Imagine someone promising to do something important, but time passes and the promise remains just words. In such situations, the Russian expression “They are waiting for the promised 3 years” perfectly conveys the essence of waiting. And WomanEL tells how to translate it into Ukrainian in a way that preserves the meaning and cultural flavor.
ContentLiteral translationUkrainian equivalentsCultural adaptation
Literal translation
The easiest way is to translate the phrase literally: “They have been waiting for the promised one for three years.” This option is clear and accurate, but it sounds a bit dry. For greater expressiveness, you can turn to Ukrainian folk proverbs and phraseologisms.
Ukrainian equivalents
The Ukrainian language is rich in figurative expressions that convey similar meaning:
- “The gentleman said: I will give you a coat, and his word is warm” – this expression alludes to empty promises that are warmed only by words.
- “He said, but he did not keep it” – a short and apt phraseology reflects the non-binding or non-fulfillment of promises.
- “They waited, they waited, and the waiters ate” – a humorous version emphasizes the futility of long waiting.
- “Grandfather hoped for dinner, but went to bed without dinner” – This expression well illustrates disappointment after a long wait.
Cultural adaptation
To convey the meaning of the phrase in a modern context, more universal expressions can be used:
- “Promised is not always done.”
- “Promises are like the wind in the field.”
Ukrainian wisdom emphasizes that it is better not to rely on words without action. So if someone promised you something three years ago, perhaps it is time to stop waiting and remind you of it. After all, as the saying goes: “Better a sparrow in the hand than a crane in the sky.”
When choosing a suitable translation, pay attention to the context – sometimes a humorous approach will be more appropriate, and sometimes a serious note is needed. In any case, the Ukrainian language always has an appropriate expression for each situation.
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