Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Spanish term or phrase:
han actuado a su libre albedrío
English translation:
have done as they've pleased
Added to glossary by
Marian Martin (X)
Dec 29, 2012 14:35
11 yrs ago
2 viewers *
Spanish term
han actuado a su libre albedrío
Spanish to English
Other
Transport / Transportation / Shipping
I'm practically done with this translation but I'd like to check this term, I really appreciate your invaluable suggestions.
Context: "Esta inicial ausencia de normas ha propiciado una ley de la selva en la que cada Estado y empresa han actuado a su libre albedrío durante años y ello supone que ahora el proceso de aprobación de normas sea mucho más complejo y difícil".
The problematic phrase here is "han actuado a su libre albedrío". The meaning of the paragraph as I see it implies that the people responsible for the rule-making process went about it unchecked or did not consult the other parties involved, especially the workers. I've thought about using "have done exactly as they please", but this sounds too informal. I'd appreciate other suggestions.
Thanks.
Context: "Esta inicial ausencia de normas ha propiciado una ley de la selva en la que cada Estado y empresa han actuado a su libre albedrío durante años y ello supone que ahora el proceso de aprobación de normas sea mucho más complejo y difícil".
The problematic phrase here is "han actuado a su libre albedrío". The meaning of the paragraph as I see it implies that the people responsible for the rule-making process went about it unchecked or did not consult the other parties involved, especially the workers. I've thought about using "have done exactly as they please", but this sounds too informal. I'd appreciate other suggestions.
Thanks.
Proposed translations
(English)
Change log
Jan 13, 2013 16:10: Marian Martin (X) Created KOG entry
Proposed translations
+3
19 mins
Robert Forstag
United States
United States
Native in English
United States
Translating words, preserving meaning
Native in: English
Works in: Spanish to English, English
Related KudoZ points
:
20
Selected
have done as they've pleased
Or, if you prefer to take a slightly different angle on the matter:
have not been in the least accountable
The other suggestions offered thus far strike me as rather stilted.
Suerte.
have not been in the least accountable
The other suggestions offered thus far strike me as rather stilted.
Suerte.
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "This is the one I've used. Thank you :)"
2 mins
acted according to their own devices
Seems about the right level of (in)formality
Note from asker:
| Thanks :) |
Peer comment(s):
| neutral |
philgoddard
: This sounds odd.
13 hrs
|
|
Thanks Phil. Probably a US/UK thing - it sounds perfectly ordinary to me.
|
6 mins
Andrew Bramhall
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Native in English
United Kingdom
Flair and accuracy tailored to your text
Native in: English 
Works in: Spanish to English, German to English
Related KudoZ points
:
8
gave free rein to their own whims / followed their own instincts
The idea is 'dar rienda suelta a ', but now, they're being "reined in", so to speak; no longer so free to express their own will, volition, etc.
Note from asker:
| Thank you :) |
1 hr
James A. Walsh
Spain
Spain
Native in Spanish
&
English
Specializes in field
Spain
A cut above the rest in translation...
Native in: English (Variants: Irish, US, UK) , Spanish (Variants: Latin American, Standard-Spain)
Works in: Spanish to English, French to English, English to Spanish, and 2 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
51
Spanish term (edited):
han actuado a su libre albedrío
have acted autonomously
I'm pretty sure this covers it, and also keeps it nice and simple (and neutral).
__________________
From Encarta dictionary (UK):
Autonomous:
1. Self-governing
politically independent and self-governing
2. Able to choose
able to make decisions and act on them as a free and independent moral agent
3. Self-sufficient
existing, reacting, or developing as an independent, self-regulating organism
__________________
Hope this helps :)
__________________
From Encarta dictionary (UK):
Autonomous:
1. Self-governing
politically independent and self-governing
2. Able to choose
able to make decisions and act on them as a free and independent moral agent
3. Self-sufficient
existing, reacting, or developing as an independent, self-regulating organism
__________________
Hope this helps :)
Reference:
Note from asker:
| Thanks :) |
10 hrs
free will
an option
Note from asker:
| Thank you :) |
+1
11 hrs
have acted unchecked
Another option.
Note from asker:
| Thanks! :) |
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