Autoridades

English translation: Distinguished / Honoured Dignitaries

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
Spanish term or phrase:Autoridades
English translation:Distinguished / Honoured Dignitaries

18:45 Nov 6, 2012
    The asker opted for community grading. The question was closed on 2012-11-10 09:54:07 based on peer agreement (or, if there were too few peer comments, asker preference.)


Spanish to English translations [Non-PRO]
Names (personal, company) / Public speaking - forms of address
Spanish term or phrase: Autoridades
Hi - I have the following phrase that comes at the start of a fairly formal speech (for a business association) at a lunch event:

"Autoridades, Embajadores, Invitados extranjeros, Miembros de la Junta Directiva, señoras y señores"

This is the first part of the speech, addressing all the different people present.

My question is how to say "Autoridades"?

"Authorities" is obviously wrong, as is "Officials". The best I can come up with is "Policymakers" - although that still seems like a strange way of addressing people.

Any thoughts?

Many thanks.
BdM
Bola del Mundo
Distinguished / Honoured Dignitaries
Explanation:
I agree that "Authorities" doesn't work; you just wouldn't say it. "Officials" is not right either; an official can be an ordinary civil servant and is not necessarily an "autoridad", which of course implies a person in a position of authority. The trouble is that we can't be too specific, because we don't know what sort of "autoridades" they are; they could be politicians, mayors or city councillors, or whatever. I think "dignitaries" is the best bet. You can say "dignitaries" alone, but it sounds better with a courtesy adjective such as "Distinguished" or "Honoured", particularly if it is the first element in the list.

By the way, rather than "Ambassadors", it would be better to say "Your Excellencies", which is the form of address for ambassadors and high commissioners.

"Distinguished Dignitaries, Ladies and Gentlemen,. Thank you for inviting me to join this important discussion on increasing food production"
http://www.ifad.org/events/gc/35/speech/rwanda.htm

"Distinguished dignitaries, Ladies and gentlemen, A very good morning to you all."
http://www.gov.mu/portal/goc/mfasite/files/speech_ifa_mumbai...

"dig·ni·tar·y
noun, plural dig·ni·tar·ies.
a person who holds a high rank or office, as in the government or church. "
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dignitary?s=t
Selected response from:

Charles Davis
Spain
Local time: 00:02
Grading comment
Many thanks James and Cecilia and especially Charles for your well justified suggestion!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4Distinguished Ministers
James A. Walsh
4Distinguished / Honoured Dignitaries
Charles Davis


Discussion entries: 4





  

Answers


30 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
Autoridades
Distinguished Ministers


Explanation:
I see what you mean... Perhaps this would work?


    Reference: http://tinyurl.com/cwz48x3
James A. Walsh
Spain
Local time: 00:02
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in SpanishSpanish
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

4 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
Distinguished / Honoured Dignitaries


Explanation:
I agree that "Authorities" doesn't work; you just wouldn't say it. "Officials" is not right either; an official can be an ordinary civil servant and is not necessarily an "autoridad", which of course implies a person in a position of authority. The trouble is that we can't be too specific, because we don't know what sort of "autoridades" they are; they could be politicians, mayors or city councillors, or whatever. I think "dignitaries" is the best bet. You can say "dignitaries" alone, but it sounds better with a courtesy adjective such as "Distinguished" or "Honoured", particularly if it is the first element in the list.

By the way, rather than "Ambassadors", it would be better to say "Your Excellencies", which is the form of address for ambassadors and high commissioners.

"Distinguished Dignitaries, Ladies and Gentlemen,. Thank you for inviting me to join this important discussion on increasing food production"
http://www.ifad.org/events/gc/35/speech/rwanda.htm

"Distinguished dignitaries, Ladies and gentlemen, A very good morning to you all."
http://www.gov.mu/portal/goc/mfasite/files/speech_ifa_mumbai...

"dig·ni·tar·y
noun, plural dig·ni·tar·ies.
a person who holds a high rank or office, as in the government or church. "
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dignitary?s=t

Charles Davis
Spain
Local time: 00:02
Native speaker of: English
Grading comment
Many thanks James and Cecilia and especially Charles for your well justified suggestion!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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