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Que tem sido a minha vida?

English translation: What has my life been?

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
Portuguese term or phrase:Que tem sido a minha vida?
English translation:What has my life been?
Entered by: Oliver Simões

12:18 Jan 25, 2019
Portuguese to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Poetry & Literature / Fernando Pessoa
Portuguese term or phrase: Que tem sido a minha vida?
Not sure how to translate this question. What has my life been? What has my life become? What have I done with my life? I don't like the last option, since it doesn't seem to convey a fatalistic view of life. What would you guys suggest?

"Durmo, desperto e sozinho.
Que tem sido a minha vida?
Velas de inútil moinho —
Um movimento sem lida...
Durmo, desperto e sozinho."

PS: The line right after will probably be translated as "Vanes of a useless windmill". I'm trying to maintain the "v" alliteration (i.e. vanes, movement).
Oliver Simões
United States
Local time: 10:13
What has my life been?
Explanation:
I think your sugestion might be the best suit.
Selected response from:

Vinícius da Silva
Brazil
Local time: 14:13
Grading comment
Thank you for confirming, Vinícius. I think a more literal translation works best in my context. I found several examples online, including this one: "Shades of my father and mother! what has my life been? It might have been the best life; I have had everything; I have thrown all away. Oh, my God, I am lost!"
2 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4What has my life been?
Vinícius da Silva
3what was the meaning of my life ?/what was the purpose of my life?
Verginia Ophof


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
what was the meaning of my life ?/what was the purpose of my life?


Explanation:
something in that vein


Verginia Ophof
Belize
Local time: 11:13
Meets criteria
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 87
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
What has my life been?


Explanation:
I think your sugestion might be the best suit.

Vinícius da Silva
Brazil
Local time: 14:13
Does not meet criteria
Native speaker of: Portuguese
PRO pts in category: 2
Grading comment
Thank you for confirming, Vinícius. I think a more literal translation works best in my context. I found several examples online, including this one: "Shades of my father and mother! what has my life been? It might have been the best life; I have had everything; I have thrown all away. Oh, my God, I am lost!"
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