You can't help but . . .

Question

I cannot get around this English expression to get to a Spanish translation. The context would be something like: You can't help but notice that food prices are climbing.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Answer 1

I usually translate that phrase as: "no puedes evitar...". Or: "no puedes dejar de..."

No puedes evitar notar que los precios están subiendo.

No puedes dejar de notar que los precios están subiendo.

Maybe you could also say :

Es imposible dejar de ver que los precios están subiendo.

But I think dogwood version is better:

No puedes sino advertir de que los precios están subiendo.

excelente. gracias - lkelly, May 2, 2011

Answer 2

Lkelly, that is an interesting expression. I found one reference for this

"No puedes sino..".

but a native speaker will give a more accurate response.

That's not bad, thanks. It's a lot better than what I had. - lkelly, May 2, 2011

Answer 3

Se nota que los precios están elevados.... One can't help but notice that the prices are high, Se nota que los precios están subiendo... One can't help but notice that the prices are rising....

This is a good estar / ser test for raised prices. Están elevados / son elevados... I guess I can see both but I would use estar unless you know they aren't coming back down. Wonder what a native would say about ser there, if it ever goes into play like that... Gracias.

I like the "se nota". I think I was getting to bogged down with the English. - lkelly, May 2, 2011