So I'm going to be getting a tattoo and the significance of it to me is all tied up in the phrase "no regrets"...It's going to be on the side of my lower back, so not that visible. Even so though, I don't want just anyone to be able to read and understand it right away. This is why (and I'm a bilingual Canadian, so I'm fluent in french too) I want to translate it to french.
The thing is, it doesn't translate exactly as I'd like it...I want to use the word "aucun" to replace no, so I'd say "aucun regret", but that means "no regret" without an s....there's no right way to translate "no regrets" using the word "aucun". Anyways, when I read the phrase "aucun regrets", in my mind I automatically think "no regrets", but I know this is wrong. I still like it though.
So, here's the question: do you think it's ok to sacrifice proper grammer in a translation for meaning, or should grammar always be respected, espcially since a tattoo's permanent??
2007-11-07 06:09:33 · 6 answers · asked by keitha_07 1 in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body ➔ Tattoos
A tattoo is meaningful to the person who wears it. If you are ok with the translation and grammar then that is your decision. The only people who are going to know what it translates to are French speaking individuals. And even then, they aren't going to see it off the bat. So, I say if it means that much to you....go for it!
2007-11-07 06:23:13 · answer #1 · answered by Wonder Woman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most languages outside of English don't translate exactly word for word because English doesn't have a base of one area like French does. If you want French sacrifice grammar for a translation meaning the same thing. Don't mess around with the French if that's what it means. I love the idea and you obviously have thought put into it. Go for it, talk to an artist and ask them about looks for positioning in comparison to how ever big you want it.
2007-11-07 11:16:41 · answer #2 · answered by ~Les~ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's your tattoo so get it done the way you want it done. Who cares about grammar anyways? These days, everyone is making up their own language and new words, or changing the meaning of words.
2007-11-07 06:22:52 · answer #3 · answered by Kim W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try the phrase form the Edith Piaf song (ask Grandma). She sang "Je ne regrette rien." which is probably too long, but the hook in the song was " Rien de rien". That would have meaning for you, but not immediately for any one else. Hope this helps.
2007-11-07 06:21:44 · answer #4 · answered by SKCave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's always the chance that your friends will see it and say "Wait a minute..." for the rest of your life... I'd go with a different phrase with the same meaning.
2007-11-07 07:30:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say it's your body and you will have to live with this forever so whatever you want to do. I feel it would be fine but if you are a little hesitant about it now then I would consider doing something else.
2007-11-07 06:14:16 · answer #6 · answered by Alliance Kicks Horde Butt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋