Spanish word of the day
Quote: WizardI'm sure land in Mexico City is valuable and there is seldom a totally vacant lot.
It's a big city. You see a few now and then.
There was a whole city block in Polanco which stood empty for 60 years or so, near as I can tell. In the late 90s, I think, they finally sold it off and El Palacio de Hierro built a big department store with a mall using about half. The other half is an office building for its parent company.
Quote:cocktail server = coctelera
"Coctelera" is an adjective pertaining to cocktails. As a noun it's used for the things used to mix a martini.
Quote:sexy = sexy
I think that one's the same in every language.
Quote:I tend to think these translations would annoy my former tutor. Aren't there pure Spanish words for these things, or did English take from Spanish?
Well, for "coctelera" I'd just use "mesera." In fact I'm a bit puzzled by the English term "cocktail waitress." It seems redundant for a waitress at a bar or casino.
But no, there are no Spanish equivalents.
Quote: NareedIn fact I'm a bit puzzled by the English term "cocktail waitress." It seems redundant for a waitress at a bar or casino.
I think to distinguish them from waitresses that serve food. Cocktail waitressing is a completely different gig -- one which mostly depends on how good you look in a skimpy outfit.
Fecha: 12-06-12
Palabra: Bombilla
Today's SWD means light bulb. That pretty much says it all -- a nice clean word.
The question for advanced readers is whether there is a etymology connection between bombilla y bombero (firefighter).
Ejemplo time.
Pregunta: ¿Cuántos psiquiatras estan necesario para cambiar una bombilla?
Question: How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb?
Por favor, repostas en Español.
Pregunta: ¿Cuántos psiquiatras estan necesario para cambiar una bombilla?
Respuesta: ¿Cuántos psiquiatras crees que hace falta para cambiar una bombilla?
Quote: Nareed"Coctelera" is an adjective pertaining to cocktails. As a noun it's used for the things used to mix a martini.
...
Well, for "coctelera" I'd just use "mesera." In fact I'm a bit puzzled by the English term "cocktail waitress."
But could "coctelera" refer to the girl, or just the mixing bottle.
Quote: WizardI think to distinguish them from waitresses that serve food. Cocktail waitressing is a completely different gig -- one which mostly depends on how good you look in a skimpy outfit.
I know that's common on the Strip, and elsewhere, but you get to see them in all kinds of looks, sizes and even ages. Regardless, I tip $1 every time.
Quote:Today's SWD means light bulb. That pretty much says it all -- a nice clean word.
Well, yes. But it's fallen in disuse for the most part. If you say it, people will know what you mean, but they won't use the word of their own initiative. In Mexico, the common word for light bulb is "foco." In second place it's "lámpara," which actually means "lamp."
BTW, "foco" means any kind of electric light source, be it a common light bulb, a fluorescent tube, an LED, a CFL, etc.
Quote:Pregunta: ¿Cuántos psiquiatras estan necesario para cambiar una bombilla?
"How many psychiatrists are being necessary to change a light bulb?"
"¿Cuántos psiquiatras SE NECESITAN para cambiar una bombilla?"
Quote: NareedI know that's common on the Strip, and elsewhere, but you get to see them in all kinds of looks, sizes and even ages. Regardless, I tip $1 every time.
That's fine. Personally, I tip more according to how attractive she is.
Quote: NareedWell, yes. But it's fallen in disuse for the most part.
Why? What was wrong with bombilla? Was it the connotation that it was a little bomb?
Your answer in the spoiler was correct!
Quote: WizardThat's fine. Personally, I tip more according to how attractive she is.
At the D, upstairs in the museum of superannuated slots and VP machines, I was served by a very sweet older woman. I tipped her $2 when I ordered cofee because she got the order right and took less than three minutes to deliver it.
So there.
Quote:Why? What was wrong with bombilla? Was it the connotation that it was a little bomb?
I don't know. What was wrong with "automobile" in English? yet virtually no one uses the term any more.
Quote:Your answer in the spoiler was correct!
Some years ago I wrote a bunch of Trek and Babylon 5 light bulb jokes, and I read a lot of known, common light bulb jokes. I don't know them all, but I do remember most of them.
BTW:
Q How many Marsies does it take to screw-in a light bulb?
A Mars will not be free untilt he sands run red with Earther blood!
Q How many Vorlons does it take to screw-in a light bulb?
A If you try to change a light bulb in Za'hadum you will die.
Q How many Centauri does it take to change a light bulb?
A None. They like it in the Shadows
Q How many Klingons does it take to change a light bulb?
A Seventeen Klingons need to fight each other to the death. The winner can then engage in battle with antoher species. What light bulb?
Q How many Borg does it take to change a light bulb?
A Duh! ALL of them, same as everything else.
Q How many Trekkies does it take to change a light bulb?
A Stop telling me to get a life!
Oh, well...
Fecha: 13-06-12
Palabra: Cadena
Today's SWD by itself means "chain." However, it comes up in a host of expressions. For example:
cadena de oruga = caterpillar track
cadena de sonido = sound system
efecto en cadena = knock-on effect
cadena de ensamblaje = assembly line
cadena perpetua = life imprisonment, life
tirar de la cadena = flush the toilet
Source: Reverso.
Even in English we use "chain" to mean multiple in some situations, like a restaurant chain.
Where I encountered the word was in the expression cadena de música, which was a translation of "boom box."
Ejemplo time.
Traté de tirar de la cadena, pero la cadena no se conectido con la válvula. = I tried to flush the toilet, but the chain wasn't connected to the flapper.
Sorry, I have no idea how to say "flapper" in Spanish, so fell back on "valve."
Quote: WizardThank you for the Trekkie jokes.
The first three are Babylon 5 jokes. And I doubt anyone other than Paco will identify this one:
Q How many Motie Engineers does it take to screw-in a light bulb?
A While you were asking the question, she repaired the light bulb and hooked it up to life support, it now also makes julienne fries.
Quote:I must admit that my credentials as a math nerd are lacking when it comes to Star Trek. For whatever reason, I just never past the first season, and even the first season I didn't like that much. Somehow it just didn't hit me right.
Did you ever see "Clowckwork Orange"? I'd buy a set of TNG and DS9 DVDs for a good cause ;P
Quote:Where I encountered the word was in the expression cadena de música, which was a translation of "boom box."
I've never heard of chain used that way. I think you may have confused it with CAJA de música. That term meant music box, you know, the old ones you wound and they kind of played simple tunes. But I've heard it used in reference to a boombox. It would amke mroe sense, too, because "caja" means "box."
Quote:Traté de tirar de la cadena, pero la cadena no se conectido con la válvula. = I tried to flush the toilet, but the chain wasn't connected to the flapper.
"...Pero la cadena NO ESTABA CONECTADA con..."
I don't know what a flapper is, outside of a 1920s party girl. If it's some kind of valve, then "válvula" is ok.
BTW, I've never seen a single toilet with a visible chain. But the phrase "flush the toilet," is "jálale al escusado." Literally that means "pull on the toilet." It must come from the time when you flushed a toilet by pulling on a chain, even if now all toilets either have a handle or a button.
But then people still say "hang up the phone" in connection with phones that don't have a hook or even a cradle.
Quote: NareedDid you ever see "Clowckwork Orange"?
Many times, and read the book. One of my favorites. I tend to like science fiction that is dark and edgy, and Clockwork Orange is a good example.
Quote:I've never heard of chain used that way. I think you may have confused it with CAJA de música.
I can show you a scan of the page of my book that says cadena de música if that will convince you. It is right here in front of me.
Quote:I don't know what a flapper is, outside of a 1920s party girl. If it's some kind of valve, then "válvula" is ok.
Toilets with a handle still use a chain inside the tank. When you push the handle it pulls a chain, which lifts the flapper valve, which releases water in the tank into the bowl. There is a bobber (note to Bill Gates: add this to word to your spell checker) that closes the flapper when the water reaches a certain level.
Quote: WizardMany times, and read the book. One of my favorites.
I stepped into it, I guess. I don't read books that need a dictionary. That includes "Dune" as well. I mean, asimov, Heinlein, and even Star Trek, manage to explain odd terms in context. Serious authors should be able to as well.
Quote:I can show you a scan of the page of my book that says cadena de música if that will convince you. It is right here in front of me.
Ok. That just pushes the problem back. The translator or author must have confused the terms. "Cadena" is indeed used in many ways, but most are similar to the word "chain" in english. Like:
Reacción en cadena = chain reaction
Cadena de tiendas = Store chain
Some not. For example, "cadena nacional" means all TV or radio stations and networks in the country all carry the same program. This used to be done with events like the Independence celebration, a weekly one hour radio show (the joke at the time was that it was an energy-saving measure, as everyone turned off their radios at that time), the equivalent to the state of the union speech, etc.
But I guarantee if you say "cadena de música," people will ask what you mean.
Quote: NareedQuote:Where I encountered the word was in the expression cadena de música, which was a translation of "boom box."
Q How many Motie Engineers does it take to screw-in a light bulb?
A While you were asking the question, she repaired the light bulb and hooked it up to life support, it now also makes julienne fries.
In this advertisement, Cadenas de música seems to refer to both an old style boom box, but also any "stereo system". The definition of "cadena" seems to be more like "network". I should note that the advertisement is from Spain, and not Latin America.
The related verb is: encadenar
- to chain
- to bind together, to connect
- to brace
-
to immobilize
A female engineer dies young in the middle of her fine work. Unfortunately there is a clerical error, and she finds herself in Hell. After a few weeks, St. Peter is checking through the books and he calls up Satan. "Satan, you know that young engineer was supposed to come to heaven, why didn't you send her up pronto?", Satan replies, "Are you kidding? She's the best thing to happen to hell in centuries. The air conditioning is working again, and the boats crossing the River Styx are not leaking anymore. I'm not sending her anyplace!". St. Peter is angry and tells Satan, "You just can't do that, it's not fair to her. She lived a good life". Satan says, "Well, I am Satan. What did you expect?". Now St. Peter is really steamed. He says to Satan, "So help me God, I'm going to sue?" Satan replies,
El remate del chiste en español¿Donde se va a encontrar un abogado?
Quote: pacomartinI should note that the advertisement is from Spain, and not Latin America.
Yes, well, that explains it. Spaniards don't speak Spanish. they speak Castillian :)
Quote:El remate del chiste en español
I don't think that's right. You wrote:
Quote: NareedSpaniards don't speak Spanish. they speak Castillian :)
My new tutor has the same attitude. Many times I've used Spanish words she never heard of and said "That's not a Spanish word." My usual answer is "I can prove to you it is a Spanish word; I think it is an everyday word in Spain." Her reply, "Well, that's Spain." She tones it in a way that she really doesn't care very much how Spanish is spoken there. My Argentine tutor would be horrified.
Quote: WizardSatan dice "Ya tengo todos los abogados."
Are you sure?
Quote:My new tutor has the same attitude. Many times I've used Spanish words she never heard of and said "That's not a Spanish word." My usual answer is "I can prove to you it is a Spanish word; I think it is an everyday word in Spain." Her reply, "Well, that's Spain." She tones it in a way that she really doesn't care very much how Spanish is spoken there. My Argentine tutor would be horrified.
My highschool Spanish teacher was rigid about vocabulary and grammar, but he disdained adopting Spaniard-style use of words.
The way to see it is how US English varies from the British variety. Except that for some reason there is more variation in Spanish and less cross-comprehension.
BTW, Spain, like many other European countries, is made up of former states or kingdoms which were either united, absorbed or conquered over time. While most of these shared a langauge to begin with, not all of them did. What we call "Spanish" was originally the language spoken in Castille, therefore it's referred to indistinctly as "Castellano" and "Español."
There are other languages in use in Spain, like Catalonian and Basque.
Palabra: Atragantarse
Today's SWD means to choke. A related word is garanta, which means throat.
The question for the advanced readers is whether atragantarse has any figurative meanings. For example, in English "choke" can also mean to miss an opportunity because you were nervous or under too much pressure. It is commonly used as a sports metaphor.
Ejemplo time.
Mastica bien tus comida para que no te atragantas. = Chew your food well so you don't choke.
In case anyone is thinking I'm confusing the verb tenses; I am trying (probably incorrectly) to use the imperative form of tú of masticar.
Quote: NareedThe way to see it is how US English varies from the British variety. Except that for some reason there is more variation in Spanish and less cross-comprehension.
What we call "Spanish" was originally the language spoken in Castille, therefore it's referred to indistinctly as "Castellano" and "Español."
The British colonies did not reach a million people until roughly 1750. They had a huge growth spurt which was tied into the calls for independence. By the time of the first census in 1790 there were almost 4 million people (400% in 40 years). By comparison the population grew 400% in the 100 years of the 20th century. The publication of Samuel Johnson's English dictionary in 1755 did a lot to standardize spelling and grammar of the English language.
Considering both that the Spain had a major settlement in Hispaniola in 1493, and conquered Mexico in 1520, there is quite a lot longer to be divided from the mother country. Plus the American Revolution was almost a spat compared to the wars of independence in Latin America. Combined with English dominance of world politics in the 19th century and the continued cultural exchange between the USA and Britain, it is no wonder that the two dialects are fairly comprehensible to one another.
The Real Academia Española was formed in 1713, but by that point the New World versions of Spanish had over 2 centuries to diverge from the European version.
Quote: WizardToday's SWD means to choke. A related word is garanta, which means throat.
garGanta
Quote:The question for the advanced readers is whether atragantarse has any figurative meanings.
No.
Quote:Mastica bien tus comida para que no te atragantas. = Chew your food well so you don't choke.
"Chew your foods well so you don't choke"
"Mastica bien tu comida para que no te atragentEs"
Quote: NareedatragentEs
Ah, the subjunctive. I keep forgetting about that -- not that I ever really knew in the first place.
RE: Sexy
Quote: NareedI think that one's the same in every language.
I think I can vouch that the word has made its way into German as well.
Quote: WizardAh, the subjunctive. I keep forgetting about that -- not that I ever really knew in the first place.
Let's not engage in Greek til we master Spanish, ok? ;)
Quote:RE: Sexy
I think I can vouch that the word has made its way into German as well.
This reminds me of the lowest test score I ever saw. I will clarify it wasn't my test. It was an English test at school with a simple fill-in-the-blanks format. This guy left all the blanks unfilled, except one where he wrote "sexy." His score was 0.5 out of 10 (there were twenty blanks to fill).
Quote: NareedThis reminds me of the lowest test score I ever saw. I will clarify it wasn't my test. It was an English test at school with a simple fill-in-the-blanks format. This guy left all the blanks unfilled, except one where he wrote "sexy." His score was 0.5 out of 10 (there were twenty blanks to fill).
That's a good story. I hope his parents got a good laugh, or cry, out of that.
Fecha: 15/06/12
Palabra: despejar
Today's SWD means to clear, as in to clear an area. It should not be confused with vaciar, which means to empty. In the reflexive, despejarse means more like to "clear up." For example, "the weather is clearing up."
No question for the advanced readers today.
Ejemplo time.
A la fiesta, jugué música de Klezmer, pero sólo lo despejó el piso de bailar. = At the party, I played some Klezmer music, but it only cleared the dance floor.
Sorry, but I have no idea how to translate Klezmer into Spanish, but imagine it would be the same. I'm all in favor of starting a special thread about Klezmer music, if anyone has the interest.
Quote: NareedThis reminds me of the lowest test score I ever saw. I will clarify it wasn't my test. It was an English test at school with a simple fill-in-the-blanks format. This guy left all the blanks unfilled, except one where he wrote "sexy."
My cousin's mother in law is from an inland city in the Dominican Republic and speaks about ten words of English. Her family was taking her to dinner one day in the USA and she got very animated in her discussion with her daughter. Her daughter said she wanted to know why the entire menu was in English except for a single prominent Spanish word.
A big hint is that the common menu word (in the desert section) is in actuality neither Spanish or English:
Quote: WizardToday's SWD means to clear, as in to clear an area.
I think it means to find the inverse of a function in Mathematics. As in given the first equation, derive the second.
y=sqrt(x^2 + 3)
x=sqrt(y^2 - 3)
Sheldon playing klezmar
Quote: WizardA la fiesta, jugué música de Klezmer, pero sólo lo despejó el piso de bailar. = At the party, I played some Klezmer music, but it only cleared the dance floor.
"To the party, I toyed Klezmer music, but it only cleared the floor of dance." It's actually fun re-translating in order to keep all errors in :)
"EN la fiesta TOQUÉ música de Klezmer, pero solo despejó la PISTA de bailE."
Quote: pacomartin
That is one of my favorite scenes from the BBT.
Quote: Nareed"EN la fiesta TOQUÉ música de Klezmer, pero solo despejó la PISTA de bailE."
Perhaps I wasn't clear, but I meant that I played the music on a cadena me música; I didn't actually get out instruments and play. So, would it still be tocar? Also, I thought that pista meant a court, like a basketball court. Yes, dances are often held on them, but what if I meant more like a large room in someone's house where people were dancing? That is what I meant, but admit I didn't make it clear.
Finally, speaking of Klezmer music, one thing led to another in my head, and I got to wondering what does mazel tov mean? Is it more like "congratulations," "good luck," "cheers," or anything else?
Quote: WizardPerhaps I wasn't clear, but I meant that I played the music on a cadena me música; I didn't actually get out instruments and play. So, would it still be tocar?
Yes. Cosnider these words:
Record player = Tocadiscos
Tape palyer= Tocacintas
See?
You could say "pusé música Klezmer..." also. But you do not use "jugar" in connection with playing music, be it actually playing a musical isntrument or just playing it on a device like a radio.
Quote:Also, I thought that pista meant a court, like a basketball court. Yes, dances are often held on them, but what if I meant more like a large room in someone's house where people were dancing? That is what I meant, but admit I didn't make it clear.
I just work here :) In every case where there's a dance area it's called "pista de baile." I don't know if that would be so at a party at someone's home. More likley it wouldn't be called anything in aprticular or referred to in any way.
Quote:Finally, speaking of Klezmer music, one thing led to another in my head, and I got to wondering what does mazel tov mean? Is it more like "congratulations," "good luck," "cheers," or anything else?
I think it means something like "good fortune," but I'm not sure. It could mean a general kind of blessing, too. I do know "Tov" is Hebrew for "good," or "well," or perhaps "all right."
Have you tried Wikipedia?
Just curious, what do you have to say about Klezmer? It is an interesting music. I have A LOT of connections to it (but don't play myself). Feel free to start a thread.Quote: WizardSorry, but I have no idea how to translate Klezmer into Spanish, but imagine it would be the same. I'm all in favor of starting a special thread about Klezmer music, if anyone has the interest.
Fiddler on the Roof (the song Sheldon plays) is definitively not Klezmer. Here is some real Klezmer. (Actually pretty good).
Congratulations only. In other words, post hoc rather than a priori "good luck." Cheers is "L'Chaim (to life)."Quote:Finally, speaking of Klezmer music, one thing led to another in my head, and I got to wondering what does mazel tov mean? Is it more like "congratulations," "good luck," "cheers," or anything else?
Quote: NareedYou could say "pusé música Klezmer..." also. But you do not use "jugar" in connection with playing music, be it actually playing a musical isntrument or just playing it on a device like a radio.
It is sometimes helpful to remember that Spanish "jugar" comes from the Latin "jocor" sometimes spelled "iocor" which means "joke, sport, pastime". Importantly the English word joke is a direct descendant. In any case it has nothing to do with music.
In English the word "play" is from Anglo Saxon "plegian" which means "to exercise, frolic, perform music". It is not related to any Latin word, so it has no direct translation. Spanish uses a half a dozen words for when English uses the verb "play".
Quote: teddysIs it more like "congratulations," "good luck," "cheers," or anything else?
Gracias, Teddy. Please come by and visit us in the SWD more often.
Fecha: 16-06-12
Palabra: Naricear
There is no direct English equivalent but today's SWD. However, it is obviously derived from nariz (nose). I may not have this exactly right, but it seems to mean to use your nose to smell something out or, in a figurative sense, to put it into something where is may not belong (as in "Take your nose out of my business.")
Other nose related words are olor (oder), and oler (to smell).
Ejemplo time.
Gilligan va a naricear quién está robando los pasteles de Mary Ann. = Gilligan is going to sniff out who has been stealing Mary Ann's pies.
Quote: WizardThere is no direct English equivalent but today's SWD.
Two online dictionaries failed to find it, as did two Spanish-English dictionaries.
The DRAE defines it as "to pass a rope through a hole in the nose of a cow in order to make it obey or walk."
But meanings aside, your example was ok.
i usually use rae.es which did return the definition you used.
but i have seen it in the context mentioned by wizard at reverso and spanishdict,
which i think you do not like. no?
Quote: WongBoi am curious, which dictionaries failed to find it?
I don't remember. I picked two at random from Google.
Quote:but i have seen it at reverso and spanishdict, which i think you do not like. no?
The Wizard has come up with some daffy definitions from each.
Quote: WongBobut i have seen it in the context mentioned by wizard at reverso and spanishdict, which i think you do not like. no?
Nareed has a particular aversion to SpanishDict.com. It got to be such a sticking point that I quit quoting from it, although I still secretly use it when I feel I need a second opinion after consulting Reverso, which is my primary source now.
Fecha: 17-06-12
Palabra: Mimar
Today's SWD means to spoil, as it in to pamper. It should not be confused with estropear and the expression echar a perder, which also mean to spoil, but the kind of "spoil" as in to ruin something.
Ejemplo time.
No da esa niña mimada una ardilla entrenado. = Don't give that spoiled girl a trained squirrel.
Trivia time: What is the literary reference above?
veruca salt
in the remake of charlie and the chocolate factory.
that was the my favorite scene in the movie.
Quote: Wizard¡Feliz día de los padres a todos los padres en el mundo!
"Día DEL padre..."
Quote:Today's SWD means to spoil, as it in to pamper.
It means to pamper too much, which may or may not lead to "spoiling" a child. but it doesn't mean to spoil.
Quote:No da esa niña mimada una ardilla entrenado. = Don't give that spoiled girl a trained squirrel.
"That pampered girls does not give a training squirrel."
Depending on whom you're addressing, whether person in particular or the world at large, it would be:
"No le deS a esa niña mimada una ardilla entrenaDA," or for the latter "No le deN a esa niña mimada una ardilla entrenaDA,"
Since the movie was named "wild child" in English you would think they would use "alocada" or "desenfrenada" in the translated title. Instead they use "mimada".
Quote: pacomartinSince the movie was named "wild child" in English you would think they would use "alocada" or "desenfrenada" in the translated title. Instead they use "mimada".
You'll notice the image you posted is in Portuguese.
Quote: NareedYou'll notice the image you posted is in Portuguese.
I should have been cued in by the word "nova". They seem to use all different adjectives.
Earlier today I went to the dry cleaners and noticed the cashier was named Lupe. This naturally led me to ask if she was named after the Virgin Guadalupe. This led to a conversation about naming customs in Mexico. She said that every day of the year has some name associated with it in Mexico, and it is very traditional there to name a baby according to the day he/she was born on. She then made a comment along the lines that you could often tell if someone was born in Mexico or not by whether his/her name corresponded to his/her birthday, as this custom is not much followed by Mexican-Americans.
Nareed, what is your take on this?
Quote: WizardEarlier today I went to the dry cleaners and noticed the cashier was named Lupe. This naturally led me to ask if she was named after the Virgin Guadalupe.
If you walk into a random subway station and throw a stone at the the throng, chances are good it will hit someone named Lupe.
Quote:Nareed, what is your take on this?
That's a Catholic custom I know next to nothing about. Something to do with there being a saint for every day of the year for some reason.
I can tell you most people are named by reasons having to do with their parents tastes, choices and obligations. One more or less common custom is to name the first born son after the father.
For examples, i know a lot of Lupes, mostly women, but none as far as I know were born on December 12th.
Quote: WizardEarlier today I went to the dry cleaners and noticed the cashier was named Lupe. This naturally led me to ask if she was named after the Virgin Guadalupe.
Lupe and Lupita are both names from the Virgin Guadalupe. Also keep in mind that most Mexican Americans are from small cities and rural towns. Greater Mexico City is a giant magnet for internal immigration. Many times Mexican Americans talk about traditional culture, while Nareed isn't small town and wasn't even raised Catholic.
I've heard Lupe Ontiveros speak, who has worked for half a century in TV and movies. She reacts very strongly to people who find fault with her having plaid a maid between 150 and 300 times onscreen. She is very defensive about her portrayals. As she got older, she did get a greater variety of roles.
Quote: NareedFor examples, i know a lot of Lupes, mostly women, but none as far as I know were born on December 12th.
Thanks for the above. The Lupe at the dry cleaners said she was named after her grandmother, because she was born shortly after the grandmother died. I guess in the spirit of keeping the memory of the grandmother alive.
A bit off topic, but back in college a female friend of mine was engaged to an Mexican-American man (meaning American by citizenship but Mexican by race), but with deep family roots in Mexico. They set a wedding date a long time in advance, probably 6-12 months. However, the bride's grandmother died about two weeks before the wedding. I don't recall all the details, but it was strongly suggested by the family of the groom that the wedding be postponed, out of respect to the grandmother. However, the wedding was in the U.S., and big weddings here cost a fortune, and are not easily postponed. In the end, the wedding went out as scheduled. I think because the wife's family was paying for it. I hear it caused a lot of tension, but life must go on. Personally, I would have supported the decision to go on as planned, had I had anything to do with it. Life is for the living.
Fecha: 06-18-12
Palabra: Ruega
Today's SWD means request (noun). If you want the verb for to request the closest one in Spanish would probably be solicitar. The verb pedir, while generally translated as "to ask," seems to also have connotations of requesting. Ruega seems to come from the verb rogar, which means to beg.
However, I submit to the Acadamia Real Española that there is a difference between begging and requesting. The word for a request should not be based on the verb for beg. I request the Academia think this over.
Ejemplo time.
Puedo hacer una ruega que cuando jugamos Monopolio que jugamos con las reglas oficiales. = May I make a request that when we play Monopoly that we play by the official rules.
On that note, let me say that I can't stand it when people add their own rules to Monopoly. Don't even get me started on the "free parking"rule. There will be none of that crap if I'm playing. And don't request to be the hat either.
Some of the conjugations of "rogar" are
ruego 1st person present
ruega 3rd person present
rogué 1st person preterite
The English word rogue may be related, as it implies a beggar who is always asking for money. Although that makes sense, the OED says there is no evidence of that etymology.
Quote: WizardToday's SWD means request (noun).
It can be used that way. The definition is ambiguous, as it says it means "súplica o petición."
So if in an airplane the stewardess says "rogamos a los pasajeros apagar sus teléfonos celulares," you may take that to mean it's a formal request.
Quote:However, I submit to the Acadamia Real Española that there is a difference between begging and requesting. The word for a request should not be based on the verb for beg. I request the Academia think this over.
Absolutely. I use it as "beg" only. If I want to make a request I will go with "te pido...," or "le solicito...
Quote:Puedo hacer una ruega que cuando jugamos Monopolio que jugamos con las reglas oficiales. = May I make a request that when we play Monopoly that we play by the official rules.
You're missing the question signs on both examples, aren't you?
Anyway, you do not "make" requests in Spanish with that word. So: "Les ruego que cuando juguemos Monopolio...."
Other than that you went too wordy witht he second part. So: "Les ruego que cuando juguemos Monopolio lo hagamos con las reglas oficiales."
Quote:On that note, let me say that I can't stand it when people add their own rules to Monopoly. Don't even get me started on the "free parking"rule. There will be none of that crap if I'm playing. And don't request to be the hat either.
The official rules say properties are to be put up for auction if the player who lands on one doens't buy it, or eprhaps even if she does (I'm not sure). And free parking is the jackpot, isn't it? :)
Quote: NareedThe official rules say properties are to be put up for auction if the player who lands on one doens't buy it, or eprhaps even if she does (I'm not sure). And free parking is the jackpot, isn't it? :)
Thanks for your comments on rogar. Yes, absolutely a property is put up for auction if the person who landed it on an unowned property declines to buy it. However, 95%+ of the time the player will invoke the right to buy, at least good players. This is a rule that is seldom actually followed though.
Palabra: alborotar
Today's SWD means to make a racket. The word for a racket (noun) is alboroto.
The assignment for the advanced readers is to compare and contrast alboroto y bulla.
Ejemplo time.
Gilligan, dejás alborotas; el Capitan está tratando de dormir. = Gilligan, quit making a racket, the Skipper is trying to sleep.
Quote: WizardThanks for your comments on rogar. Yes, absolutely a property is put up for auction if the person who landed it on an unowned property declines to buy it. However, 95%+ of the time the player will invoke the right to buy, at least good players. This is a rule that is seldom actually followed though.
My strategy is to buy anything I land on, regardless of other considerations. Either I can use it or I can trade it. Or I can spoil someone.
But I've never done the auction thing when playing with people, even on a computer. I've done it when playing alone against the computer.
Quote: WizardThe assignment for the advanced readers is to compare and contrast alboroto y bulla.
As a verb alborotar could also mean not just too agitate but also to cause joy.
As a verb bullir could mean to literally cause something to boil, but also to make people act like they are boiling.
============================
alborotar. (Quizá del lat. volūtare, agitar, cruzado con alborozar).
1. tr. Inquietar, alterar, conmover, perturbar.
2. tr. Amotinar, sublevar.
3. tr. encrespar (‖ las ondas del agua).
4. tr. p. us. Causar alegría.
alborozar (De alborozo).
1. tr. Causar extraordinario regocijo, placer o alegría.
2. tr. ant. Causar extraordinario desorden.
bullir. (Del lat. bullīre).
1. intr. Dicho del agua o de otro líquido: hervir (‖ producir burbujas por la acción del calor).
2. intr. Dicho de una cosa: Agitarse con movimiento parecido al del agua que hierve.
3. intr. Dicho de una masa de personas, animales u objetos: Agitarse a semejanza del agua hirviendo.
4. intr. Dicho de una persona: Moverse, agitarse con viveza excesiva, no parar, no estarse quieta en ninguna parte.
5. intr. Moverse como dando señal de vida. U. t. c. prnl.
6. intr. Dicho de cosas de una misma naturaleza: Ocurrir con frecuencia y actividad. Bullir las pláticas. Bullir las asonadas.
7. tr. mover (‖ menear). Don Quijote no bullía pie ni mano.
8. tr. ant. Revolver algo. Bullir una confección farmacéutica.
Real Academia Española © Todos los derechos reservados
