Mexico Connect
Forums  > Specific Focus > Learning Spanish


raferguson


Feb 8, 2009, 10:12 AM

Post #1 of 3 (4347 views)

Shortcut

Perdiendo fuerza

Can't Post | Private Reply
I was writing a note in Spanish, and trying to explain that my elderly mother was starting to go downhill, physically and mentally. I ended up saying "mi madre esta perdiendo fuerza", but I am sure that there is a better way to explain that.

Richard


http://www.fergusonsculpture.com



esperanza

Feb 8, 2009, 10:23 AM

Post #2 of 3 (4346 views)

Shortcut

Re: [raferguson] Perdiendo fuerza

Can't Post | Private Reply
"...está un poco decaída..." (this is instantly understood)




http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com









sergiogomez / Moderator

Feb 8, 2009, 12:29 PM

Post #3 of 3 (4335 views)

Shortcut

Re: [raferguson] Perdiendo fuerza

Can't Post | Private Reply
If you want to convey the idea that her health is declining and not likely to come back, I would say something along the lines of "la salud (física y mental) de mi madre está empeorando/declinando/bajando." You could also use the past perfect tense, "ha empeorado/declinado." This tense makes it sound more formal; "está empeorando" is more how people tend to talk everyday.

Sentences that come to mind to convey the idea that her health was better and has recently gotten worse:

La salud de mi madre ha estado empeorando últimamente.
Mi madre ya se siente más decaída (últimamente).
Mi madre ya está perdiendo las fuerzas (que le quedaban, etc.--optional).

See, you were close!
 
 
Search for (advanced search) Powered by Gossamer Forum v.1.2.4