During the writing my book “Learn Portuguese the Fun Way,” finding word-for-word translations can be a challenge. Of course, it is not always possible to find word-for-word translation, but I try to come as close as possible without losing the meaning.
Here’s a good example:
That’s because there’s no one proven fastest way to learn a new language. Isso é porque não existe uma maneira comprovada e mais rapida de aprender um novo idioma.
I asked four language experts from Brazil if the above translation is OK. Here are their responses.
I’d write… * That’s because there’s no one proven faster way to learn a new language. -Isto porque não existe uma maneira mais rápida e comprovada de aprender um novo idioma. We usually use ‘isto’ to refer to something close/closer to us as we speak, and ‘isso’ is often used to refer to something close/closer to someone who is listening to us. Jerry Mill – Rondonopolis
It’s correct! – Paulo da Mata – Rondonopolis
É assim porque não existe…. Start that way, it’s better. Emerson Pereira – Sao Paulo
It’s correct! – Francielle Zucolota – Sao Paulo
