Thread: certeza jurídica

I was reading an article about Obama and the Spanish speakers in the States and I found that the journalist translated, the “YES WE CAN” campaign slogan as “si se puede” (if we can), instead of “¡Sí, se puede!” (Yes we can!). What a difference an accent mark can make!

http://translation-blog.trustedtrans...008-08-12.html

Anyway I think that "Sí, se puede" is not the best translation for "Yes, we can". I like "¡Sí, podemos!" more. What do you think?

Yo pienso que "sí, se puede" es la mejor opción.

Creo que el "Si se puede" es tambien un slogan del PAN en México.

"Sí se puede", is a phrase that has become very popular in Mexico over the last 10 years in sports events where Mexican teams are involved (as I remember it began in the France World Cup in 1998). It later became a rallying chant for almost all sports (and even politics): soccer, olympics, etc. I think it stems from the historic frustration Mexican fans have experienced over the years, and the strong belief that this time around results will finally be different, and I believe that is why the translator used it. I would translate "Sí se puede" as "It can be done". Therefore, I must agree with Sandra T. that "Sí podemos" is a better translation for "Yes we can".

Originally Posted by Rsada

"Sí se puede", is a phrase that has become very popular in Mexico over the last 10 years in sports events where Mexican teams are involved (as I remember it began in the France World Cup in 1998). It later became a rallying chant for almost all sports (and even politics): soccer, olympics, etc. I think it stems from the historic frustration Mexican fans have experienced over the years, and the strong belief that this time around results will finally be different, and I believe that is why the translator used it. I would translate "Sí se puede" as "It can be done". Therefore, I must agree with Sandra T. that "Sí podemos" is a better translation for "Yes we can".

Very interresting Rsada, didn´t know that.

Originally Posted by Goodnightmoon

My two cents. The key is that "se puede" is not exactly the same as "it can be done”. You just can't say "se puede" in English, you need a main verb (it can be xxxx) that's not necessary in Spanish and that's the difference and what makes the Spanish passive so appropriate.

It can be done is "Puede hacerse" and it seems to lack the enthusiasm that "Sí se puede" delivers. I understand your objections since there's normally very little enthusiasm in English passive sentences. Besides, there’s a difference between “Sí, se puede” (just stating it is possible), and “Sí se puede” (a more enthusiastic response as opposed to the negative sentence “No se puede”). On the other hand, “se puede” is often used just meaning “it is actually possible”, that's why several native Spanish speakers seem to agree it is a good translation, because it’s understood as an enthusiastic “of course it is possible”.

"Podemos" was the motto the Spanish National Team used for the latest European Football Championship (and we all know who won, don't we? ). Nothing wrong with that! It really worked for us but since podemos is transitive and you're not including the direct object it's like you know exactly what you're referring to (in Spain's case not messing it at the quarterfinals as they used to do) but “Se puede” seems to leave room for a broader message.

Podemos: It would be mainly aimed to those who support Obama, those who feel part of the change, somehow active. Se puede: it’s a message for everyone, the change is possible, even if you’re not working for it, or just don't believe it can be done, you’ll see it’s possible.

In short. Sí se puede is not the most literal alternative but it really delivers a more powerful message that includes everyone in the country.

Also very interesting Goodnight, more than 2 cents, may be a dolar.


I forget that "podemos" was the slogan of the Spain National Football team at the Euro Cup. I am also remembering now, that an argentinean politician that lost the presidential election some years ago used the sloga "Se Puede".

Anyway, the reason why I right this post at English to Spanish Marketing translation was because I understand that the final decision about this translation should e related to political markegint decisions. But I am surte that the correc translation was not "Si se puede" withouth accent.


Also what is very intersting is that the correct marketing translation for the hispanich market in the US it is very complex to find because the difference heritage of the Spanish speakers in the States.