Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Spanish term or phrase:
ilustrísimo señor
English translation:
the most illustrious Sir/Mr.
Added to glossary by
Justin Peterson
Mar 15, 2023 09:31
1 yr ago
39 viewers *
Spanish term
Spain
ilustrísimo señor
Spanish to English
Other
Names (personal, company)
Protocol
Yes, this term has multiple entries on proz, BUT ... this is referring specifically to the nobility (not a political post), this is not the context of a latter, AND a distinction is being made between excelentísimo señor (not translatable or His Excellency, which sounds ridiculous, but so is the Spanish) and ilustrísimo señor.
So, the question is: are these translatable at all, and, if so, do they have two different translations?
"Respecto al tratamiento (honorific prefix) al duque le corresponde, excelentísimo señor, y al marqués, ilustrísimo señor."
Also, here the author is referring to written references to the people in question (not direct speech, not how to address them orally), and in the third person.
So, the question is: are these translatable at all, and, if so, do they have two different translations?
"Respecto al tratamiento (honorific prefix) al duque le corresponde, excelentísimo señor, y al marqués, ilustrísimo señor."
Also, here the author is referring to written references to the people in question (not direct speech, not how to address them orally), and in the third person.
Proposed translations
(English)
| 4 | the most illustrious Sir/Mr. |
Alberto de Antonio Rivera
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| 3 +3 | The Most Honourable |
Adoración Bodoque Martínez
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Change log
Mar 15, 2023 15:06: philgoddard changed "Field" from "Social Sciences" to "Other"
Proposed translations
21 hrs
Alberto de Antonio Rivera
Spain
Spain
Native in Spanish
Spain
Science, Eng., Mfg. Proc., Computers
Native in: Spanish (Variant: Standard-Spain) 
Works in: English to Spanish, Spanish to English
Related KudoZ points
:
4
Selected
the most illustrious Sir/Mr.
the most excellent Sir/Mr. = excelentísimo señor
Please see reference websites. Cheers.
Please see reference websites. Cheers.
Peer comment(s):
| neutral |
AllegroTrans
: How do you know? Your refs. prove nothing
10 hrs
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Your comment proves that the Spanish "refranero" is always wise; here goes one that fits you quite well: "Los cántaros, cuanto más vacíos, más ruido hacen"
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "OK"
+3
1 hr
Adoración Bodoque Martínez
Ireland
Ireland
Native in Spanish
Ireland
B.A. Eng. & Ling., DipTrans IoLET, MCIL
Native in: Spanish (Variant: Standard-Spain)
Works in: English to Spanish, Spanish to English
The Most Honourable
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquess
The honorific prefix "The Most Honourable" precedes the name of a marquess or marchioness of the United Kingdom.[3]
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Note added at 1 hr (2023-03-15 10:37:43 GMT)
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forms_of_address_in_the_United...
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Note added at 1 hr (2023-03-15 10:39:02 GMT)
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"In Spain, the rank of Marquess/Marchioness (Marqués/Marquesa) still exists. One hundred forty-two of them are Spanish grandees. Normally a marqués is addressed as "The Most Illustrious Lord" (Ilustrísimo Señor), or if he/she is a grandee as "The Most Excellent Lord" (Excelentísimo Señor). Examples include the Marquess of Carpio, Grandee of Spain."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquess
The honorific prefix "The Most Honourable" precedes the name of a marquess or marchioness of the United Kingdom.[3]
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr (2023-03-15 10:37:43 GMT)
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forms_of_address_in_the_United...
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Note added at 1 hr (2023-03-15 10:39:02 GMT)
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"In Spain, the rank of Marquess/Marchioness (Marqués/Marquesa) still exists. One hundred forty-two of them are Spanish grandees. Normally a marqués is addressed as "The Most Illustrious Lord" (Ilustrísimo Señor), or if he/she is a grandee as "The Most Excellent Lord" (Excelentísimo Señor). Examples include the Marquess of Carpio, Grandee of Spain."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquess
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
neilmac
: Like the "Molt Honorable" former president of Valencia, a misnomer if ever there was one!
5 mins
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Thank you, Neil. :)
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| neutral |
philgoddard
: Maybe, but (a) this isn't about the UK, and (b) your last reference introduces another translation.
5 hrs
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Thanks, Phil. Justin asked 'Are these translatable?'. So, I suggested an answer that would be its equivalent in British English. I then added the last reference as an alternative for Spanish nobility.
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| agree |
Ana Vozone
7 hrs
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Thank you, Ana.
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| agree |
Adrian MM.
: Otherwise, courtesy of Phil G. Esquire, a Marquess is addressed as 'Your Lordship' https://www.formsofaddress.info/marquess_marchioness/ vs. Most Noble Duke or His Grace for un duque https://theenglishmanner.com/forms-of-address/dukes/
9 hrs
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Yes, thank you Adrian.
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| neutral |
AllegroTrans
: Well the Asker has not told us exactly what rank this person holds in the nobility or even which Spanish-speaking country this is from so we don't really know whether this is a true "equivalent". I would vote for retaining the Spanish title
1 day 6 hrs
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"Respecto al tratamiento (honorific prefix) al duque le corresponde, excelentísimo señor, y al marqués, ilustrísimo señor."
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Discussion
If the customer insists on translations, I would put them in brackets after the Spanish and keep them very literal - so in this case, something like The Most Illustrious.
That said, I think the meaning of El Ilustrísimo Señor would be clear even to someone who didn't speak Spanish.