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tratos especiales
se la rifaba, dice la banda
Aug 11, 2012 15:37
12 yrs ago
8 viewers *
español term

que sea en buena hora

Non-PRO español al inglés Otros General / Conversación / Saludos / Cartas
This is clearly a wish or congratulations, but I don't find anything but literal translations.
Proposed translations (inglés)
4 +2 most welcome / happy event / happy time
3 +1 Good timing
3 make sure it's on time
3 let's hope it's in a timely manner
1 about time/not a moment too late

Discussion

AllegroTrans Aug 11, 2012:
The problem without some surrounding text, is that we have no idea how this is being said. Happily? thankfully? ironically?
You asker, know this. We don't. How on earth can we help you?
gcnyc (asker) Aug 11, 2012:
Yes, sure, I understand your point also. In this case, I couldn't find an easy way to give more context. As I responded to Ramon below, I can find lots of references in Spanish, so I believe I understand the expression. I wanted some help brainstorming ways to say it in English. There are several helpful suggestions here, and that's what I was hoping for. Thanks.
kleiner Kater Aug 11, 2012:
Te entiendo perfectamente. Sin embargo, hay que entender que es casi imposible dar en el clavo sin más contexto. A juzgar por su pregunta, algo más debe haber por ahí. Dar más contexto no se refiere a revelar quién es tu cliente. Pero entiendo y respeto tu decisión. Fíjate en que todas las respuestas, según el contexto, podrían ser acertadas. Y cuando preguntamos aquí, mientras más información demos, mayores posibilidades tenemos de que nos ayuden a encontrar la respuesta apropiada. Se trata de ayudarnos mutuamente, no te traicionar al cliente. Pero entiendo.
gcnyc (asker) Aug 11, 2012:
I'm not entirely comfortable giving more context, without jeopardizing the confidentiality of my client.
kleiner Kater Aug 11, 2012:
I'll say it again, please provide more context.
kleiner Kater Aug 11, 2012:
Pero la oración tiene que venir acompañada de otra cosa, ¿no? Digo, de algún comentario de otra persona o algo así. ¿O aparece sola en el medio de una hoja? Cualquier contexto que nos puedas dar sería útil. ¿De dónde sale esta traducción? ¿Cuál es el encargo? ¿De quién es?
gcnyc (asker) Aug 11, 2012:
my problem exactly That's one reason I'm having difficulty with it. It is a sentence by itself ¡que sea en buena hora!
Simon Bruni Aug 11, 2012:
context Could you provide the specific context in which the phrase appears? The sentence, adjoining sentences and some background information on the text usually helps.

Proposed translations

+2
1 hora
Selected

most welcome / happy event / happy time

"en buena hora" is usually not referring to a timing, but rather a good/happy event. E.g. "Que tu llegada sea en buena hora". (meaning your arrival is most welcome, or it is a happy time when you arrive.)

The Royal Academy of the Language (RAE) states for "en buena hora":
1. loc. adv. Con bien, con felicidad.
2. loc. adv. U. para denotar aprobación, aquiescencia o conformidad.

I am not sure you could translate it literally, or even approximately, it is a very peculiar expression.

"Ee buena hora" can be also used ironically just to say the opposite: "¡En buena hora te conocí! (meaning: What a dreadful hour when I first met you!)

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Note added at 1 hora (2012-08-11 16:46:39 GMT)
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Note that "enhorabuena" (one word, but the root is obvious) means "congratulations".

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Note added at 1 hora (2012-08-11 16:49:12 GMT)
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See laso the definition at http://es.thefreedictionary.com/en buena hora:

en buena hora
manifiesta complacencia con el momento en que sucede algo
Reference:

http://lema.rae.es/drae/?val=hora

Note from asker:
Yes, I think you understand my problem. I have read lots of references in Spanish (including RAE), and yet I am still not clear on the best way to say this in English. But I do like "is most welcome" so maybe that will be it. Thanks very much.
Peer comment(s):
agree teresa quimper
3 horas
Thank you, Teresa
agree Esther Hermida : Sgree with you. Since the Asker didn't want to give context all answers are correct depending on context.. Example, when you have unexpected company at dinnertime it's not uncommon to hear: 'en horabuena' to say 'good timing', just in time...etc. .
1 día 23 minutos
Thank you, Esther
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3 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
+1
33 minutos

Good timing

It's what I think of whenever I hear that expression in Spanish.

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Note added at 34 mins (2012-08-11 16:12:06 GMT)
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Or..timely.
Peer comment(s):
agree Lafayette Eaton : I would suggest timely/on time
6 minutos
Something went wrong...
42 minutos

make sure it's on time

Impossible to be translate with no more context, but this is my best guess. Of course, it could be "make sure you're on time"
Something went wrong...
4 horas

let's hope it's in a timely manner

Without more context, it's hard to say, but since "que sea" is used to express a wish or hope, perhaps something like this might be an option.

Another option might be "let's hope the timing is good/right."

I hope this helps!
Something went wrong...
20 horas

about time/not a moment too late

I am guessing because without context that is all I can do
Something went wrong...
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