Words Full of Meaning

Sometimes in Paraguay, one word can mean a whole heck of a lot. It's hard to explain, but I'm going to try because these are some of my favorite words to say, and hardest also to NOT include in conversations in English. Here I'll try to give some translations of what I might say in English versus what I'd say in the same situation in Guarani. And believe me, with the right expression and vocal inflection, the translation really is the same.

1. Question: So Amanda, how did your kids' camp go last week?

English Answer: It went really well! A lot of kids came and they seemed to love all of activities that we prepared for them. They also behaved well and we all had fun together.

Guarani Answer: Ose pora! Oporta pora ha'e'kuera ha rovy'ama oñondive.

(Oh-say poh-nah! Oh-port-ah poh-na hah-eh-coo-eh-rah hah roh-vuh*-ah-mah oh-neo-n-dee-veh)

*the "y" sound in Guarani doesn't exist in English. It is a short guttural grunt. Try it out!

Ok...so this example isn't that drastic of a difference. But it is less than half the space, and 8 Guarani words vs. 32 in English. Not bad.

2. Question: Amanda, is there any more cake left?

English Answer: Oh no, I'm sorry there's not any left. It looks like it all got eaten.

Guarani Answer: Opama.

(Oh-pah-ma.)

Yes! Here is a better example. "Opa" means to end and "ma" is an adverb that conveys a sense of time in the present. "It has ended" might be a good translation, but of course, we wouldn't say that in English. Also, in saying simply "opama" I can convey my sympathy that there isn't any more cake left for you to eat but also not feel the need to implicate any wrongdoing in this state. The cake has ended, that's all.

3. Question: Amanda, how are you doing in general? Do you like living in San Jose Boqueron?

English Answer: I'm doing pretty well overall, and despite its challenges I do enjoy living in Paraguay and in San Jose Boqueron specifcally.

Guarani Answer: Avy'a.

(Ah-vuh*-ah).

Bam. This example might be the winner. "Avy'a" means to be happy but more than that...to be content. Not that that everything is perfect by a longshot, but that you're getting by and are generally happy where you are and what you are doing. For most Paraguayans, when I ask them this same question they laugh at me and say, "Amanda, how could I not be happy living here? This is where I'm from. This is where my family is." And that is that. Now for me, this is not to say that I don't have my very lonely days, that I don't miss my family and friends terribly, that I'm not feeling like I'm ready to complete my two years of service here pretty soon. Because all of those things are true.

But when a Paraguayan asks me if I "avy'a" still here in Paraguay, I say honestly and without a moment's hesitation, "Sí... avy'a." Because I do. And I think I've learned here how to be able to know that feeling and look for it wherever I may go.