Translating a simple paragraph (Exercise 8-16)

[laepelba]

Continuing to work through a book of basic Spanish grammar exercises, in an attempt to fill in some of the "holes" in the learning that I've done so far. It has been (I believe) very fruitful so far.

One of the exercises in the chapter covering reflexive verbs and reflexive constructions asks me to translate a simple paragraph from English to Spanish. I feel a bit better about this one than about some of the previous ones... I failed to look up a couple of conjugations that I should have, but I am relatively comfortable with my errors.... (Way fewer questions, not because I suddenly got smarter but because the paragraph is so much shorter....)

I want to ask some questions, though. So I'm going to include here (1) the original English paragraph, (2) my original translation, and (3) the "corrected" translation. I will indicate my questions at the bottom of this post.


My Questions:
(1) Is "mirando" equivalent to "a ver" here?
(2) Why "unos" instead of "los"? And, what is this "seres" thing? I can't find it anywhere....
(3) Is the "ellos" necessary here?
(4) Is it always "a" when one is looking in a mirror?
(5) Why imperfect instead of preterit?
(6) Does "parecer" need the "a" instead of "como"?
(7) Does "in a dream" always translate as "de un sueño"?

As always, THANK YOU soooo much!!

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by laepelba

My Questions:
(1) Is "mirando" equivalent to "a ver" here?
(2) Why "unos" instead of "los"? And, what is this "seres" thing? I can't find it anywhere....
(3) Is the "ellos" necessary here?
(4) Is it always "a" when one is looking in a mirror?
(5) Why imperfect instead of preterit?
(6) Does "parecer" need the "a" instead of "como"?
(7) Does "in a dream" always translate as "de un sueño"?

As always, THANK YOU soooo much!!

1) No. The verb empezar must be followed by a preposition. In this case, it's 'a'. Ver is always the correct verb to use when you mean 'to watch' television.
2) The definite article doesn't belong in a general reference. Un ser is a being. Seres is the plural (beings).
3) No.
4) I think you got this one right, in the literal sense. I think the textbook is taking some kind of literary license. Wait for an expert.
5) The imperfect is used to describe one's features in the past.
6) Yes. Parece a is always used to mean 'looks like'.
7) The 'extraterrestrial in his dream' is a reference. I think that is why the word 'de' is used instead of 'en'. This is common, but you can also use 'en'.

EDIT: To help explain my answer on number 4), have a look here. (It's all in Spanish, but you were right.)

[ookami]

@Rusty: I have a question about point 1): "mirar" is also OK when you mean "to watch" television no? At less here we use "mirar" and "ver" TV as interchangeable.

[laepelba]

Thanks, both of you! Like I said, I didn't have many in-depth questions on this one... But I have to say that the whole "seres" thing had me going because it wouldn't come up in a dictionary, and kept pointing me back to the verb "ser" ... it didn't occur to me that the verb "ser" would be related to a word for "being"..... Brilliant! That's one I'll never forget. Now ... off to have a look at your website, Rusty. Thanks again!!

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by ookami

@Rusty: I have a question about point 1): "mirar" is also OK when you mean "to watch" television no? At less here we use "mirar" and "ver" TV as interchangeable.

You are correct about your usage. Both terms are used in Argentina, and 'mirar' is the more common of the two. In Spain, however, most people use 'ver'.
Much discussion can be followed on the internet about the 'proper' verb to use. In the end, Lou Ann, when in Rome ...

[laepelba]

Originally Posted by Rusty

You are correct about your usage. Both terms are used in Argentina, and 'mirar' is the more common of the two. In Spain, however, most people use 'ver'.
Much discussion can be followed on the internet about the 'proper' verb to use. In the end, Lou Ann, when in Rome ...

Funny ... it seems that I will find myself in "Rome" quite soon...........

[ookami]

Thanks Rusty I wish I could travel to Rome soon! (or "soon" is better in another part of the sentence?)

[Rusty]

@ookami: 'soon' is correctly placed.

[Bolboreta]

En España tanto mirarse en el espejo como mirarse al espejo son correctas y perfectamente intercambiables :-)

No es necesario decir Seres extraterrestres, lo que tenías escrito es correcto: Soñó con (unos) extraterrestres.

Tampoco me gusta el "ellos" en la frase "ellos se enamoraron y se casaron". Suena a traducción literal del inglés. Me parece mucho más natural lo que tú habías puesto: Se enamoraron y se casaron. El quiénes, se entiende por la frase anterior.

Así que si fuera yo quien tuviera que corregir tu ejercicio, serían tres errores menos

[laepelba]

Originally Posted by Bolboreta

En España tanto mirarse en el espejo como mirarse al espejo son correctas y perfectamente intercambiables :-)

No es necesario decir Seres extraterrestres, lo que tenías escrito es correcto: Soñó con (unos) extraterrestres.

Tampoco me gusta el "ellos" en la frase "ellos se enamoraron y se casaron". Suena a traducción literal del inglés. Me parece mucho más natural lo que tú habías puesto: Se enamoraron y se casaron. El quiénes, se entiende por la frase anterior.

Así que si fuera yo quien tuviera que corregir tu ejercicio, serían tres errores menos

Gracias, Bolboreta! That is very encouraging!!