"The lady is responsible."

Translation: A senhora é responsável.

[TerraZe]

Can't "A senhora é responsável" be litterally translated as "you are responsible" in English (granted, it would be formal in Portuguese)? I always thought both "o senhor" and "a senhora" were used to show respect or something like that and used in place of something like "vocé". Maybe my memory is fuzzy.

[Syraeg]

Yes, "o senhor" and "a senhora" can be used as a pronoun (to show respect), but can be interpreted/translated in two ways: one referring to who you are talking to, and another talking about someone else (in this case).

[Syraeg]

Since "o senhor" is in the third person singular.

[saniac]

In English, "responsible" can mean both carrying blame/credit, and taking care to meet ones obligations. Does "responsável" have both meanings?

[Paulenrique]

yes, both meanings too!!

[Joseph2]

I'm not positive, but I think the Portuguese would probably differentiate this with "ser" vs "estar"--can anyone confirm???

"É responsável" would mean she is a responsible person in general and "está responsável" would mean she's responsible for doing X. (I think???)

[Paulenrique]

ele é responsável pelas vendas - permanent condition

ela está responsável pelas vendas - temporary condition, or "she became responsible..."

[xacparks]

What's the difference between dona and dama?

[Paulenrique]

Dona is old-fashioned and is used to show respect. It is also used before female names. Dona Maria, etc.

Dama is to designate rich women.

[JoelMoraesOD]

Examples:

Dona= housewife; a respect way of speaking with a older woman.

Dama= Youngest woman; a beautiful lady/girl.