I want a tattoo in Spanish and would like the best translation possible.

Question

I want a tattoo on my back of a phrase I love;

"Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin."

I've already asked 3 of my friends who speak only Spanish and they have all three given me different answers. Which one of theirs is the best? If any of you speak both languages fluently, maybe you can provide me with a more solid translation than any of the following. Thanks!

No tengas miedo que tu vida se acabará, ten miedo que la vida no empezará.

No tengas miedo que tu vida termine, ten miedo que nunca empezará.

No tengas miedo que tu vida se terminará, ten miedo que nunca empezará.

Answer 1

ugh. true but still looking for an answer that helps me more than that

Allright, Doublem, on your head it be, then.

All three of your buddies are wrong.

Here's what you need, if you really want to go ahead with this (why in Spanish, anyway?):

No temas porque tu vida acabará, teme que nunca comience.

Now I don't want your Momma to come knocking on my door when you show up at home with this written across your forehead, y' hear?

I really appreciate it! I haven't lived with my parents for 3 years, but I'm majoring in ESL education and am planning to live the rest of my life speaking Spanish, hence the Spanish translation. ;) - 5e0858ddf2, Feb 7, 2012

And also could que be used instead of porque? No temas que tu vida acabará, teme que nunca comience. - 5e0858ddf2, Feb 8, 2012

There are several ways to say essentially the same thing. The truth is you friends weren't *really* wrong (that's me being obnoxious), but I think it's cleaner the way I suggested. You could say: No temas que tu vida acabe, no temas que tu vida se acabe.. - Gekkosan, Feb 8, 2012

..no temas que tu vida se termine, no temas porque tu vida terminará, no tengas miedo porque tu vida se acabará... Lots of possibilities. - Gekkosan, Feb 8, 2012

I wanted to offer something reasonably elegant and unambiguous, that sounded cool enough to be on a tattoo. Of course, that´s a very subjective opinion coming from me! :-) - Gekkosan, Feb 8, 2012

So far my spanish instructor and collegues say that your first suggestion was the most colloquial of all the options I gave them. I appreciate your help and understanding! - 5e0858ddf2, Feb 8, 2012

Answer 2

Sorry, but I have a couple of questions:

1. Why do you want a tattoo in a place where you can't see it?
2. Why do you want a tattoo in a language that you're not fluent in?
3. Why do you trust total strangers on the Internet regarding something that will be permanently attached to your body?

Just curious.

Your cynical arrogance is much appreciated, however if you have a translation that you’d like to offer, please, don’t vacillate. - 5e0858ddf2, Feb 8, 2012

It's not arrogance. They are serious questions. This is something you're going to have to live with for the rest of your life, so you should know the answers. I.m old enough to have seen many a tattoo turn into an ebarrassment. - KevinB, Feb 8, 2012

Kevin, I totally aggree with you, it is sad to use a marvelous, designed skin as a canvas. That's why I chose not to offer a translation. With all respect doublem! I love pure intact skin! - farallon7, Feb 8, 2012

I am inclined to agree with Kevin and Farallon - but I have to admit that there are some tattoos I really like and admire. I figure it's Double's business what he decides to do with his own skin. *shrug* Given that, let him at least not have something - Gekkosan, Feb 8, 2012

...badly translated inked in! - Gekkosan, Feb 8, 2012

That's my point about not being fluent in the language. If you're not certain that's what you mean, why have it permanently attached to your body? I have nothing against tattoos in general. - KevinB, Feb 8, 2012

Ah, I just think you've strayed from the original question, all I needed was a translation. :P - 5e0858ddf2, Feb 8, 2012

Answer 3

Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid of what removing that tattoo will cost if you come to regret it later!

ugh. true but still looking for an answer that helps me more than that :P - 5e0858ddf2, Feb 7, 2012

Answer 4

all those answer is correct but Gekkosa is the best translation

Answer 5

i agree with the gekko

Answer 6

"No temas que tu vida termine, teme que nunca comience"