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- Topic: Polish >
- "Szanujemy waszą rodzinę."
12 Comments
Why is "we are respecting" not acceptable – I thought the Polish present can be translated both ways
It usually can, but there are exceptions. But what does "be respecting" mean in English? I cannot think of "szanować" in continuous situation. Like can you respect someone right now, but not in longer period of time?
Good question. In English, I can say:
1) "I am respecting you by not yelling", or 2) "I respect you by not yelling"
with subtly different meanings. What's interesting to me is that #1 is continuous in form but instantaneous in meaning, while #2 is instantaneous in form but implies a continuous behavior.
How would this work in Polish?
I've been thinking about it for a while and I am not sure if I understand you, but I think "show respect" - okazywać szacunek is used to show the "now" part.
Also I was reminded that in both Polish and English we can respect privacy/wishes - then it can be "right nw, in this moment I am respecting your wish to do sth"
Out of interest what is 'to disrespect"? Would you just use the negative? Although I feel you would not portray someone disrespecting you in that instance. Would you use a preposition in front?
No, that would be a totally different verb. I guess "obrazić" (to offend) would be good.
Appreciate is almost certainly never used with people. Something like "We appreciate your family's hospitality" would be fine.
"wasze" is wrong gender, it would be either neuter singular or 'not masculine-personal plural'.
"waszą" is feminine, just like 'rodzina' is feminine.
Your nick makes it look like you may know Russian - it's "Уважаем вашу семью", not "ваше семью".
