Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Spanish term or phrase:
fiesta de quince años
English translation:
coming-out party
Added to glossary by
Lesley Clarke
Aug 16, 2003 14:58
21 yrs ago
25 viewers *
Spanish term
fiesta de quince años
Spanish to English
Other
Catholic presentation reception
Proposed translations
(English)
Proposed translations
6 mins
Selected
coming-out party
In Mexico these parties started with the upper classes imitating the coming-out/debutante parties in Europe, however sometime around the 1940s or 50s the working class took them up and now it is a working class tradition, and not much practiced in the other classes.
My translation is just a suggestion, but I think it might requuire a foot-note for Anglophones
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-17 12:59:46 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Ruth Henderson\'s comment about the origins of this festivity has had me wonder. I heard this interpretation from a social historian talking on the radio and I\'m afraid I did not question it, especially as in my days of attending these parties, the quinceañera always wore a dress styled in the 1850s, and the Blue Danube was obligatory.
I just must say that I agree with Dan that I don\'t understand why several times the same answers as previous ones have been posted. Maybe there is no written rule about this, but that is because it is such common sense and courtesy.
And as for my suggestion of a footnote, I suppose it depends on the type of translation it is, and where it is for, but nobody in Ireland, where I am originally from would understand anything without a footnote. The Debutante\'s Ball, in Ireland, is a graduation Ball, for example.
My translation is just a suggestion, but I think it might requuire a foot-note for Anglophones
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-17 12:59:46 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Ruth Henderson\'s comment about the origins of this festivity has had me wonder. I heard this interpretation from a social historian talking on the radio and I\'m afraid I did not question it, especially as in my days of attending these parties, the quinceañera always wore a dress styled in the 1850s, and the Blue Danube was obligatory.
I just must say that I agree with Dan that I don\'t understand why several times the same answers as previous ones have been posted. Maybe there is no written rule about this, but that is because it is such common sense and courtesy.
And as for my suggestion of a footnote, I suppose it depends on the type of translation it is, and where it is for, but nobody in Ireland, where I am originally from would understand anything without a footnote. The Debutante\'s Ball, in Ireland, is a graduation Ball, for example.
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "This serves my purposes well. Thank you all very much for your other answers, many of which would surely work fine, too."
+1
4 mins
sweet 16
In Spanish-speaking cultures, they celebrate young women turning 15, which is sort of like the equivalent of a "sweet 16" here is the US and other places.
Good luck!
-Dan
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-17 04:22:34 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Whoa, a few too many answers saying almost the exact same thing in pretty much equivalent words. I just took a look down the page. People, I hate to preach rules, basically because it makes me rather like a hypocrite, but in this instance I feel I must say: If the answer that you would post is already proposed by somebody, please don\'t post the same thing and consider it different because your explanation is different by 2 or 3 words. I mean really. C\'mon. Sometimes we miss the answer because it appears as we\'re already typing ours, but all of these can\'t be the same mistake. So have courtesy and don\'t pack the page with more answers than are needed. Just type your \"change\" into agree box or something. Thanks to all.
-Dan
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-17 15:42:07 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
By the way, I want to clear something: this contains no hard feelings to anyone. I just wanted to point out how there are 5 or 6 answers on this page in 12 answer boxes. I know that no actual rules are being broken. You know, just an observation. And to those to whom I asked to see the above comment: I didn\'t mean that you necessarily copied my answer. I know that nobody had the intenton of \"copying\" anybody. I just mean that somebody, be it I or another, had already proposed a very, very similar answer, and I wanted to draw your attention to my point. That\'s all. Again, no hard feelings. Nothing personal. Good luck to all.
-Dan
Good luck!
-Dan
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-17 04:22:34 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Whoa, a few too many answers saying almost the exact same thing in pretty much equivalent words. I just took a look down the page. People, I hate to preach rules, basically because it makes me rather like a hypocrite, but in this instance I feel I must say: If the answer that you would post is already proposed by somebody, please don\'t post the same thing and consider it different because your explanation is different by 2 or 3 words. I mean really. C\'mon. Sometimes we miss the answer because it appears as we\'re already typing ours, but all of these can\'t be the same mistake. So have courtesy and don\'t pack the page with more answers than are needed. Just type your \"change\" into agree box or something. Thanks to all.
-Dan
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-17 15:42:07 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
By the way, I want to clear something: this contains no hard feelings to anyone. I just wanted to point out how there are 5 or 6 answers on this page in 12 answer boxes. I know that no actual rules are being broken. You know, just an observation. And to those to whom I asked to see the above comment: I didn\'t mean that you necessarily copied my answer. I know that nobody had the intenton of \"copying\" anybody. I just mean that somebody, be it I or another, had already proposed a very, very similar answer, and I wanted to draw your attention to my point. That\'s all. Again, no hard feelings. Nothing personal. Good luck to all.
-Dan
Peer comment(s):
agree |
Sol
: True, it would be the equivalent, but if the girl is turning 15, you might want to leave it in Spanish. I've seen it as "quinceañera" in English texts.
3 mins
|
disagree |
swisstell
: you cannot make a fifteen year birthday one of 16 just like that
5 mins
|
I know that, I'm not quite so bad at math. You just misunderstand my answer. I'm simply trying to explain it by likening it to a familiar function since there is no actual English equivalent. I know it's not exactly the same.
|
|
agree |
Gordana Podvezanec
20 mins
|
agree |
ACCURATE77
: You got it right! Yes, it is practically the equivalent. I agree with Sol: It is also called, "fiesta de quinceanera" (with a tilde over the n)
12 hrs
|
disagree |
margaret caulfield
: ENTIRELY. For a start, I live in Spain and fifteenth birthdays are not celebrated in any special way. 18th birthdays are. And quite honestly, youre translation is "sweet 16? Please be serious!
15 hrs
|
disagree |
Clara Fuentes
: I suggest you read the Kudoz rules. Everyone has the right to participate. Who are you to determine how many answers are needed? Settle down and learn to respect your colleagues. I will ask a moderator for support on this issue. Have a good night.
17 hrs
|
I know that nobody has actually broken rules. I'm just saying, it seems to me that in total, about 5 or 6 different answers have been suggested, but there are 12 of them proposed. Many of them are essentially the same. Just saying so. No hard feelings.
|
|
agree |
Martin Harvey
: This would be the equivalent in English. The cultural equivalent, that is. Now, if explanation is needed you can resort to fifteenth birthday party or some of the other possibilities below. But in a communicative approach to translating it, this is it.
1 day 21 hrs
|
+3
9 mins
Quinceañera
Quincenanera
... The Quinceañera (15 year-old party) Formal or informal, the 15th birthday celebration
is centered around the Quinceañera, it is her night to shine. Read More. ...
city.netmio.com/quinceanera/ 1,2025,ID182-LGen-CI3,00.html - 21k - Cached - Similar pages
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-16 15:18:15 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Alternatively,
COMMING-OF-AGE PARTY should do
Yahoo! Groups : 50sFashion Messages : Message 958 of 1210
... Whatever it is, it encourages women to dress up most delectably! >>
Quinceanera is a comming of age party for a 15 year old girl. ...
groups.yahoo.com/group/50sFashion/message/958?source=1 - 14k - Cached - Similar pages
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-16 15:30:43 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
sorry
COMING OF AGE
(una sola M)
... The Quinceañera (15 year-old party) Formal or informal, the 15th birthday celebration
is centered around the Quinceañera, it is her night to shine. Read More. ...
city.netmio.com/quinceanera/ 1,2025,ID182-LGen-CI3,00.html - 21k - Cached - Similar pages
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-16 15:18:15 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Alternatively,
COMMING-OF-AGE PARTY should do
Yahoo! Groups : 50sFashion Messages : Message 958 of 1210
... Whatever it is, it encourages women to dress up most delectably! >>
Quinceanera is a comming of age party for a 15 year old girl. ...
groups.yahoo.com/group/50sFashion/message/958?source=1 - 14k - Cached - Similar pages
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-16 15:30:43 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
sorry
COMING OF AGE
(una sola M)
Peer comment(s):
agree |
Nitza Ramos
: Quinceañero with an "o" if it refers to the party
21 mins
|
I've only seen it with an A. I guess because it's for a girl, or maybe because its a "fiesta". I did a few hits in Google with your spelling, though (in English language sites, of course).
|
|
agree |
roneill
: Quinceañera
2 hrs
|
Thanks Tara.
|
|
agree |
blucero
: No translation. This is the term used in California and the southern states
2 days 1 hr
|
+5
12 mins
Swee16 Ball/Début
dèbut
Formal introduction into society, a teenage girl making her first appearance at adult parties and social gatherings especially in Great Briain,
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-16 16:26:46 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
debutante ball -in the US as Miguel well points out.
Formal introduction into society, a teenage girl making her first appearance at adult parties and social gatherings especially in Great Briain,
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-16 16:26:46 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
debutante ball -in the US as Miguel well points out.
Peer comment(s):
agree |
Miguel Llorens
: debutante ball in U.S.
7 mins
|
Yes, debutante! Hello Miguel and thank you
|
|
agree |
Raquel Iglesias
19 mins
|
Hello Raquel and many thanks, regards to sunny Spain!"
|
|
agree |
Hector Calabia
: See: http://www-rcf.usc.edu/~clingerm/history.html
36 mins
|
agree |
ACCURATE77
: Well; more or less; the Ball Debut in the U.S.A. is common among the High society; the Spanish "Sweet 15/16" is common among the middle classes and popular clasess. But, essentially, it is the equivalent also.
12 hrs
|
Many thanks and I totally agree with you Accurate as usual.
|
|
neutral |
Daniel Mencher
: Hell-ooooo, I already said this. If you would like to clarify a point, then just put it into the agree box. Don't try to steal credit. If you would, please see my latest addition to my answer.
13 hrs
|
Dear Dan, I remember a case where I translated "instances"and another Pro wrote in the same, time afterwards. Asker chose him and I lost my well-deserved points. I never said a word.Take your points if "Sweet 16" is chosen by asker, they`re yours!
|
|
neutral |
margaret caulfield
: How was anyone trying to "steal credit", Dan. All versions have a difference.
15 hrs
|
Hi Maggie and thank you for seeing the differences!
|
|
agree |
Clara Fuentes
: Great contribution. Saludos.
17 hrs
|
si, buono è più comune, ma il mio maestro alle elementari dava "bene"...
|
+1
32 mins
Quinceañero
That is the name given to the party when a girl (Quinceañera) is turning 15
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-16 15:59:13 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
You say \"Un quinceañero\" refering to the party or \"una fiesta para una Quinceañera\"
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-16 16:36:12 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
A ver si nos entendemos......Quinceañero is a boy and Quinceañera is a girl, but when it refers to a party it is called \"un Quinceañero\"... por ejemplo, decimos.... \"vamos al Quinceañero de Marta\", no \"vamos al Quinceañera de Marta\".... a eso es a lo que me refiero. La pregunta es \"Fiesta de quince años\" y en tanto en Puerto Rico como en Venezuela es \"un quinceañero\".
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-17 14:47:46 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
I THINK WE ARE FORGETTING SOMETHING HERE.......PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES HAVE DIFFERENT WAYS OF SAYING THINGS....... BUT LA REAL ACADEMIA ESPANOLA ARE THE ONES WHO SET THE RULES :) THANK YOU!
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-16 15:59:13 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
You say \"Un quinceañero\" refering to the party or \"una fiesta para una Quinceañera\"
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-16 16:36:12 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
A ver si nos entendemos......Quinceañero is a boy and Quinceañera is a girl, but when it refers to a party it is called \"un Quinceañero\"... por ejemplo, decimos.... \"vamos al Quinceañero de Marta\", no \"vamos al Quinceañera de Marta\".... a eso es a lo que me refiero. La pregunta es \"Fiesta de quince años\" y en tanto en Puerto Rico como en Venezuela es \"un quinceañero\".
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2003-08-17 14:47:46 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
I THINK WE ARE FORGETTING SOMETHING HERE.......PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES HAVE DIFFERENT WAYS OF SAYING THINGS....... BUT LA REAL ACADEMIA ESPANOLA ARE THE ONES WHO SET THE RULES :) THANK YOU!
Peer comment(s):
neutral |
Christina Green
: Where I come from, it is Fiesta de quince años. Quinceañero is a boy that is 15 years old. I come from Venezuela, and I had una fiesta de quice años, and my sisters and girlfriends did too. Saludos.
47 mins
|
Fair enough..... so let's say this is how it's said in Puerto Rico and Venezuela :)
|
|
neutral |
Refugio
: In the US the party is referred to as quinceañera, as a shortening of fiesta quinceañera.
2 hrs
|
What if it's a boy...... is it also "quinceañera"?
|
|
agree |
Oso (X)
: Yo lo entiendo como "el festejo quinceañero" y me parece completamente válido y correcto decirlo así. Feliz sabadito, Nitza ¶:^)
6 hrs
|
Gracias Oso:) Felilz fin de semana!
|
|
neutral |
Juan Jacob
: Agree with cgreen, for Mexico. Fiesta de quince años, o unos quince años. Quinceañero es muy raramente utilizado, pues es una fiesta casi únicamente para "niñas". En algunas comunidades indígenas de Oaxaca, algunos "niños" festejan sus quince años.
6 hrs
|
Different folks different strokes.... but who sets the rules?
|
|
neutral |
Daniel Mencher
: Already done!! You're too late!!! If you would please, see my latest addition to my answer. Thanks.
12 hrs
|
Sweet 16? she is turning 15!
|
|
neutral |
margaret caulfield
: I believe this has to be translated into English!!! DAN, are you feeling OK tonight? You seem very uptight
14 hrs
|
I think so too!
|
54 mins
débutante / debutante ball
It is not a particularly Catholic reception; it is rather a social event, marking the girl's presentation to society.
+1
1 hr
just a suggestion...
This has perhaps something to do with Catholic "CONFIRMATION" party( fiesta de la confirmación). I don't know exactly at which age they celebrate it, but I'm sure that somebody at 15 cannot be thrown to the society jungle without severe dammages ( for both the 15 guy and society...)
Peer comment(s):
neutral |
Hector Calabia
: Confirmation can be at any age, after 8, although more commonly during adolescence. It's definitely NOT a "fiesta de 15 años", though it may coincide.
7 mins
|
agree |
Juan Jacob
: Agree with Héctor. La confirmación puede ser en cualquier momento, y en los 15 años la niña No hace su confirmación, por lo menos en México.
5 hrs
|
1 hr
Spanish term (edited):
fiesta de quince a�os
all important fifteenth birthday party. Fifteenth birthday social milestone. The socially important
This looks like a really hard one to crack. I think anything that suggests sixteen would be thoroughly misleading especially if someone particular is mentioned.
Perhaps my answer would help you get round the problem.
HTH
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr 30 mins (2003-08-16 16:29:01 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
not party but celebration or even ceremony
Perhaps my answer would help you get round the problem.
HTH
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr 30 mins (2003-08-16 16:29:01 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
not party but celebration or even ceremony
+1
1 hr
Spanish term (edited):
fiesta de quince a�os
party of a latin girl turning fifteen
If you don't want to use the term "quinceanera" yoy may just explain what it is.
Peer comment(s):
agree |
Oso (X)
: ¶:^)
5 hrs
|
neutral |
Juan Jacob
: What's "latin"? No sé si en toda América Latina se festejen los "quince años".
5 hrs
|
+2
3 hrs
quinceañera (girl's rite of passage to adulthood at 15)
This coming-of-age occasion has its origins in pre-Cortesian Mayan and Toltec ceremonies, not in Catholic rituals or in the imitation of upper-class European debutaante parties.
Peer comment(s):
agree |
Christina Green
: Correcto!
1 hr
|
Gracias, C
|
|
neutral |
Sol
: For what I've read today in the Web, that is not proved. Why would it be celebrated way south in South America then? I would be more willing to accept that its a combination of rituals.
8 hrs
|
My own guess is that you are right that it is a combination of rituals. Since Mexico was the first viceroyalty, and there was a major attempt to incorporate indigenous rituals into Catholicism, that may be a partial explanation for its extension.
|
|
neutral |
Daniel Mencher
: TOO LATE!!!! If you would please, see my latest addition to my answer. Thanks.
10 hrs
|
Too late for what, Dan? There are those of us who are more interested in accuracy than points. If someone else has mentioned the rite of passage or indigenous origin, I must have missed it.
|
|
agree |
Clara Fuentes
: Gracias por mencionar un dato histórico tan importante acerca de la cultura mexicana. Que lástima que algunas personas desacrediten tan facilmente un hecho histórico irrefutable, simplemente porque hoy leyeron algo "in the Web". Saludos.
14 hrs
|
neutral |
Miguel Llorens
: Ya sé que a los mexicanos les gusta enfatizar la originalidad de su cultura, pero acusar a los mayas y toltecas de inventar algo tan cursi me parece un poco injusto. Además, se celebra en toda Latinoamérica, como se anotó antes.
22 hrs
|
Perhaps it is better to be original than judgmental?
|
+1
8 hrs
fifteenth birthday party.....
1. This is how it is (very easily) said in UK IF it's about a birthday party, BUT...
2. If it's an anniversary (something to do with the church?), it would be "fifteenth anniversary party/celebration".
I believe more context would have helped.
2. If it's an anniversary (something to do with the church?), it would be "fifteenth anniversary party/celebration".
I believe more context would have helped.
Peer comment(s):
agree |
Begoña Yañez
2 hrs
|
Thanks, Begoña
|
|
neutral |
Sol
: too lame. It's not a "fifteenth birthday party" it's a coming-of-age celebration, a right-of-passage ritual.
3 hrs
|
Thanks for your comment, but I see no indication of what you're idea is. Please re-read the original text.
|
|
neutral |
Daniel Mencher
: Yeah, how many people already said this (or it's practical equivaltent)? If you would please, see my latest addition to my answer. Thanks.
5 hrs
|
As far as I can see, Dan, ALL IMPORTANT birthday party.....? does not coincide with my translation. I always read your comments since, until now, I've considered you a fairly good translator (although not perfect. Neither am I). I would NEVER copy anyones
|
+10
8 mins
Spanish term (edited):
fiesta de quince a�os
celebration of the Quinceanera (sweet fifteen)
definitely not sixteen. We just had a number of articles in the English language newspaper of Orlando FL and the Quinceanera was left as is.
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 11 hrs 22 mins (2003-08-17 02:20:54 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
corr. tilda on the N
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 11 hrs 22 mins (2003-08-17 02:20:54 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
corr. tilda on the N
Reference:
Peer comment(s):
agree |
Gordana Podvezanec
16 mins
|
thanks
|
|
agree |
Lesley Clarke
: this is a good option, but it would need a footnote, because many places are not as bicultural as Florida
25 mins
|
thanks - I feel those interested in this event won't need a footnote
|
|
agree |
Henry Hinds
: "Quinceañera" in more bicultural areas, and with the clarification in those that are not.
37 mins
|
thanks Henry
|
|
agree |
Christina Green
: I could not agree more. It should be left as is.
1 hr
|
thanks, cgreen
|
|
agree |
Deborah Ramirez (X)
: This is how I've seen it too.
1 hr
|
gracias, Deborah
|
|
agree |
Marva
2 hrs
|
gracias, Marva
|
|
agree |
roneill
: This would work for California too. I agree with Henry.
2 hrs
|
thank you, ConstanzaG - Mike :)
|
|
agree |
ConstanzaG
3 hrs
|
gracias, Constanza
|
|
agree |
María Marta Montesano
5 hrs
|
agree |
Jennifer Callahan
: Quinceañera is what we've always said in Arizona, for sure.
17 hrs
|
Something went wrong...