Adapting Russian Idioms in the Ukrainian Language
In the 'Language Question' column of the publication Glavcom, linguist Olga Vasylieva clarified how Russian idioms should be adapted in Ukrainian and offered guidance on proper word usage. She focused on translating the expressions 'snezhny kom' (snowball) and 'pervy blin komom' (the first pancake is a lump), as well as the verb 'skrasit odinochestvo' (to brighten loneliness). Vasylieva also addressed the correct contexts for the words 'rokovyny' and 'richnytsia' (both meaning 'anniversary'), and the adverbs 'ukrainskoiu' and 'po-ukrainskomu' (both meaning 'in Ukrainian').
It is important to note that the adjectives 'snihovyi' and 'snizhnyi' both derive from 'snih' (snow) and are standard, but they carry distinct meanings. 'Snihovyi' functions as a relative adjective, describing something made of snow (e.g., a snowball). In contrast, 'snizhnyi' is a qualitative adjective, indicating a characteristic or property (e.g., a snowy winter). Vasylieva observed that the Russian 'snezhny kom' is accurately rendered in Ukrainian as 'snihova hrouda', while the idiom 'pervy blin komom' finds its Ukrainian counterpart in 'pershyi mlynets nanivets'.
Verb Usage and Neologisms
Regarding the verb 'skrashuvaty' (to brighten), Vasylieva noted that it appears only in modern dictionaries, whereas older dictionaries do not list this word. However, the verb 'lychkuvaty' exists, meaning 'to make something more beautiful or appealing by concealing flaws or defects'. In Karavansky's dictionary of synonyms, alternatives for 'lychkuvaty' include 'niveliuvaty' (to level out) and 'upryiemniuvaty' (to make pleasant). Vasylieva recommends 'upryiemniuvaty samotnist' (to make loneliness pleasant) as the most suitable option, and advises consulting Karavansky's dictionary of synonyms and his Russian-Ukrainian dictionary of complex vocabulary.
She also provided an example of a successful neologism: the word 'nenavchenyi' (unteachable), modeled on terms like 'nezbahnennyi' (incomprehensible) or 'nezdiisnennyi' (unattainable). As for the use of 'rokovyny' and 'richnytsia', Vasylieva stressed that 'rokovyny' should not be reserved solely for sad occasions, nor 'richnytsia' exclusively for happy events. This distinction does not align with historical or dictionary norms. Recently, the adverb 'po-ukrainskomu' has become an accepted lexical form, reflecting the ongoing development of the Ukrainian language.
This article underscores the importance of precise language norms in the contemporary Ukrainian context, particularly when adapting borrowed expressions and terms. Shedding light on linguistic nuances—such as the difference between 'snihovyi' and 'snizhnyi' and the correct use of idioms—helps strengthen linguistic awareness and cultural identity among Ukrainians. With the growing popularity of the Ukrainian language, it is essential to consider historical contexts and language traditions to ensure the appropriate use of terms in everyday communication.
In addition to the nuances of idiomatic expressions, understanding the distinctions between various verbs in Ukrainian is equally important. For instance, a recent discussion by a linguist sheds light on how the verbs "to solve" and "to resolve" differ in usage. Exploring these differences can enhance your grasp of the language and improve your communication skills. To learn more about this topic, check out the detailed analysis regarding the nuances between these two verbs.