Practice not being too literal # 60
As my title says, I am trying to learn to not be literal in translations, so every day I will post a saying in English and ask for suggestions as to how to convey the thought in Spanish. At the end of the day, I will pick the answer that I think most accurately reflects the idea, and I will choose it as best answer for 20 points to the respondent.
Yesterday, everyone did a fantastic job and the responses were so much fun to read. I tried to pick the phrase that is actually spoken in the Spanish speaking world for the concept, but everyone was GREAT!
Today's phrase is, "sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never harm me."
Have fun!
8 Answers
Una paliza física no hace el daño, sino las palabras dirigidas con malas intenciones.
A palabras necias, oídos sordos.
"sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never harm me."
Palos y piedras pueden quebrar mis huesos pero las palabras nunca me lastiman.
Well: Like water off a duck's back:
Como si nada, como quien oye llover.
I don't think it is true, I think words hurt more thansticks and stones, actually, but that's another matter. Las palabras duelen más que los golpes.
Lo que digas me resbala. (Literally: whatever you say slips on me)
Soy goma y eres pegamento. Lo que dices me rebota y se te pega.
Let it roll off like water off a duck's back. Deje que se rueden como caigan sobre.
Piedras y palos pueden partirte pero poco pueden las parables. (Rocks and sticks can break you but words can do little.)
