Translation Exercise for Beginners: Number 5!

Question

This is a thread specifically designed with beginners in mind. If other exercises intimidate you this one shouldn't! Keep in mind that it doesn't matter if you don't get it all right. The actual process of attempting translation, and then correcting yourself is what helps us learn!

There are three rules:

• Don't look at other people's translations until you have made your own.
• Do not use a translation engine. (Although you can use a dictionary)
• Do vote for the best answers and this thread. If there is a tie, votes make a difference.

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So here is our sentence for Number 5:

Más vale ser paciente que valiente; más vale dominarse a sí mismo que conquistar ciudades. Proverbios 16:32

Please remember to answer and then vote! This helps our thread and helps to choose a winner because if there is a word-for-word tie the answer with the most votes wins! The winner automatically recieves 20 reputation points not counting any votes he/she may have garnered. Every participant receives a vote from me as well for participating. Keep in mind that if you need some time to come up with an answer and the thread disappears you can find it under the category: Games and Challenges. Have fun! The translation will be posted on Sunday.

Perhas you should add another rule for this one - no looking at Proverbs 16:32! - 008f2974, Feb 4, 2010

Or at least until AFTER you've tried to translate, like I did. - LaBurra, Feb 4, 2010

Keep in mind that the English version of Proverbs 16:32 is translated directly from Hebrew...since we are translating from Spanish to English, you cannot rely on an English translation anyway! (just a hint!) - renaerules, Feb 4, 2010

Answer 1

It is better to be patient than brave; it is better to control yourself than to conquer cities.

(I checked this against my NIV Bible and it is close but "no cigar" as they say.)

Answer 2

Más vale ser paciente que valiente; más vale dominarse a sí mismo que conquistar ciudades. Proverbios 16:32

It's worth more to be patient than courageous; it is worth more to be in control of yourself than to conquer the cities. Proverbs 16:32

I don't know if I'm completely right, but that wasn't a scary as I thought it was going to be! Thanks for the challenge "renaerules."

Answer 3

It is better to be patient than brave; it is better to conquer one´s self than to conquer cities.

Answer 4

Our English translation for this exercise!

Better to be patient than brave, better to control yourself than to conquer cities.

Thanks everyone for your hard work! You all did an awesome job.

Answer 5

It's your last chance to participate before tomorrow's Engish translation! Don't forget to vote!