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. Portuguese to English
  3. Military / Defense

Ao cumprimentar Vossa Excelência

English translation: leave it out

13:34 Mar 1, 2018
Portuguese to English translations [PRO]
Military / Defense
Portuguese term or phrase: Ao cumprimentar Vossa Excelência
This is the first line in a formal letter, from a military officer to the commander:
"Ao cumprimentar Vossa Excelência, passo a tratar sobre..."

I'm sure I could just leave it out, but I'm wondering whether anyone knows a good formal equivalent in English.
John Milan
United States
Local time: 19:31
English translation:leave it out
Explanation:
Just translate the contents of the letter and start with a regular greeting such as

Dear (Rank and last name)

http://www.formsofaddress.info/Lieutenant.html

Letter salutation:
Dear Lieutenant (surname):

-------------
Even though there are formalities in the military, starting a letter by saying the equivalent of "Ao cumprimentar Vossa Excelência" would just sound strange in English to say the least.
Selected response from:

Gilmar Fernandes
United States
Local time: 19:31
Grading comment
Yes, in the end, I just reworded the greeting and left it out. Thanks!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +2leave it out
Gilmar Fernandes
3 +2Sir,
Richard Purdom
4After my compliments/salutation to Your Excellency
Sid Ralph (X)
4Upon greeting Your Excellency
Oliver Simões


  

Answers


4 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
After my compliments/salutation to Your Excellency


Explanation:
:)

Sid Ralph (X)
Brazil
Local time: 20:31
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in PortuguesePortuguese
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

6 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
Upon greeting Your Excellency


Explanation:
It sounds a little too pompous in English. I would probably suggest something less patronizing. Good luck.

Oliver Simões
United States
Local time: 16:31
Native speaker of: Native in PortuguesePortuguese
PRO pts in category: 4
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

40 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +2
leave it out


Explanation:
Just translate the contents of the letter and start with a regular greeting such as

Dear (Rank and last name)

http://www.formsofaddress.info/Lieutenant.html

Letter salutation:
Dear Lieutenant (surname):

-------------
Even though there are formalities in the military, starting a letter by saying the equivalent of "Ao cumprimentar Vossa Excelência" would just sound strange in English to say the least.

Gilmar Fernandes
United States
Local time: 19:31
Native speaker of: Native in PortuguesePortuguese, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 16
Grading comment
Yes, in the end, I just reworded the greeting and left it out. Thanks!

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Mario Freitas: Yes, in English we use "you" not "puxa-saquices".
1 hr
  -> lol.....Thanks Mário :)
agree  Frank Miller
2 hrs
  -> Thanks Frank :)
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +2
Sir,


Explanation:
if this is military hierarchy, maybe you could use this. Otherwise leave it out, it's meaningless forelock tugging.

Richard Purdom
Portugal
Local time: 00:31
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 4

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Frank Miller: Having dealt with military texts and grown up in the military, this or "Dear Sir," is probably the best way to go. Military, as you probably know, is hierarchy- and respect-based, but other translations seem exaggerated.
20 mins
  -> Thanks Frank
agree  Helga CF
3 days 20 hrs
  -> Thanks Helga
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