Ask a Question

(Create a thread)
Go Back   Spanish language learning forums > Spanish & English Languages > Translations
Register Help/FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Search PenpalsTranslator


Must Not Have.......

 

If you need help translating a sentence or longer piece of text, use this forum. For translations or definitions of a single word or idiom, use the vocabulary forum.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old December 07, 2021, 09:05 PM
Bobbert's Avatar
Bobbert Bobbert is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Southwestern USA
Posts: 295
Native Language: American English
Bobbert is on a distinguished road
Must Not Have.......

I wanted to say: We must not have noticed that Lilia came home last night. I was unsure how to say it, so I didn't

But now that I have had time to think about it, I'm still not totally sure. Are either of these correct?

No nos debemos haber dado cuenta que Lilia volvió a casa anoche.

No nos habremos dado cuenta que Lilia volvió a casa anoche.


The first sentence comes to mind because it is closer to a word-for-word translation, but I THINK I have seen the second construct to mean "must not have," but I'm unsure, so any input with explanations is appreciated.
Reply With Quote
   
Get rid of these ads by registering for a free Tomísimo account.
  #2  
Old December 08, 2021, 01:35 PM
poli's Avatar
poli poli is online now
rule 1: gravity
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In and around New York
Posts: 7,851
Native Language: English
poli will become famous soon enoughpoli will become famous soon enough
I don't think that must has the imperative meaning that it usually has in English
in this case.I would translate with probablamente or a lo mejor. There is another way of saying it with the imperfect subjunctive--i believe, but i would leave that solution up to someone with a more perfect command of the language.
__________________
Me ayuda si corrige mis errores. Gracias.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old December 08, 2021, 03:27 PM
Rusty's Avatar
Rusty Rusty is offline
Señor Speedy
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 11,368
Native Language: American English
Rusty has a spectacular aura aboutRusty has a spectacular aura about
You almost got it right.

No debemos habernos dado cuenta de que ...
-or-
No nos debemos haber dado cuenta de que ...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old December 09, 2021, 11:33 AM
Bobbert's Avatar
Bobbert Bobbert is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Southwestern USA
Posts: 295
Native Language: American English
Bobbert is on a distinguished road
Thanks. I'm glad to know that I was close.

Does that mean that my second option

No nos habremos dado cuenta de que Lilia volvió a casa anoche

is completely off base?

I'm not sure why I thought using the future tense of "haber" was a viable option.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old December 09, 2021, 01:47 PM
Rusty's Avatar
Rusty Rusty is offline
Señor Speedy
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 11,368
Native Language: American English
Rusty has a spectacular aura aboutRusty has a spectacular aura about
There's no reason to use the future tense in this case, especially to mean what you wrote.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old December 10, 2021, 12:49 PM
Bobbert's Avatar
Bobbert Bobbert is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Southwestern USA
Posts: 295
Native Language: American English
Bobbert is on a distinguished road
Thank you, Rusty.
Reply With Quote
Reply

 

Link to this thread
URL: 
HTML Link: 
BB Code: 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Site Rules


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:23 AM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X