pais generoso - Page 2 - English Spanish Translator Org: Translation Forum � Translators Forums

Guadalupe · 07-29-2008, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragona

hi all,
just wanted to say that i enjoyed this thread...from the expression to the meaning to the assumptions!
good one!

Thanks, Dragona!!! Yes, it was really funny!

les8874 · 07-29-2008, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guadalupe

I see your point now, too, Vicente! I assumed that Leslie's friend was referring to Argentina (though the proximate antecedent for it is "U.S.", as you point out) to use the expression in the sense we generally use it (to make reference to our country)... Perhaps, Leslie can help us on that...

Gosh, I was without internet for five days and missed all of this! Sorry if I caused confusion, by US I meant the United States of America, not Argentina! How should I refer to the States? There are the "politically correct" or more global ways and then the ways I'm just used to at home. I'm from near Washington DC so especially around here we just say the US or "America" (which drives me nuts, since I know that's not exclusively us)... though neither is the name United States if we're being picky...

The explanation of the phrase makes sense though. He would definitely use it when he saw things like what you described. Thanks for explaining it!

vicente · 07-29-2008, 10:52 AM

Hi les

To my knowledge there are no politically correct or incorrect ways to refer to the United States. Certainly none I have ever heard of. (Well, maybe The Great Satan! might be a little unpopular

)

When writing I use U.S., US, USA; never United States and rarely America simply because I'm lazy and like the short version (and also because, as you said, we aren't the "only" America). When I'm in a Spanish-speaking country I will say los Estados Unidos.

Guadalupe · 07-29-2008, 10:57 AM

Hi, Leslie! Of course I understand U.S. means United States. We also understand America and the States, as you explained.

My doubt arose as to the expression used by your friend: did he/she referred to Argentina or to the States?

For our explanations, I assumed that he/she was referring to Argentina. Otherwise, as Vicente pointed out, your friend would be "something less than a courteous visitor to the U.S."

I hope you find it useful

Guadalupe · 07-29-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vicente

Certainly none I have ever heard of. (Well, maybe The Great Satan! might be a little unpopular

)

LOL!!!!

When I'm in a Spanish-speaking country I will say los Estados Unidos.

The correct acronym for it being "EE.UU." in Spanish.

vicente · 07-29-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guadalupe

The correct acronym for it being "EE.UU." in Spanish.

Guadalupe, I learned that when I first started studying Spanish and I never knew why and never asked why they use double letters instead of just "E.U". Do you know?

Guadalupe · 07-29-2008, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vicente

Guadalupe, I learned that when I first started studying Spanish and I never knew why and never asked why they use double letters instead of just "E.U". Do you know?

Hi, Vicente! Well, double letters indicate that the acronym or abbreviation has its origin in a plural word. Examples include:

Estados Unidos: EE.UU.
Fuerzas Armadas: FF.AA.
Recursos Humanos: RR.HH.
Relaciones P�blicas: RR.PP.

Note that "E.U.A." and "EUA" are also possible to refer to the USA in Spanish, though they are not commonly used in Argentina. USA, however, is not correct in Spanish, but frequently used due to the global influence of English.

vicente · 07-29-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guadalupe

Hi, Vicente! Well, double letters indicate that the acronym or abbreviation has its origin in a plural word. Examples include:

Estados Unidos: EE.UU.
Fuerzas Armadas: FF.AA.
Recursos Humanos: RR.HH.
Relaciones P�blicas: RR.PP.

Note that "E.U.A." and "EUA" are also possible to refer to the USA in Spanish, though they are not commonly used in Argentina. USA, however, is not correct in Spanish, but frequently used due to the global influence of English.

Now I know!! A simple explanation. I'm glad I asked. Thanks Guadalupe!

Guadalupe · 07-29-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vicente

Now I know!! A simple explanation. I'm glad I asked. Thanks Guadalupe!

Great, Vicente! I'd like to share this phrase with you:
I love to doubt as well as know. � Dante Alighieri

For I think the secret of knowing lies in doubting.

les8874 · 07-30-2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vicente

Well, maybe The Great Satan! might be a little unpopular

hahaha! That's my favorite.

07-29-2008, 10:52 AM	#13
vicente Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 489 Rep Power: 738	Hi les To my knowledge there are no politically correct or incorrect ways to refer to the United States. Certainly none I have ever heard of. (Well, maybe The Great Satan! might be a little unpopular ) When writing I use U.S., US, USA; never United States and rarely America simply because I'm lazy and like the short version (and also because, as you said, we aren't the "only" America). When I'm in a Spanish-speaking country I will say los Estados Unidos. __________________ vicente

07-29-2008, 10:57 AM	#14
Guadalupe Contributing User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Argentina Posts: 170 Rep Power: 296	Hi, Leslie! Of course I understand U.S. means United States. We also understand America and the States, as you explained. My doubt arose as to the expression used by your friend: did he/she referred to Argentina or to the States? For our explanations, I assumed that he/she was referring to Argentina. Otherwise, as Vicente pointed out, your friend would be "something less than a courteous visitor to the U.S." I hope you find it useful __________________ Guadalupe Last edited by Guadalupe : 07-29-2008 at 12:35 PM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)