Not enough Spanish words in existence?

Question

Has anyone ever come across some words that you wanted to translate into Spanish but there simply wasn't a word for it? Or there was a word, but you know that it also means something else in English?

Or, on the contrary, you are a native Spanish speaker and you wanted to say something but the English word you found just wasn´t enough?

I am asking because I once saw an American show with Spanish subtitles and the translation was bad because I knew the Spanish words they were using just didn't equate to what the character was saying. It was as if there just wasn't enough Spanish words to say so!

I especially see this is the case when there are synonyms of words used.

For example "This guy is an idiot! A stupid, unintelligent, dumb, ignorant, dim-witted, senseless, moronic imbecile!" is sometimes just translated as "tonto idiota" or something like that.

Anyone have any examples they´d like to share?

Answer 1

I've noticed the same thing. In trying to learn Spanish, I've been watching English-speaking movies and I frequently see translations that don't quite capture the essence of what the characters are saying. I thought it was just me, but now I wonder--are there actually fewer words in the Spanish language than in the English language?

There are sometimes words for things that we don't have words for. There is a word in Spanish for the space between your eyebrows! I can't remember it, but I remember thinking "Why bother naming it!" - missy8888, Mar 2, 2012

"Entreceja" is the word for the space between the eyebrows! - missy8888, Mar 2, 2012

Answer 2

The best example I can think of is the English word "awkward". The Spanish equivalents "raro", "imcomodo", "extraño"....... they just don't do the job.

I agree! I have also heard of "torpe" which is like "clumsy" - missy8888, Mar 2, 2012