English Spanish Translator Org: Translation Forum � Translators Forums - View Single Post

Goodnightmoon · 08-15-2008, 01:00 PM

My two cents. The key is that "se puede" is not exactly the same as "it can be done”. You just can't say "se puede" in English, you need a main verb (it can be xxxx) that's not necessary in Spanish and that's the difference and what makes the Spanish passive so appropriate.

It can be done is "Puede hacerse" and it seems to lack the enthusiasm that "Sí se puede" delivers. I understand your objections since there's normally very little enthusiasm in English passive sentences. Besides, there’s a difference between “Sí, se puede” (just stating it is possible), and “Sí se puede” (a more enthusiastic response as opposed to the negative sentence “No se puede”). On the other hand, “se puede” is often used just meaning “it is actually possible”, that's why several native Spanish speakers seem to agree it is a good translation, because it’s understood as an enthusiastic “of course it is possible”.

"Podemos" was the motto the Spanish National Team used for the latest European Football Championship (and we all know who won, don't we?

). Nothing wrong with that! It really worked for us but since podemos is transitive and you're not including the direct object it's like you know exactly what you're referring to (in Spain's case not messing it at the quarterfinals as they used to do) but “Se puede” seems to leave room for a broader message.

Podemos: It would be mainly aimed to those who support Obama, those who feel part of the change, somehow active. Se puede: it’s a message for everyone, the change is possible, even if you’re not working for it, or just don't believe it can be done, you’ll see it’s possible.

In short. Sí se puede is not the most literal alternative but it really delivers a more powerful message that includes everyone in the country.

08-15-2008, 01:00 PM	#8
Goodnightmoon Forum User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Spain Posts: 63 Rep Power: 248	Re: Yes We Can Mistranslation My two cents. The key is that "se puede" is not exactly the same as "it can be done”. You just can't say "se puede" in English, you need a main verb (it can be xxxx) that's not necessary in Spanish and that's the difference and what makes the Spanish passive so appropriate. It can be done is "Puede hacerse" and it seems to lack the enthusiasm that "Sí se puede" delivers. I understand your objections since there's normally very little enthusiasm in English passive sentences. Besides, there’s a difference between “Sí, se puede” (just stating it is possible), and “Sí se puede” (a more enthusiastic response as opposed to the negative sentence “No se puede”). On the other hand, “se puede” is often used just meaning “it is actually possible”, that's why several native Spanish speakers seem to agree it is a good translation, because it’s understood as an enthusiastic “of course it is possible”. "Podemos" was the motto the Spanish National Team used for the latest European Football Championship (and we all know who won, don't we? ). Nothing wrong with that! It really worked for us but since podemos is transitive and you're not including the direct object it's like you know exactly what you're referring to (in Spain's case not messing it at the quarterfinals as they used to do) but “Se puede” seems to leave room for a broader message. Podemos: It would be mainly aimed to those who support Obama, those who feel part of the change, somehow active. Se puede: it’s a message for everyone, the change is possible, even if you’re not working for it, or just don't believe it can be done, you’ll see it’s possible. In short. Sí se puede is not the most literal alternative but it really delivers a more powerful message that includes everyone in the country. __________________ Visto el panorama... va a ser que no.