Black Lives Matter
/blaɡk libes matteɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'black lives matter' is used in Spanish as Black Lives Matter.
The phrase is used as a statement of protest.
Meaning: statement of protest (phrase)
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word negro can carry a wider range of emotional connotations than 'black' in English, ranging from a neutral descriptor to a term of endearment or a slur depending on the tone and context.
- The verb importar used in Vidas Negras Importan is an 'inverted' verb similar to gustar, meaning the 'lives' are technically the subject causing the importance rather than the ones receiving it.
- Because Spanish lacks a single word for 'Black' as a socio-political identity category in the same way English does, translations of the phrase often spark intense debates about which adjective is most empowering.
Examples in context
- Debemos unirnos y decir que las vidas de los afrodescendientes importan.We must stand together and say Black Lives Matter.
- Black Lives Matter es un lema importante.Black Lives Matter is an important slogan.
- Muchos jóvenes apoyan el movimiento Black Lives Matter.Many young people support the Black Lives Matter movement.
- Escribieron Black Lives Matter en la pared.They wrote Black Lives Matter on the wall.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing a social justice documentary.
- Javier¿Conoces el movimiento Black Lives Matter?Do you know the Black Lives Matter movement?
- SofíaSí, Javier, es muy relevante hoy en día.Yes, Javier, it is very relevant nowadays.
- JavierHe visto muchas manifestaciones de Black Lives Matter.I have seen many Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
- SofíaEs un mensaje necesario para el mundo.It is a necessary message for the world.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
