it can be ...
7
votes
2answers
158 views
Is “remover” a good translation for “to remove”?
In the Internet I've often come across to internationalized websites where they have things like:
Remove file / Remover archivo
I always thought this translation may be done by someone who is ...
5
votes
1answer
139 views
What would be a good way of expressing “Es un placer haber sido de utilidad.”?
English
How can I translate the phrase "Es un placer haber sido de utilidad."? What ways sound most natural?
Thanks.
Español
Cómo puedo traducir la frase "Es un placer haber sido de utilidad."? ...
3
votes
2answers
115 views
Translation for the adjective “haunting” (as in “a haunting melody”)
What is the best Spanish translation for the English adjective "haunting" (as in "a haunting melody")? WordReference gives three options: evocador, inquietante and inolvidable. Do any of these really ...
6
votes
2answers
149 views
Translation: “so” to begin a sentence
So in English I often start sentences with the word 'so'. Often I do this when beginning an explanation, but there are heaps of other uses too, like when telling a story or when expecting an answer ...
4
votes
1answer
397 views
Translation: “To wish” expressing regret
How would you translate sentences like:
'I wish I had remembered that earlier.'
'I wish I had made the most of it while I still could.'
There are a few ways to say I wish in Spanish, but I ...
8
votes
2answers
165 views
What exactly are “mis rasgos”?
Today in conversation a girl told me:
tus rasgos, muy bonitos
I smiled, replied with some compliment, but I had no idea what did she found nice. And even later, after secretly looking this up ...
1
vote
3answers
349 views
How do you describe a slight right/left turn (bearing left or right)?
When giving directions in English, we typically say "turn" to mean a full 90 degree (more or less) turn, but a shallow turn can be a "slight left/right" and we might say something like "bear right at ...
3
votes
2answers
111 views
Translation of “slacks” (dress pants)
What is the typical way in Spanish to refer to "slacks" (or dress pants that you'd wear with a suit or other formal clothing)? Is there a universal way to distinguish them from less formal pants? ...
4
votes
1answer
91 views
Is fiscalía related to fiscal?
Fiscalía in Spanish refers to a district attorney or public prosecutor. "Fiscal" (in English or Spanish) describes something related to finances. This always confused me because the words are very ...
6
votes
5answers
167 views
What would be a good way to express “You can't get something out of nothing”?
There is a common statement—well, I least I've read quite a few times—that goes like this:
You can't get something out of nothing.
I would like to know if this sentence has a common translation ...
7
votes
1answer
415 views
Condescendiente / Condescendant
Oh surprise, Condescendant has a very different meaning in English compared to Spanish.
Condescendant:
Assuming a tone of superiority or a patronizing attitude
Condescendiente:
adj. Que ...
7
votes
1answer
175 views
Is Portapapeles the correct translation for Clipboard?
In technical terms, what is the correct way to refer to a computer's Clipboard in Spanish? The automated translators say it's "Portapapeles"
8
votes
5answers
272 views
Best way to translate 'uneducated', meaning lacking formal schooling
Generally the Spanish word maleducado more often means rude, rather than unschooled. In light of this, how would one describe someone who is polite and intelligent, but has never been formally ...
11
votes
5answers
5k views
How do you say a “shot” referring to alcohol?
What are some common ways of saying a shot of liquor? This can be referring to a small, usually 1 to 2 ounce drink taken all at once or can be a measure of liquor.
For example:
I ordered a round of ...
2
votes
3answers
194 views
Translation of “first time doing something”
What is the most natural way in Spanish to talk about someone's first time doing something? For example:
This is my first time eating sushi.
That was the first time she's ever gone camping.
Was that ...
2
votes
1answer
167 views
Different words for “servant”
According to Wiktionary, the English "servant" has two meanings:
One who serves another, providing help in some manner.
(e.g. She is quite the humble servant, the poor in this city owe much to her ...
5
votes
2answers
76 views
Translation of “How far back?” in the context of time
How would I say "How far back do they want me to go?" The context of the question is that I was filling out an application where they wanted my work history. I was attempting to ask the person ...
4
votes
1answer
70 views
How to refer to a specific decade in Spanish? eg. the 1960's
In English, when you want to refer to a specific decade you simply pluralize the year:
the nineteen-sixties (written 1960's) OR the nineteen-tens (written 1910's)
Granted, referring to the first ...
4
votes
1answer
142 views
Gusto variant of the verb gustar
When I thought I finally had it figured out... I was confronted with the following phrase which obviously must mean:
I liked the story of your friend.
Which for me logically translates to.
...
3
votes
2answers
87 views
Translation of “How difficult was that”
How would I ask someone "How difficult was that?"
¿Qué tan difícil era?
¿Cuán difícil era?
¿Cuánto dificultad tenía eso?
Other?
0
votes
2answers
84 views
What are the lyrics at the end of Ojos De Brujo's Piedras Contra Tanques
There are some lyrics at the end of the live version of Ojos De Brujo's Piedras Contra Tanques on Spotify That I'm having trouble translating.
It is during the Salsa jam at the end. It's something ...
3
votes
1answer
2k views
Translation of “I would be more than happy to (do something).”
What would be some natural ways to express being "more than happy" to do something in Spanish?
For example:
I am more than happy to help you with your homework whenever you need it.
I would ...
2
votes
1answer
162 views
What is the difference between “de corto plazo” and “a corto plazo”?
What is the difference between de corto plazo and a corto plazo (or de largo plazo and a largo plazo), meaning short-term and long-term? In what contexts can each be used?
4
votes
2answers
548 views
Translating “If (request), that would be great.”
In English, I often use the formula, "If (request), that would be great."
For example:
If you could go to the supermarket after work, that would be great.
If it's possible for you to finish ...
3
votes
3answers
327 views
Connotations of “mortal” (slang)
What does the Spanish word mortal mean when used as slang? Does it have a positive or negative connotation towards the thing being described?
11
votes
3answers
663 views
How do you say “I'm gonna get you!”?
When I'm chasing my baby around the room, I frequently tell him, "I'm gonna get you!" and catch him and tickle him. Is there a similar expression in Spanish? I'd love to find something that can be ...
-5
votes
2answers
201 views
What is English translation of this short audio file in Spanish ? [closed]
Please help to translate this simple audio file.
audio file on soundcloud
4
votes
2answers
95 views
Why “fiestas de árboles” and not “árboles de fiestas”?
I encountered the expression "fiestas de árboles" in a song by a Chilean singer whose lyrics are:
Tus ojos son fiestas de árboles, son mi ventana.
Son estrellas que guían mi caravana.
Google ...
5
votes
2answers
217 views
forever: por siempre vs. para siempre
I have seen "forever" translated as both por siempre and para siempre. What is the difference? Are there contexts where you must use one or the other?
3
votes
3answers
191 views
Translating “Help!” (interjection)
In English, if there is any kind of emergency or urgent assistance needed, we use the interjection, "Help!" In Spanish I've seen several:
¡Socorro!
¡Auxilio!
¡Ayuda! or ¡Ayúdame!
Which of these is ...
1
vote
2answers
114 views
Translating “wise” (not referring to a person, e.g. “wise decision”)
As I understand it, wise is normally translated as sabio when referring to a person. What about when not referring to a person? For example:
I don't think that would be a very wise decision.
...
6
votes
7answers
2k views
How might you say a child is “cute” in Spanish?
Suppose you see a mother with a laughing little 2-year-old. In English, we might exclaim, "how cute!"
I've had trouble saying this in Spanish. The word "cute" means something like "beautiful", but it ...
5
votes
3answers
211 views
Translations of 'anyway'
I spoke with a friend that I haven't spoken to in a long time. He started with a question about a test he is having. After I answered the question, I wanted to ask him:
"How have you been anyway?"
...
4
votes
3answers
2k views
What is the difference between “De nada” and “No hay de qué”?
I am learning Spanish and ran across "De nada" and "No hay de qué". Both mean "You're welcome" . What's the difference?
4
votes
1answer
234 views
Why does “mostrar a” mean “to show” and not “to show to”?
Tengo una biblia bilingüe. En el 14 capítulo de Juan, cuenta así una conversación entre Jesús y uno de su discípulos:
--Señor-- dijo Felipe--, muéstranos al Padre y con eso nos basta.
...
3
votes
3answers
156 views
Throughput in Spanish?
I just wanted to know the best (preferably a single-word) translation of the English word throughput. Would you opt for capacidad, rendimiento or función de transferencia?
Thanks
Artur
8
votes
3answers
186 views
How does one chain noun adjuncts in Spanish?
A noun adjunct is a noun that modifies another noun. For example, the word "baby" in the phrase "baby food" is a noun adjunct. In this simple case, you can translate it into Spanish as "comida de ...
1
vote
3answers
373 views
Singular and plural of pants, shorts, jeans, etc
In English, words like pants, shorts, and jeans appear to be in the plural but really refer to one item of clothing (I don't know what the technical term for it is). To be more specific, you can say ...
2
votes
3answers
178 views
Translation of “ASAP”
What is the most common translation of ASAP (As Soon As Possible) in Spanish?
I have seen:
cuanto antes
cuanto antes posible
lo más pronto posible
cuanto antes, mejor
Are these all common and ...
0
votes
1answer
138 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!
