This site uses cookies. Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site, while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Cookie settings
  1. KudoZ™ Top
  2. Spanish to English
  3. Poetry & Literature

COMO - a question of creativity

English translation: Number 3 (with commas switched)

11:17 Aug 12, 2004
Spanish to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Poetry & Literature
Spanish term or phrase: COMO - a question of creativity
"esbozando personajes de enigmática expresión y componiendo escenas sensuales y litúrgicas como una noche de primavera."

This is a deliberately literary and overly visual quote, the closing of an article, and I am trying to figure out how "como" best fits. First, I want to know if "como" here will mean AS sensual and liturgical AS a spring night, or sensual and liturgical LIKE (such as) a spring night.

I have several possibilities; I would be most grateful if you could either put a bid in for one or suggest your own. Thank you!

1. sketching characters with enigmatic expressions and composing sensual and liturgical scenes like a spring night.

2. sketching characters with enigmatic expressions and composing sensual and liturgical scenes, like a spring night such as this.

3. sketching characters with enigmatic expressions and composing scenes, as sensual and liturgical as a spring night.

I know which one sounds the best, but I don't know that it's the most effective translation. The more suggestions the merrier, thank you! And by all means comment on liturgical if you like, it is weird I know.
Casey Butterfield
United States
English translation:Number 3 (with commas switched)
Explanation:
sketching characters with enigmatic expressions, and composing scenes as sensual and liturgical as a spring night.

I think this flows better, and the placing of the commas make a difference
Selected response from:

George Rabel
Local time: 11:02
Grading comment
Thank you answerers and peer commenters. I did leave out the and because of issues in the writing style and rhythm of the text that mean a long list works better than breaking it up with an and at the end. This particular case is more about rendering beautiful writing than about grammatically effective translation, but I appreciate the input of all.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +6Number 3 (with commas switched)
George Rabel
4bid for No. 1
anaell


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


7 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
bid for No. 1


Explanation:
I rather like option no.1.....

i wouldn't use "a spring night such as this" and in this case I think COMO is "as", although "like" can also be used....you're right it's a bit complicated.....

my vote is for option No.1
good luck :-))

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 9 mins (2004-08-12 11:27:02 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

after a re-read...another note

yo entiendo que el que está \"esbozando\" es el que \"compone\" las escenas como una noche de primavera, y no que las escenas sean como una noche de primavera....

anaell
Spain
Local time: 17:02
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in SpanishSpanish
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

17 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +6
Number 3 (with commas switched)


Explanation:
sketching characters with enigmatic expressions, and composing scenes as sensual and liturgical as a spring night.

I think this flows better, and the placing of the commas make a difference


George Rabel
Local time: 11:02
Native speaker of: Spanish
PRO pts in category: 83
Grading comment
Thank you answerers and peer commenters. I did leave out the and because of issues in the writing style and rhythm of the text that mean a long list works better than breaking it up with an and at the end. This particular case is more about rendering beautiful writing than about grammatically effective translation, but I appreciate the input of all.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Sandy T: correct! I would not use 'like' a spring night here....
18 mins
  -> thank you cielos. Absolutely not "like".
agree  Gabriela Abraham
27 mins
  -> Gracias, Gabriela ^
agree  maryel
36 mins
  -> Gracias, Maryel~
agree  Cecilia Della Croce
7 hrs
  -> Muchas gracias, Cecilia Della Croce ~`
agree  kellyn (X): Yes. And I also agree with your comment above: I do believe you need the "and" to round up the phrase: "and composing scenes.."
3 days 7 hrs
agree  cecilia_fraga: Suerte!
4 days
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

See also:
ProZ.com term search
Search millions of term translations
Close search
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search