What could be the right translation for ”Slovenska Strela?” Until now the 
translation for the Ledwinka designed high-speed train in western literature has been “Slovak Arrow” in English and “Sovakischer Pfeil” in German though I have seen “Slovak missile” as well. In a comment on Tatra World’s “Slovak Arrow declared Czech national cultural heritage”our Slovak Tatra friend gagoftak remarked however that the adequate translation of “Strela” should be gunshot. Several on-line Slovak-English dictionaries say the accurate translation is not “gunshot” but the similar word “shot” or quite differently, “bullet.”
Arrow seems to be the wrong word, but is it missile, shot, gunshot or bullet?
Who of our language-gifted friends can help us with the correct translation?
More on the Slovenska Strela:
http://tatraklub.tatraportal.sk/strela.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slovensk%C3%A1_strela
2 Users Responded in " Slovak arrow or Slovak gunshot? "
Dear Kees,
I do not think we reach any final agreement here…
“Strela” means a missile – i.e. anything which was shot (“strelit” = shoot), so this might be the closest.
“an object or weapon for throwing, hurling, or shooting, as a stone, bullet, or arrow.” http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/missile
However, many perceive the “missile” as
missile – a rocket carrying a warhead of conventional or nuclear explosives; may be ballistic or directed by remote control
“bolt” might be another synonym, however it has other – not so flashy meanings in English…
“arrow” – well compared to the “bullets” and “shots” it is far too slow…
“bullet” or “shot” may implicate a particular shape, and might be perceived as too vulgar by some…
Question is, whether we need to translate this at all – it is the name of the train (and it is not translated – even in current English timetables) (does somebody translate “Land rover?” or “Overlander” – a train in Australia?). As an example from Tatra world – are you going to attempt Hadimrska? (Had – means “snake”, Mrska” means something like “beastie” à so Hadimrska would be “Snakebeastie”?)
Regards
jan
I agree that some terms should not be translated at all. On the other hand, it makes you understand better what one meant with their products. Hadimirska was a nickname, Slovenska Strela an official name in an era that there were other high-speed trains in Europe like the “Fliegende Hamburger” (Flying Hamburger) in Germany. It seems that the Europeans not only rivalized with their train design, but also with the names. Westerners miss the last rivalry when the Czechoslovak term “Strela” is not translated.
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