translation help

[linsky522]

I have been trying to figure out how to translate the following into Basque:

We human beings use languages.

gu gizakiak hizkuntza erabiltzen dugu.

Is this correct?

Also, I was wondering how you say "an idiot of a doctor" in Basque.

Thanks!

[Lauren]

The first would be "Gizakiok hizkuntzak erabiltzen ditugu."

Not sure about the second. Maybe "doktoreko ergel bat"? Seems too literal though.

[arabarra]

gu gizakiak hizkuntza erabiltzen dugu.

I'd go for "guk gizakiok hizkuntza erabiltzen dugu"
You need the ergative -k in "gu"

"an idiot of a doctor"

what's the rest of the sentence?

[linsky522]

Many thanks to both of you, Lowena and arabarra.

For the second one, I was wondering how to compose such a phrase as "an idiot of a doctor". If I put that in a sentence, what about the sentence below?

That idiot of a doctor used to be the best surgeon.

Thanks!

[arabarra]

That idiot of a doctor used to be the best surgeon.

probably I would translate the sentence with a neutral:
Sendagile ezgauza hori zirujaurik onena izan ohi zen.

I mean, no construction like "THAT x OF A y"... but in a more emphatical sentence, you could use "halako" or "halaen":

Halako sendagile kaikua zirujaurik hoberena izan zela pentsatu ere!

[Lauren]

I'd go for "guk gizakiok hizkuntza erabiltzen dugu"
You need the ergative -k in "gu"

Why no plural marker for "izan"?

[arabarra]

Why no plural marker for "izan"?

well, if you want "languages" rather than "(the) language", you of course need the plural mark (both in verb and noun):
"guk gizakiok hizkuntzaK erabiltzen dITugu"

[Lauren]

Well, the author's sentence was this:

We human beings use languages.

Hence requiring plural.