English translation for doña??
2
votes
I am translating a Mexican telenovela from Spanish into English. A young girl keeps putting "Doña" before an elderly woman's name. Should I translate it, and if so, how?
4152 views
updated Oct 13, 2012
posted by matthewetta
Hola, Matthewetta! Welcome to the forum! - rac1, Oct 13, 2012
3 Answers
3
votes
Mrs.
Doña Ramirez = Mrs. Ramirez
Doña is the feminine form of Don. They are titles of respect.
updated Oct 13, 2012
edited by katydew
posted by katydew
but I don't think she's married...does that make a difference? - matthewetta, Oct 13, 2012
As Katydew said, this is a title of respect. It has nothing to do with being married or not - 005faa61, Oct 13, 2012
At least the 70's gave us this optional translation of Mrs. or Miss to a more neutral Ms. - katydew, Oct 13, 2012
Perhaps Ms. would be more suitable. - katydew, Oct 13, 2012
Ms !!! Yuk!! us blokes have only got one MR - ladies have 3 - I want equality :) - ian-hill, Oct 13, 2012
1
vote
I agree katydew's answer. I think that is the best translation. However, as I understand, in english when a woman is married, you call her Mrs., and when she is not, you call her Miss. In spanish, you should use Señora / Señorita. If you don't feel comfortable with that solution, you could try Lady instead.
updated Oct 13, 2012
posted by Belldjin
1
vote
Maybe you could consider Madam for Doña - although this is not usual for younger women.
updated Oct 13, 2012
edited by ian-hill
posted by ian-hill
