+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Already translated, but I am very confused...

 
  1. #1
    Forum User
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Durham, NC
    Posts
    47
    Rep Power
    207

    Default Already translated, but I am very confused...

    I am currently doing a self-study on translation and I am reading a daily devotional book and its Spanish translation. There is one translation of a sentence that really has me stumped. I was wondering if someone here could help me understand. Pay attention to the part that is italicized.

    Original: "When the Lord calls you to come across the water, step out with confidence and joy. And never glance away from Him for even a moment. You will not prevail by measuring the waves or grow strong by gauging the wind. Attempting to survey the danger may actually cause you to fall before it..."

    Translation of that sentence: No porque midas las olas por eso has de prevalecer, no porque escudrines el viento por eso has de fortalecerte.

    Note: My laptop will not allow me to add the "~" over the "n" in "escudrines"

    Is this a good Spanish translation? I have a feeling that it is, although my mind reads that version: There is no reason to measure the waves because you must prevail, no reason to gauge the wind because you will grow strong. Which seems to convey a message opposite of the original.

    I swear, I have been pondering on this for days! I really need help!

  2. #2
    Forum User Kane's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Valencia, Spain
    Posts
    48
    Rep Power
    394

    Default

    The explanation here is the use of the subjunctive, it denies something.
    Se utiliza el subjuntivo cuando se niega una causa con porque, es decir, cuando se usa no porque
    'Estudia español porque le gusta, no porque lo necesite en su trabajo.'
    In your example, it is not possible it measure the waves or gauge the wind, therefor, it is saying that it’s not because you do such or such an action that you shall have such or such result.

    You can download the Doulos SIl font which will enable you to write the "~" form this page: http://scripts.sil.org/cms/scripts/p...osSIL_download

  3. #3
    Forum User
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Durham, NC
    Posts
    47
    Rep Power
    207

    Default

    Wow, I understand now, thank you.

+ Reply to Thread

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. This one´s always confused me...
    By amayo in forum General Spanish to English Translation
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 02-14-2013, 03:50 PM
  2. Slightly confused!
    By etflah13 in forum General Spanish to English Translation
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-17-2009, 01:38 PM
  3. Confused
    By PemE in forum General English to Spanish Translation
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 07-12-2008, 07:41 PM
  4. I'm confused
    By mirabell214 in forum Greetings to Newbies
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 07-07-2008, 09:56 PM
  5. I'm confused
    By mirabell214 in forum Greetings to Newbies
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 07-05-2008, 12:23 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •