Ugo51

Got it.

Yes, I would definitely go with the 2nd option then.

I'm no Japanese but the 3rd otion might be read like "we had resources before but we don't have them now" (with a hint of "we have no resources for this project")

Garbatellamike

cheers Ugo - good point hadn't thought of that

Lorna at Vicenza

Just been on the phone to the deputy headmistress. I know I'm supposed to "give her Lei" and I know how to do it, I can use all the correct "Lei" terms, but that woman makes me feel unusally nervous so I end up starting off well and then forgetting and finishing off with something like "va bene, ti porto le carte domani. Vengo da te verso mezzogiorno."

Oh well. It could be worse. I did once apologise and said "we don't do Lei in English" and she just brushed it off and said it didn't matter.

Ugo51

Ah, don't you worry, no sensible person would ever take offence because of that.

Wustenfuchs

2nd option is the best, I agree with Ugo.

I am fluent in Italian, I have spoken it for more than 7 years, living in the Bel Paese

Garbatellamike

I wouldn't worry Lorna I did exactly the same to a Senator 3 weeks ago and I am pretty sure that constitutes an even a bigger faux pas than a deputy head - fortunately he didn't seem to be too offended so you are nowhere near as brash and maleducato as me.

Garbatellamike

I am fluentish myself but always nice to get other intelligent opinions - thanks.

PS how would you translate:

GUANCIALE
FASCETTINO
MEZZEMANICHE
TURBANTE DI SPIGOLA
MILLEFOGLIE DI VITELLA

I get all the good jobs here........

Ugo51

This is probably not the answer you are waiting for, but I personall would leave the name in Italian and then add an explanation of what it is.

Something like:

Guanciale (cured pork cheeks)

So they will also have the original name as a reference for when they will go to a place where the dishes name are not translated, or translated differently...

Garbatellamike

Funnily enough Ugo that is exactly what I have done. "cured spiced pork etc etc

Ugo51

Lorna at Vicenza

Cheers guys, I'm not in the slightest bit worried. That woman does have a tendency to unnerve me though lately. I just thought it might be a little topic on the diversities of "giving Lei" and if we all know how to do it but lapse, or if we can't always be bothered.

Sancho

Am I the only one to think "Lei" can sound more offensive than "Tu" ?

It all depends how you say it...

"Lei, Signora, ….."

Sort of thing secretaries say to put someone in their place.

Ugo51

The only way "lei" can sound "offensive" is if it's used to address a person that's slightly older than you, but still clearly young.

But this only if you're sensitive to your age...for example I don't give a toss, even if you use "voi"

ononno

I suppose it all depends on the tone. Personally, I don't find 'Lei' offensive if used properly,
Here in the South, on the other hand, 'Voi' can often be used in an offensive way; especially by the types that like talking down to you; such as police officers, municipio staff, Equitalia staff etc. - you get the picture.
I find it quite quaint, and am unable to stop it, being addressed as 'Voi' by nephews, nieces, grandchildren. I know in this case it's a mark of respect, but I do wish they would use 'tu'. I keep telling them, but it falls on deaf ears.
by by dicette l'inglese

Ugo51

I had no idea "voi" was still used by family members...or by anyone at all

I would imagine that might sound a bit offensive if used with a certain tone...