5

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 convey what the English word does (something enthralling, beautiful, somber/sad)? What are the differences between these three words?

1
  • 6
    "Evocador" pretty much covers it, to be honest I have never heard someone refer to a melody like that (I'm from Mexico), we usually talk about what the melody evokes rather than of its evocative qualities.
    – Chepech
    Mar 23, 2012 at 18:36

3 Answers 3

8

It would help a broader context of the sentence, but I guess "cautivadora" covers most of what "haunting" originally conveys, and it's common to hear the phrase "una melodía cautivadora" - "a haunting melody".

4

The most appropriate adjective is "estremecedora", because it meets all the characteristics of the adjective "haunting".

Meaning of "estremecedora": to remove (something like a tremor) something inside someone deeply. In this context "melodía estremecedora" gives way to be something beautiful, something enthralling and somber / sad.

To explain the differences in the three adjectives you mentioned:

  • Evocador: That evokes a thing of the past or remembering to another by their relation or resemblance.

  • Inquietante: lack of tranquility, discomfort (to be uncomfortable with something or someone).

  • inolvidable: something that is impossible to forget. (I think the latter has nothing to do with what you want, really)

Saludos.

3

A possible of translation is obsesionante, whose nearest English equivalent would be obsessive

2
  • In what sense would a melody be obsessive?
    – jrdioko
    Apr 5, 2012 at 19:44
  • @jrdioko: If a melody "bothers" you day and night, it could be "obsessive," or at least "obsesionante."
    – Tom Au
    Apr 5, 2012 at 20:22

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.