Glossary entry (derived from question below)
French term or phrase:
s’inventent et se construisent
English translation:
you develop and build together
Added to glossary by
Stephanie Ezrol
Sep 15, 2011 14:29
12 yrs ago
French term
United States
French to English, English to English
Native in: English
Works in: English, French to English, French Middle (ca.1400-1600) to English
s’inventent et se construisent
French to English
Other
Internet, e-Commerce
Discussion about the north south digital divide
The context is a project about reducing the North-South digital gap.
The full sentence is "Les solutions pour le réduire existent mais elles s’inventent et se construisent ensemble."
I think the author is saying that there are solutions to reduce it but the design and implementation must be brought together in one project.
But I don't think I should translate it such an overly wordy fashion. I do think that "should" or "need to be" is implied and needed to express this in English, but I would like to hear from others. So any help will be appreciated.
The full sentence is "Les solutions pour le réduire existent mais elles s’inventent et se construisent ensemble."
I think the author is saying that there are solutions to reduce it but the design and implementation must be brought together in one project.
But I don't think I should translate it such an overly wordy fashion. I do think that "should" or "need to be" is implied and needed to express this in English, but I would like to hear from others. So any help will be appreciated.
Proposed translations
(English)
Proposed translations
+2
1 hr
Selected
solutions do exist, but they are something you develop and build together (as a team)
Hello,
First of all, I don't think that "se construisent" means "implemented" here, but rather "are built". Second, I like the addition of "something" in English.
Yes, these reflexive passives carry the idea of "need to be"
Even so, on their own, energy efficient solutions are made and built to save you funds in the lengthy run. 5 Smart Methods To Purchase Diamond Rings, ...
Even so, on their own, energy efficient solutions are made and built to save you funds in the lengthy run. 5 Smart Methods To Purchase Diamond Rings, ...
End-to-end eBusiness solutions are developed and built in such a manner that they seamlessly integrate with diverse business applications. ...
http://warblerit.com/solutions_3.html
Motorhome storage solutions are something that every Class C Motorhome owner must strive for... how do we store our stuff? We also need to fully understand ...
http://www.class-c-motorhome-info-made-simple.com/motorhome_...
I hope this helps.
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Note added at 1 day2 hrs (2011-09-16 17:14:42 GMT)
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Yes, the French is being ambiguous. I am less sure about the meaning of "ensemble", but best to leave it as just "together"; that way, you don't have to worry about any mistranslation.
Best of luck!
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Note added at 1 day5 hrs (2011-09-16 20:15:50 GMT)
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Yes, passive reflexives are very common in modern French. Just remember it means
"sont inventées" and "sont construites" (but not in the sense of "in the process of being developed or built", which is possible in French). The reflexive removes any ambiguity there may be
Other examples:
Ça se mange, se boit, se mérite, se prouve, etc..
First of all, I don't think that "se construisent" means "implemented" here, but rather "are built". Second, I like the addition of "something" in English.
Yes, these reflexive passives carry the idea of "need to be"
Even so, on their own, energy efficient solutions are made and built to save you funds in the lengthy run. 5 Smart Methods To Purchase Diamond Rings, ...
Even so, on their own, energy efficient solutions are made and built to save you funds in the lengthy run. 5 Smart Methods To Purchase Diamond Rings, ...
End-to-end eBusiness solutions are developed and built in such a manner that they seamlessly integrate with diverse business applications. ...
http://warblerit.com/solutions_3.html
Motorhome storage solutions are something that every Class C Motorhome owner must strive for... how do we store our stuff? We also need to fully understand ...
http://www.class-c-motorhome-info-made-simple.com/motorhome_...
I hope this helps.
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 day2 hrs (2011-09-16 17:14:42 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Yes, the French is being ambiguous. I am less sure about the meaning of "ensemble", but best to leave it as just "together"; that way, you don't have to worry about any mistranslation.
Best of luck!
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 day5 hrs (2011-09-16 20:15:50 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Yes, passive reflexives are very common in modern French. Just remember it means
"sont inventées" and "sont construites" (but not in the sense of "in the process of being developed or built", which is possible in French). The reflexive removes any ambiguity there may be
Other examples:
Ça se mange, se boit, se mérite, se prouve, etc..
Note from asker:
| thanks on the "need to be." I was having difficulty in thinking about the self reflexive construction in this context. I also think it might mean joint effort, but your solution leaves it ambiguous -- which I think is fine since the French is ambiguous. |
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "thanks"
+1
13 mins
Philippa Smith
Native in English
Works in field
29 years turning out perfect English
Native in: English (Variant: British) 
Works in: French to English, Spanish to English
the design and implementation process...
...needs to be collective
I've taken your "design and implementation", but with a different slant: I think it could be saying that solutions have been devised here and there, on more of an individual basis (by one country, company, etc.), but for them to work, the rest of the process has to be tackled collectively....
"Collective" tends to works well in this sort of context, here providing an opposition to the "divide" that is at issue.
I've taken your "design and implementation", but with a different slant: I think it could be saying that solutions have been devised here and there, on more of an individual basis (by one country, company, etc.), but for them to work, the rest of the process has to be tackled collectively....
"Collective" tends to works well in this sort of context, here providing an opposition to the "divide" that is at issue.
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Laurette Tassin
: Though I think the trickiest to translate is 'ensemble'
30 mins
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Thanks Laurette!
|
+2
14 mins
CristianaC
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Native in English
Works in field
United Kingdom
Finance-legal specialist- Ivy League MBA
Native in: Italian 
, English
Works in: English to Italian, Italian to English, French to Italian, and 2 more.
devised and developed in a joint effort
just one suggestion
I think ensemble means North and South together not in one project
I think ensemble means North and South together not in one project
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Laurette Tassin
: I agree with 'in a joint effort' and the North South idea
27 mins
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thank you Laurette
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| agree |
cc in nyc
: "are being devised and developed..." But I might say "in a joint process" – referring back to les solutions.
2 hrs
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thank you cc, yes referred to les solutions
|
49 mins
devise and grow as one
need to devise and grow as one/together
suggestion...
suggestion...
8 hrs
Jean-Claude Gouin
Canada
Canada
Native in French
Canada
Subscribe to my newsletter ...
Native in: French
Works in: French to English, English to French, French, and 1 more.
the design and its implementation go hand in hand
The solution to reducing the North-South gap is to insure that the design and its implementation go hand in hand.
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