Translator Problems

Question

What are correct Spanish translations for the English sentences:

" I gave Maria a cold" and "Maria gave me a cold."

I thought "Me di a Maria un resfriado" was correct but translators on the web say " Me dio a Maria un resfriado" which I would translate in the passive voice to mean "A cold was given to Maria by me" ??

The second sentence was translated," Maria me dio un resfriado" but can one say "Maria dio un resfriado a mi" Thanks for your help.

Everybody will tell you - the translator is not very good. Okay for some hints, but don't rely on it. - pesta, Aug 31, 2011

Answer 1

Maria dio un resfriado a mi

You should read our reference articles on using an i.o.p. in sentences that contain an i.o. (or more correctly the R. A. E. explanation). We just had a thread recently linking to the R A E article under clitics.

Le di a María un resfriado. (catarro?)

María me dio [a mí] un resfriado. If you wish to express that she gave the cold to you exclusively then include the a mí.

I am assuming that dar can express the meaning of infecting someone as give does in English. Literal translations are not always correct.