si és que hi ha casa d'algú

English translation: if homes really belong to anyone

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
Catalan term or phrase:si és que hi ha casa d'algú
English translation:if homes really belong to anyone
Entered by: Ross Andrew Parker

17:22 Nov 23, 2012
Catalan to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Idioms / Maxims / Sayings / Song Lyrics
Catalan term or phrase: si és que hi ha casa d'algú
I apologise if this is wrongly classified, I wasn't sure how to categorise it. Looking for a translation of the following song lyric for a friend who wants to write it on the wall of an entrance to a hostel in Barcelona. The original is in Catalan and he has given a Spanish translation and now wants the English. I think I get the meaning but I can't think of a way to make the second part sound natural in English, so would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks for your help!


"A casa meva és casa vostra, si és que hi ha casa d'algú"


Song: http://www.cancioneros.com/nc/4600/0/qualsevol-nit-pot-sorti...
Lindsay Spratt
France
Local time: 23:58
if homes really belong to anyone
Explanation:
Don't know if that's poetic enough for you...

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Note added at 20 mins (2012-11-23 17:42:43 GMT)
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OR
if a home really belong to anyone
Selected response from:

Ross Andrew Parker
Local time: 23:58
Grading comment
This is what I went with. Thanks for your help!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
5 +1if homes really belong to anyone
Ross Andrew Parker
4if any house* is anyone's
Patrick Bones


  

Answers


6 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +1
if homes really belong to anyone


Explanation:
Don't know if that's poetic enough for you...

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 20 mins (2012-11-23 17:42:43 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

OR
if a home really belong to anyone

Ross Andrew Parker
Local time: 23:58
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 20
Grading comment
This is what I went with. Thanks for your help!

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Maria Alvarez
50 mins
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
if any house* is anyone's


Explanation:
*Or however you've translated "casa" in the first part.
Just another alternative to Ross's good answer.
I'm afraid any English translation is going to lack the simplicity and concision of meaning of the original, which casts doubt over the whole concept of private property in just one subordinate clause.

Patrick Bones
Spain
Local time: 23:58
Native speaker of: English
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