Distinguishing between "to wait" and "to hope"
I want to translate these two but the lack of contrast in Spanish is a problem. As the second is used in a religious sense, this must be esperar.
But what can I use for the first to make a meaningful distinction.
22 Answers
She has high hopes of winning.
Tiene muchas esperanzas de ganar.
I’m waiting for my sister.
Estoy esperando a mi hermana.
Both are related to "esperar" in Spanish.
Not much we can do about that - but the context makes thngs clear.
Esperar = To wait (This is a verb)
- Esperanza = Hope (This is a virtue)
The choice (and meaning) of words, in Spanish or in English, depends on context.
You have to understand that translation is close to interpretation, but they are not the same. When you cannot translate you must resort to interpretation, not the other way around.
Chileno, are you saying that no one has the right to interpret if a literal translation is possible? I must respectfully disagree. BigFrank's dilemma is the same puzzle that makes skillful translation of poetry and fine literature such a delicate and exacting task. You have to capture, not only the meaning, but the spirit. You have to retain or re-create a certain rhythm of phrasing, a lyrical quality.
The original text here is poetic, in that the phrasing and rhythm are crucial. Using the same word twice, to represent waiting and hoping, looks silly and simplistic. Changing the phrasing to accommodate different forms of that word ruins the rhythm. Izanoni said it very well... the original text presented here has a high degree of "simple elegance" and that quality is worth striving for in the translation. The same criterion is applicable in the translation of many proverbs, idioms, song lyrics etc.
This is what I find so fascinating about expressing oneself in the language of literature (as opposed to, say, math or chemistry). It has only a few accepted limitations, but many more possibilities. It challenges the imagination. I think BigFrank's quest and his choice of resolution is perfectly legitimate.
Many many thanks. But....
Surely "deseo" is carnal and non religious/ spiritual in a way which for me at least contradicts the tone (and meaning) of the original.
Or have I failed to appreciate "deseo" ?
Thank you for the context. That is a sorrowful, beautiful, and heart-wrenching story.
I can see your dilemma. I think your Spanish is already more advanced than mine (not saying much!) so I don't know if I can help you find the exact Spanish word you need. But working from the English, perhaps you could substitute a word such as persevere, persist, or abide. Then, with the help of others more fluent in Spanish, perhaps you could find the Spanish word that would appropriately convey that meaning.
At risk of sounding ungrateful, which I certainly am not, these answers have tended to confirm my dilemna rather than helping to resolve it.
