"he didn't have the stomach for it" translation request

Question

How would you say this, "He didn't have the stomach for it."?

I mean 'stomach' the way someone may use the word 'nerve'. it is similar to courage or guts to hang in there in a difficult situation.

Answer 1

No aguanto mas = I can't stand any more, I can't handle any more. (for what it's worth).

Natasha said:

I'm pretty sure she meant either phrase would work -- that they're roughly equivalent.

William Chase said:

Heidita said:

Well, it is all very simple: no tener estómago para estoNo tengo estómago para esto: no aguanto más.

So are you saying that the literal translation would work or are you saying that the proper way to say it is "no aguanto mas?

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Answer 2

I'm pretty sure she meant either phrase would work -- that they're roughly equivalent.

William Chase said:

Heidita said:

Well, it is all very simple: no tener estómago para estoNo tengo estómago para esto: no aguanto más.

So are you saying that the literal translation would work or are you saying that the proper way to say it is "no aguanto mas?

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Answer 3

Heidita said:

Well, it is all very simple: no tener estómago para estoNo tengo estómago para esto: no aguanto más.

So are you saying that the literal translation would work or are you saying that the proper way to say it is "no aguanto mas'

Answer 4

Well, it is all very simple: no tener estómago para esto

No tengo estómago para esto: no aguanto más.

Answer 5

William Chase said:

You are on target. I am looking for a way to say it that has more of a visceral feel to it.

If that pun was intended, good one!

Answer 6

James,

You are on target. I am looking for a way to say it that has more of a visceral feel to it.

Answer 7

He just didn't have the stomach to be in this position anymore.

In that case, I personally would say it this way:

Ya no podía soportar estar en esta situación.

I know you're looking for something with more of the earthy feel of the English, but I can't think of anything that would work. Maybe a native speaker can help us out.

In the context you give here, the phrase is indeed being used as I originally defined it (endure, stand), rather than how you originally described it (being brave). So I would consider this correct usage.

Answer 8

Ok - maybe this will help:

"He had held out for so long. It seemed so many people were unhappy with his decision to not sell out his coworker. He thought he was bound to suffer much more personally and professionally if he didn't capitulate to managements demands. No one understood. He just didn't have the stomach to be in this position anymore. "

Answer 9

Natasha said:

Do you mean fortitude? I am not familiar with the way you are using this phrase, and do not find it in the dictionary.

Natasha, I just googled "didn't have the stomach for" and saw that many people seem to be using this phrase the way William is. Check it out.

William, translating such colloquial phrases is very context dependent, so again, we need the exact context to give you good suggestions. Give us a full sentence including this phrase, and preferably a sentence or two before or after.

Answer 10

LadyDi said:

How about, 'No tiene las agallas'?

Hey, LD, I vastly prefer your new look to the previous one!

Hablando de tener las agallas, siempre he querido saber algo. ¿Esta frase se refiere a las agallas de pez, or a las de árbol? Adivino que es lo de pez, pero me pregunto ¿por qué'

Answer 11

Do you mean fortitude? I am not familiar with the way you are using this phrase, and do not find it in the dictionary.

Answer 12

William Chase said:

I would want to use this phrase in a situation where someone could not endure the pressure of a situation, and took the easy route and compromised.

No aguantó la presión de la situación, y tomó la salida facil y se comprometió (fue en contra de sus principios).

That's a translation of the bold part above.

Answer 13

How about, 'No tiene las agallas''

Answer 14

Good questions.

I like the use of the word 'stomach' over 'nerve' or 'guts' in English for what I am trying to express. . It is more of a personal preference than anything, so I was hoping to find something in Spanish that picked up what I think is a subtle but important difference. To me, nerve and guts are more related to one time decisions to face some intense challenge of short duration. Having the stomach for something requires one to be able to face a more confusing , unsettling, even disturbing kind of challenge that may last quite awhile.

Any more thoughts'

Answer 15

I agree with James. In this situation, in English, people would more likely say "He didn´t have the guts for it" or the English version of the phrase James has given you (not as polite).

William Chase said:

I would want to use this phrase in a situation where someone could not endure the pressure of a situation, and took the easy route and compromised.

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