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natales grate numeras

English translation: Grow old gracefully.

17:07 Sep 6, 2000
Latin to English translations [Non-PRO]
Latin term or phrase: natales grate numeras
This was a question sent to me by a friend...I haven't a clue to the meaning
Courtney
English translation:Grow old gracefully.
Explanation:
The best rendition is: "Grow old gracefully."

Yes indeed, the literal meaning is in fact, "Number your birthdays willingly." HOWEVER...

With proverbial sayings like this one, it is far better to find a close proverb in the target language, if possible, rather than a literal translation. "GROW OLD GRACEFULLY" is the best selection for three reasons:

1) The Latin saying alliterates two of its three words, with the initial N sound. The equivalent English proverb also alliterates two of its three words, on the initial GR consonant cluster.

2) The English saying includes a word ("gracefully) derived from a Latin root ("grat-") that actually occurs in the source text. This is generally a happy coincidence, when a translation can actually re-use a bit of the original without irritating target-language listeners.

3) The English proverb is completely nativized, that is, none of the words or the grammatical features are perceived as odd, and the proverb itself is well-worn, like a comfortable shoe.

Enjoy!
Selected response from:

Wigtil (X)
Grading comment
Thank you so much, my friend laughed when I told him other answer which was proposed. You hit the nail on the head, I think he'll be impressed.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
naNumber willingly (your) birthdays
Dr Claudio De Marchi
naGrow old gracefully.
Wigtil (X)


  

Answers


38 mins
Number willingly (your) birthdays


Explanation:
That means:
don't mind if you become older and older (don't worry, be happy, as the song says...)

It's a motto Latins were used to say for "Happy birthday"
Also found as NGN

SVBEEV
Latin greetings (Si vales, bene est, ego valeo=If you're all right, that's good. I'm fine)

Dr Claudio De Marchi
Local time: 19:51
Native speaker of: Native in ItalianItalian
PRO pts in pair: 4
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

1 day 21 hrs
Grow old gracefully.


Explanation:
The best rendition is: "Grow old gracefully."

Yes indeed, the literal meaning is in fact, "Number your birthdays willingly." HOWEVER...

With proverbial sayings like this one, it is far better to find a close proverb in the target language, if possible, rather than a literal translation. "GROW OLD GRACEFULLY" is the best selection for three reasons:

1) The Latin saying alliterates two of its three words, with the initial N sound. The equivalent English proverb also alliterates two of its three words, on the initial GR consonant cluster.

2) The English saying includes a word ("gracefully) derived from a Latin root ("grat-") that actually occurs in the source text. This is generally a happy coincidence, when a translation can actually re-use a bit of the original without irritating target-language listeners.

3) The English proverb is completely nativized, that is, none of the words or the grammatical features are perceived as odd, and the proverb itself is well-worn, like a comfortable shoe.

Enjoy!


Wigtil (X)
PRO pts in pair: 67
Grading comment
Thank you so much, my friend laughed when I told him other answer which was proposed. You hit the nail on the head, I think he'll be impressed.
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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