How do you translate "que entre" and "que salga"?

Question

I found this photo online. I like the sentences though I roughly understand the meaning. Even though I have looked up the online-translator, the translation I got is weird. Therefore, I want to know exactly what it says. How do you translate "Que Entre", "Que Salga" and the third line?

Si alguien quiere entrar a tu vida, que entre;

si alguien quiere salir de tu vida, que salga;

pero no permitas que se queden la puerta porque estorban.

The following is my translation, but I need your help to correct it for me.

If someone wants to enter your life, let him/her(??) enter;

if someone wants to leave your life, let him/her(??) leave;

but don't let the door hinder it(??).

Good question. As usual :) - RelaxingCup, Dec 30, 2013

Answer 1

The best English translation I can think of is a somewhat archaic use of old subjunctive, but it would be something like.

May they enter.

May they leave.

More modern and about the same,

Let them enter.

Let them leave.

Or

Let then in.

Let them go.

Yes, I was about to write the same. - annierats, Dec 29, 2013

Thank you very much, Roger. Please click this question again. I have qestions about grammar. - joygogo, Dec 30, 2013

Great answer, thanks - RelaxingCup, Dec 30, 2013

Answer 2

(1) Since "alguien" is singular, is it alright to translate "May they enter"?

The plural pronouns are often used with someone, anyone, somebody, anybody, one etc not because the antecedent is plural but to remain gender neutral, ie. to avoid saying 'him' or 'her'.

Wonderful!!! I see. Muchas gracias. ^_^ - joygogo, Dec 31, 2013

De nada :) - Kiwi-Girl, Dec 31, 2013

Answer 3

The last bit:

Don't leave them standing in the doorway, because they will be in the way. ( approximate translation)

Thanks, Annie! The meaning of the third line is crucial! - joygogo, Dec 30, 2013

Great. Thanks for your answer. - RelaxingCup, Dec 30, 2013

Answer 4

I think the last line presents a really interesting translation exercise because you can translate it literally or more poetically or naturally.

I like, "But don't let anyone stand in your doorway and block it."

Thanks for your opinion and translation. They are great! - joygogo, Dec 31, 2013

You're welcome! - ElBúho, Dec 31, 2013

Answer 5

Hola, Roger,

Wow~, very poetic! Thank you very much. But I have questions about grammar.

(1) Since "alguien" is singular, is it alright to translate "May they enter"?

(2) In the clause "se queden la puerta porque estorban", why is the verb "queden", not "quede"? Is it because the subject is "impersonal se/they/alguien", not "la puerta"? And "se queden" is not a reflexive verb? Frankly, the sentence structure confuses me.

Edited part:

Roger, just skip Question (2). I ignored the word "en" in front of "la puerta". No wonder I was so confused. Sorry about that.