Phrase Translation for Tat
- Thread starter vance0688
- Start date
Those are very good tries. If I were you, I would try to understand how the natives might think of this kind of idea. (As you might be aware, the Japanese think very differently).
吐息の一つにも命がある is a line that I found online. Apparently this is a line from some movie right?
吐息の一つにも命がある is a line that I found online. Apparently this is a line from some movie right?
- Thread starter
- #6
So for a native would 吐息 be more or less the same as breath . I was under the impression that といき was "sigh". Just so I know I am understanding what you wrote its live in every single sigh? By god I think we've got it (that is assuming that I correctly read the sentence lol)
In this context I can see why a native speaker might choose the word. It's not a direct translation, but captures the sentiment being felt by the speaker, as he is indicating a strong realization of something.
Many people can do mechanical translation, but not too many can do something like the above (those who do well tend to be prolific novel translators... and I am certainly not one)
Many people can do mechanical translation, but not too many can do something like the above (those who do well tend to be prolific novel translators... and I am certainly not one)
Chidoriashi
In imagination land
- 2 Feb 2007
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I don't think so, the definition in Japanese defines it as a sigh. The language is simply being poetic for Japanese. People who come on this site looking for tattoo translations etc.., always make the mistake of assuming English poetry and sayings, and ways of saying things can be applied and translated directly into Japanese and still sound good or carry the same emotional weight.
The languages are different therefore they will express things in different ways. If one thinks about it, it is common sense, but a surprising number of people seem to be totally oblivious to this fact.
- Thread starter
- #9
Well I do not feel that the phrase that I was trying to translate would be the same as most tattoos seeing as the phrase has been used in Japanese in a Buddhist equivalent. So "Life in every breath" is actually a translation from Japanese. So yes common sense would dictate that the phrase could be found in Japanese. I knew "sigh" was not a direct translation when I asked. I was asking because I have been a bit remiss with my Kanji studies so I wanted to make sure it meant what I thought it meant. Thank you for your input though.
Thank you a ton. I was thinking that that you were giving me more of the sentiment then the direct translation which is what I wanted, you sir are a god sent.
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Chidoriashi
In imagination land
- 2 Feb 2007
- 824
- 63
I would not go with a literal translation for any sort of English poetic saying. Really things like these need to have originated in Japanese. Which it appears the phrase in question has.. so it would probably be OK.
The real trouble starts when people come on here wanting translations for things like "master of my own sword", and "dark fantasies", and asking what the best Japanese (Kanji) translation for their name is etc.
Chidoriashi
In imagination land
- 2 Feb 2007
- 824
- 63
Naa, the particle is not correct for 知る。 命が知る is like.. life knows something.
In any case sticking with the original Japanese "吐息の一つにも命がある" is going to be your best bet to avoid coming off looking silly or strange.
Elizabeth
先輩
- 22 Apr 2003
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Where did it come from ? I couldn't find a source online. It is only as opinion, not evidence, in any case. Which still hasn't convinced me "To know life in every breath" is an appropriate English translation, or even particularly accurate paraphrase of the original.
Chidoriashi
In imagination land
- 2 Feb 2007
- 824
- 63
Where did it come from ? I couldn't find a source online. It is only as opinion, not evidence, in any case. Which still hasn't convinced me "To know life in every breath" is an appropriate English translation, or even particularly accurate paraphrase of the original.
Well, apparently this was used in the "Last Samurai", so I kind of just went along with what other posters had said. But I have not looked for any conformation either.
So my colleagues feel, the most basic, superficial meaning is なんでも命がある、
but it is open to a variety of interpretations.
I personally feel like "there is life in every breath" is a more direct translation, but then again what even is the exact meaning of "to know life in every breath".. I would assume it means live to the fullest.. but I guess that is just my interpretation. It's poetry, so I say who cares, it sounds like poetic Japanese written by a native speaker.. so.. it should be OK for a tattoo.. well as "OK" as Kanji/Japanese tattoos can be anyway.
epigene
相変わらず不束者です
- 10 Nov 2004
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I agree with Chidoriashi-san. This has been done before in poetry.
I also think the translation into English is based on the context in which the words were said in the movie. So, it may not be convincing as a translation when you see it all by itself but is actually acceptable.
Personally, I think the original Japanese sounds most sophisticated...
Elizabeth
先輩
- 22 Apr 2003
- 9,839
- 135
I can't get it pulled up in a search to check what the phrase would mean individually or what situation it can be used in. The the cinematic context is familiar, though. And frankly 吐息の一つにも命がある had to be translated more elaborately into English, with "know" rendering an experience of a life, a code of conduct for Japan's Samurai warrior caste.
So this might still look strange to native Japanese speakers without context....but what kanji tattoo doesn't?
So this might still look strange to native Japanese speakers without context....but what kanji tattoo doesn't?
- 22 Feb 2008
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epigene
相変わらず不束者です
- 10 Nov 2004
- 4,354
- 179
IMHO, MANY translations are a bit off in places.
Translatability and Poetic Translation
You've got to be much, much more than a native speaker in this area.
I'm basically an untranslatability supporter.
But if a translated work is lauded as excellent, however, I tend to believe that the readers of the translated work have no idea of the true quality of the original or the translator is a gifted writer who created "his own work" based on the original.
(Give half the Nobel Prize money to your translator, Oe-san! *mumbling to myself*)
