I'm not sure which translation is correct

[belfie13]

please if anyone would help, I have written a song for my Nonna and Great Uncle. I would like to recite the following before performing but online translators are giving different results. This is very important to me, thank you in advance I appreciate any help.

1. "Zio Francesco every time this fire bird sings it is for you".
2. "Nonna, this song i wrote is for you".

FYI the firebird is the type of guitar, my uncles which i play. I don't know if 'sings' would translate to mean the same, my italian (and english :p) is very basic.
when i convert these back to english i get confusing or backwards results.

1. Zio Francesco, ogni volta che questo uccello di fuoco canta è per te.
2. Nonna, questa canzone che ho scritto è per te.

[darkerhorse]

Where in Italy are they from?

[darkerhorse]

Out of respect, you might want to say "per Lei" instead of "per te". I also think "per Lei" sounds smoother to the ear, but maybe the more informal "per te" is better in this case.

I'll let a native Italian advise.

[darkerhorse]

If they're from Sicily or southern Italy, Pippo can advise.

[darkerhorse]

You could use the English word "firebird" instead of translating, especially if he knows the English word.

For what it's worth, I have some English wording suggestions, too:

1. "Zio Francesco, every time this firebird sings, it sings for you".

2. "Nonna, this song I wrote, it is for you".

[belfie13]

Where in Italy are they from?

Calabria

[belfie13]

You could use the English word "firebird" instead of translating, especially if he knows the English word.

For what it's worth, I have some English wording suggestions, too:

1. "Zio Francesco, every time this firebird sings, it sings for you".

2. "Nonna, this song I wrote, it is for you".

thank you, I had a couple versions in english too. I think your suggestions are great, I had a laugh as my cousin used to add punctuation when she proof read my assignments. I have a problem where I try to say alot in one sentence, it all flows to me but when you break it up I agree it's better.

I think that unless the 'firebird' or phoenix translation doesn't work in Italian, I would like to use it. The main purpose is to highlight my use of Italian, they always wanted me to learn but I only know the basics. If there isn't a phoenix in Italian, would it make sense to say a bird made of fire or a bird on fire?

[darkerhorse]

As for the wording, go with what flows best.

I think you could translate firebird to "bird of fire" but let's hope someone who really knows the language will respond.

Pippo should be able to help with Calabrese.

[darkerhorse]

Google Translate has the listen function so you can hear how your translation sounds.

[PippoM]

Hi,
yes the "fenice" exists in Italian, but it is not famous for its song.
By "fenice", we usually mean the "arab phoenix", that resurrects from its own ashes.
And I would not literally translate "firebird", nor "bird of fire", as it would have a second meaning your relatives might not appreciate!

[AngelaGrace56]

1. Zio Francesco, ogni volta che questo uccello di fuoco canta è per te.
2. Nonna, questa canzone che ho scritto è per te.

I totally agree with Pippo that you should stick with the English brand name “Firebird”. It has been a very well known brand name amongst musicians and it wouldn't be correct to Italianise it.

I’m also wondering whether the word “canta” (it sings) is wrong there. I think the word should be “suona” (it plays) Is that you are intending? (Unless you are absolutely wanting to say that your guitar sings?)


Angela

[darkerhorse]

You could use the English word "firebird" instead of translating, especially if he knows the English word.

Semu d'accordu.