Spanish Colloquialism

Question

I am working on a case of a deserving young man, was arrested, he is from Chile, here in Canada for a few years, and he kept saying in English to the police - 'I can't hear you'. Is this a possible Spanish Colloquialism? and means he did not understand? We are doing this almost for free, so any help - is appreciated!

I do not have any idea but I assume he is saying that is Spanish. Correct? It might help if you could give the actual Spanish quote. - kirk1, Apr 21, 2013

The young man kept saying in English - 'I can't hear you' to the Police officer. They were a few feet apart, so 'hearing' wasn't an issue. Hence, my thoughts he meant ' he did not understand, fully. - kenfromcanada, Apr 21, 2013

Answer 1

Chileno, he is speakling English. Kenfromcanada is concerned that he has translated a Spanish phrase incorrectly into English such as,

No te entiendo - I can't hear you

very good way of putting it. - jessicamccall117, Apr 22, 2013

Thanks - Eddy, Apr 23, 2013

Answer 2

Eddy is right on point. My client is saying "I can't hear you', in ENGLISH, to the police. My theory is that he meant to say 'I don't understand', but his translation came out as 'I can't hear you'.

thanks to all!

I think that make sense, you say this guy is your client? Have you asked him? - jessicamccall117, Apr 22, 2013

I reviewed the Police interview videos. - kenfromcanada, Apr 22, 2013

Is this all you know, or is there perhaps something else he said? - jessicamccall117, Apr 22, 2013

what I am focussed on is that I think he did not understand his rights, there was no interpretor at the station, and by him saying "I can't hear you", he was actually saying he did not understand. he said the same phrase-4 times in 30 minutes. - kenfromcanada, Apr 22, 2013

Okay, and I think that so far that would be a really good case. I think that does make sense. Good luck!!! - jessicamccall117, Apr 22, 2013

Answer 3

No te entiendo

No te comprendo.

No te estoy cachando na'

No te pesco (I am not listening to you/I am not minding you/heeding you)

your answer here is very good!! - jessicamccall117, Apr 22, 2013

Answer 4

Thats is good - I can see almost making a case for my client - he saying 'I don't hear you', is VERY simular to 'I am not listening to you/I am not minding you/heeding you'. Thanks again to all for your help.

Answer 5

I don't understand you. First the guy is saying "I can't hear you", then he saying is "I don't hear you"....

And he doesn't speak English.

Are you interpreting to English what he is saying in Spanish?

Do you know what he is saying in Spanish or are you guessing what he's saying in Spanish?

Answer 6

Maybe he's deaf?

Answer 7

lol - no, he hears very well. What I am asking is: Is there an expression in Spanish, that means I do not understand what you are saying, BUT, literally translated into English is: I don't hear you?

THANKS to all so far!!