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eimilia

Feb 25, 2007, 10:49 PM

Post #1 of 7 (2244 views)

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telephone phrase

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i have been getting this phrase a lot when calling an all spanish house; it sounds like: "no sin cuenta". i know it means the person is not there but i would like the correct spelling and a more academic translation if anyone out there knows what i am talking about. thanks.

esperanza / Moderator

Feb 26, 2007, 4:25 AM

Post #2 of 7 (2240 views)

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Re: [eimilia] telephone phrase

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The phrase is no se encuentra, and you're right--it means the person you're looking for isn't there. A literal translation is "he (or she) isn't found".

The infinitive of the verb is encontrar(se). You'll find it in your Spanish dictionary and in 501 Spanish Verbs.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

eimilia

Feb 27, 2007, 7:49 PM

Post #3 of 7 (2198 views)

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Re: [esperanza] telephone phrase

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Thank you. It is a relief to finally know the spelling and the literal meaning. I had forgotten that I wanted to ask about this phrase and then I heard it in a short preview of the movie Babel (!). One more question--do you know if this phrase is used in all Spanish speaking countries -- or just Mexico?

esperanza / Moderator

Feb 27, 2007, 8:06 PM

Post #4 of 7 (2196 views)

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Re: [eimilia] telephone phrase

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Well...since I haven't been to all Spanish-speaking countries, I can't say. But I'm sure that if you were in, say, Argentina or Ecuador or Bolivia, and someone called you asking for your cousin and you said no se encuentra, you would be understood without difficulty.

And it's not just a telephone phrase. If you're looking for some thing and can't find it, you'd say the same thing: no se encuentra. Translates idiomatically to: "I can't find it."

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quevedo

Feb 27, 2007, 8:45 PM

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Re: [esperanza] No se encuentra

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Perhaps the phrase should be translated as He/She is not here [at this moment].

Saludos,

Quevedo

esperanza / Moderator

Feb 27, 2007, 9:45 PM

Post #6 of 7 (2192 views)

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Re: [quevedo] No se encuentra

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Absolutely, estimado amigo Quevedo. I provided her with the literal translation. Thanks for providing the other.

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eimilia

Mar 3, 2007, 9:26 PM

Post #7 of 7 (2144 views)

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Re: [esperanza] No se encuentra

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Yes, thank you, both. I was desperate for a literal translation. Muchas gracias!