In everyday life, we often come across sayings that convey life's wisdom. One of these is the popular Russian expression “As it sounds, so it responds.” Its meaning can be summarized as the idea of cause and effect: what you sow, so you reap. But how to translate a Russian expression into Ukrainian and preserve its depth and clarity — tells WomanEL.
ContentDirect translationAlternative Ukrainian equivalentsCultural adaptation
Direct translation
The literal translation sounds like this – “As you shout, so shall it be answered.” This option is very close to the original in content and form, as it uses the same metaphor of a voice that echoes. Such a translation is ideal for general use and is understandable in any context.
Alternative Ukrainian equivalents
The Ukrainian language is rich in idioms and proverbs that can reflect the same idea. Here are a few options:
- “Like a voice, so is its echo” – the expression retains the analogy with sound, but sounds more poetic. It is suitable for artistic texts or situations when you want to give the expression a slightly romantic touch.
- “As you call, so will he respond” – this option is similar to the previous one, but emphasizes the reciprocity of relationships between people. It is appropriate to use it in the context of human interactions, especially in relationships where goodwill and respect are important.
- “As a squirrel is fed, so will he bark” – this expression has a somewhat humorous connotation and gives it a more folk flavor. It is suitable for informal communication or when you want to add warmth and humor to the conversation.
- “What you sow, you reap” – although this phraseology slightly changes the metaphor, its meaning is identical. It is suitable for generalizations or serious conversations about the consequences of our actions.
Cultural adaptation
When translating phraseology, it is important to take into account the context. For example, in a business environment it is better to use the neutral “As you shout, so will the response.” For fiction or conversations with a folk flavor, you can choose the options “As sulfur is fed, so it barks” or “As the voice is, so is the echo.”
The well-known expression “As it sounds, so it responds” is a simple but profound reminder of the power of our actions. The Ukrainian language offers many options for its transmission, from simple to metaphorical. By choosing them, we not only translate words, but also put a piece of our culture into the expression. So let's remember: as we shout, so it will respond — in words, deeds, and life.
Also learn how to correctly translate the Russian expression “Mal zolotnik, da dorog” into Ukrainian.