"Help Translating English Into Spanish/French" Topic

At the risk of exposing my lack of education, I would like to ask for some help translating a few simple phrases into both Spanish and French. They are to help provide a touch of verisimilitude to a project I'm working on. I realize there are internet resources available for this, but think fellow gamers might well get the wording better than any machine; I'm also nervous that the word "boarders" below would get me the sort that stay in houses…

So, can one of you translate these for me?

1.) We are attacked!
2.) To arms!
3.) Repel boarders!

Simple, eh? Finally, a word of explanation as to why I'm posting this on the Napoleonic and Medieval boards: the project itself is set during a 14th century naval engagement, but as the terms are nautical, I thought an O'Brien fan (etc.) might be the quickest to help. If this would mean a difference in phrasing, I'd take the Medieval French/Spanish if anyone knows it!

Thank you very much for any help! Muchas gracias! Merci!

Daryl

To Spanish:

1.- Nos atacan.
2.- A las armas.
3.- Repeled a los atacantes.

NOTE: in 3, 'atacantes' is better translation for 'boarders' than others closest in direct meaning.

Better I don't try in French.

Nous sommes attaquées
Aux Armes
Refoulez les abordeurs (?)
The last one I am not sure, to attack/ board a ship it is a l'abordage.

Thank you kindly, gentlemen, both posts are most helpful!

I doubt that either language was the same in 13-1400 though, French saw some quite radical changes I think. English certainly did.

And let's not forget the motto of the French navy:-

"A l'eau, c'est l'heure!"

GF, you're quite right, of course. I'm not that concerned with its being in modern French. I only mentioned it on the off chance somebody here was up on their Medieval romance languages.

SM, that's very good! I might have to include it just for giggles…

Thank you!

Hi!

Marcel1809's translation seems correct but quite litteral, as I am french, I would said :

Nous sommes attaqués ! (the crew is supposed of men)
Aux armes !
Repoussez l'ennemi ! (repoussez sound better than refoulez and abordeurs is not used in common language)
In a fighting situation, it should become :
Repoussez-moi cette racaille ! (or a much more insulting qualifier)

Zut!
Fetchez les vaches!
I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.

YouTube link

@ Labienus

When I was at school I was taught that French avoids the passive mood wherever possible, so that "On nous attaque" would be more likely than "nous sommes attaqués". Which would you be more likely to say?

There are more possibilities in Spanish, too.

3.- 'Repeled a los atacantes' is equal to 'Rechazad a los asaltantes', or any 4 combinations with these verbs and sustantives (and sure there are more possibilities).

BUT: when referring to 14th century, you must take care of proper nationality of ships and crews. I assumed you were meaning 'Castilian' when saying 'Spanish'. But in case you refer to 'Aragon Crown', your crews surely speak Catalan.

@ 4th cuirassier

You are right, we may say also :
On est attaqué !

So many helpful suggestions. Where to begin? Labenius, your translations with the comments are very helpful – I can't thank you enough.

4th, I appreciate your contribution as well. I am obviously not qualified to comment, but the point is an interesting one nonetheless.

Dschebe, yes, I was deliberately keeping things simple, partly to keep the thread title clear and as straightforward as possible. The distinction you mention, however, is a vital one. I did mean Castilian; my apologies for not being more accurate!

And finally, 42, your contribution is notable both for its verbal flair and its deep historicity. This must be used somehow. Thank you, sir!

G'Day Daryl

I know these are not the terms you asked for…that is in the 14th century…nor is it naval…but here is the consigne for the Garde Nationale…

"A la garde!" – a l'alerte du bruit

"Au feu!" – a l'alerte du feu

"Hors la garde": le chef du poste est averti par le caporal; il fait prendre les armes a sa troupe….

But…

"Aux Armes' was and is…a l'alerte des honneurs…pour fait rendre les honneurs

Best Regards
Art

T Labienus is right, one would indeed say in those circumstanses : "On est attaqué", he also is correct regarding : "Repoussez-moi cette racaille ! (or a much more insulting qualifier)" Allthough "racaille" is perfect for this.
I noticed he is French, and that did not surprise me, he is dead on correct in his translation for something that happens in real life. It cerainly gets the feeling right.

I do not ever recall hearing anything like that in the French Army…or any of my men stating / shouting / whispering anything of that nature…in real life…

Normally it had a sexual inclination…or it started with a gentler note of 'merde………'

But racaille and other more descriptive words…that I do agree with…

Sorry for the delayed response, the thread dropped off the front page and I forgot to check in. Ray, Art, thanks so much for the added help. Sounds as though the "racaille version" is the one to go with! I really appreciate the help!

Daryl