Henry Hinds Sep 12, 2013:

Andy I certainly wasn't trying to spur any debate here, just making a few light comments, best to leave it at that.

Denise Santana (asker) Sep 12, 2013:

Entry classification Good morning, I did not know this would spur so much debate... Well, I really could not find any category that would fit this entry, and submitted it as "legal" because it was part of an informal statement a witness made about an accident that took place at a certain location. I also asked the question because I do medical and legal interpretation, in which witnesses often refer to "el golpe" and wanted to make sure I am interpreting correctly (also looking for ways to improve myself if necessary). Thank you!

Andy Watkinson Sep 12, 2013:

"Maybe if I had, I would not be worth much as a
translator."

I fail to see the reasoning behind this statement (if not ironically, obviously).

De todas formas, Henry, "no te acostarás sin saber una cosa más", como dicen por estos lares, y los tuyos también, si no me equivoco.

¿Cómo era aquello de que "el saber no ocupa lugar"?

Henry Hinds Sep 12, 2013:

Grammar Nor was I, but the state school I graduated from provided me with the education I needed, better than a more "privileged" school to which I had actually been admitted! Plus I really didn't pay much attention to the few grammar lessons I was exposed to.

Mike Yarnold (X) Sep 12, 2013:

CONTEXT is everything Without the CONTEXT, as you say, we can get into all sorts of trouble translating. Take the James Bond phrase " I'm keeping the British end up, Ma'am". I've yet to see a Spanish translation that reflects the intended meaning of this!!!!!

Mike Yarnold (X) Sep 12, 2013:

Well there you go Henry! We oldies were not privileged enough to go to Harvard or Cambridge (University is understood). We had to stick to state run schools where they used "figure of speech" instead of those other big words. This is said with tongue in cheek and is not meant to offend anyone.

Henry Hinds Sep 12, 2013:

Honor Of course there is no indication at all that that your or anyone's honor is being addressed, but it would perhaps be good CONTEXT to know who is being addressed if possible.

Henry Hinds Sep 12, 2013:

Synecdoche Wow! In my entire life, and a fairly long one, I had never seen or heard that word in either English or Spanish. But there it is, and in Spanish it is "sinécdoque".

I guess that's what I get for never having studied much grammar in either language. Maybe if I had, I would not be worth much as a translator.

Mike Yarnold (X) Sep 12, 2013:

I agree Andy. I think a little more context and the placement of the wording within a paragraph would help us to pin down the correct phraseology. "It's very sore, Your Honour."

Andy Watkinson Sep 12, 2013:

This question is classified as "legal", but we don't know why.

The difference between the actual spot and the entire leg (or a vague reference to pain) might make all the difference.

If a matter of determining damages (insurance or criminal or otherwise), this kind of synecdoche would probably not be welcome.

Mike Yarnold (X) Sep 12, 2013:

Of course Spanish is plain and straightforward nad one can translate the phrase as have been done here. However, one can go into "what would an English person say?" which offers many other alternatives, not all of which can be repeated here!!!!
I could say, "Bl..dy Hell! That hurts!!!!" "Thaty bl..dy well hurts" even "OUCH! Don't touch! You're hurting me!" or even "It's giving me a lot of pain" I agree on the whole with Robert when he says "It really hurts" (but that's the polite way to say it!!!!!!!"