Is it a translation problem or a dialect problem?
I was recently told that a translation I made a few years ago is incorrect. While I am still improving and not at a native speakers level of proficiency, I have my doubts about if it is only certain dialects which translate it as I am being told, or if it is wrong regardless of who is reading it.
¿Será Usted o Alguien que Quiere Una Víctima?
I am being told that it translates as: Will it be you or someone who wants a victim?
It should translate to: Will you or someone you love be a victim?
The context is showing the statistics of home invasions and robberies, and asking the reader if they are next. I admit, a bit of a scare tactic. I don't write these things, I only translate them.
1 Answer
Indeed your translation is incorrect, and it can be interpreted as what you were told. It is ambiguous at best.
The English sentence is a bit weird to start with anyway. At least out of context, it is.
The best way to say what you want to say is:
¿Usted, o alguien que usted ama, podría ser una víctima? (Exact wording will change depending on context).
