Jun 29, 2004 12:49
19 yrs ago
1 viewer *
Russian term
Germany
US-educated, precise & thorough
Native in: Russian
Works in: English to Russian, Russian to English, Russian
Подчинённый перед лицом начальствующим должен иметь вид лихой и придурковатый дабы разумением своим
Russian to English
Art/Literary
Poetry & Literature
18-century language
I would appreciate any comments on this translation. The objective is somewhat archaic language that hopefully should match 18 century English. THANKS!
Supposed decree by Peter The First:
Подчинённый перед лицом начальствующим должен иметь вид лихой и придурковатый дабы разумением своим не смущать начальство.
My attempt:
Before his superior a subordinate must appear jaunty and feeble-minded at once, lest he subvert the chief with his wits.
Supposed decree by Peter The First:
Подчинённый перед лицом начальствующим должен иметь вид лихой и придурковатый дабы разумением своим не смущать начальство.
My attempt:
Before his superior a subordinate must appear jaunty and feeble-minded at once, lest he subvert the chief with his wits.
Proposed translations
(English)
| 4 +4 | Pretty good! See my attempt below |
David Knowles
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Proposed translations
+4
13 mins
David Knowles
Native in English
Specializes in field
Specialist in Civil Law & Contracts
Native in: English 
Works in: Russian to English, English, Ukrainian to English
Related KudoZ points
:
206
Russian term (edited):
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Selected
Pretty good! See my attempt below
Before his superior a subordinate must appear both lively and feeble-minded, lest he subvert the leader with his wits.
I'm also thinking of "dim-witted", but I don't like the two "wit"s or the combination of lively and dim. Maybe "stupid" will do. Sounds a bit like an eager dog!
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Note added at 1 hr 1 min (2004-06-29 13:51:46 GMT)
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I replaced \"at once\" with \"both\", which I think is closer. You could say \"at the same time\", but but \"both\" covers this in a neater way. Superior and subordinate go well together.
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Note added at 1 hr 5 mins (2004-06-29 13:55:10 GMT)
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An alternative would be \"willing and stupid\". I didn\'t comment on \"jaunty\", but it has very restricted use nowadays - mostly for a cap set at a jaunty angle - and in this context it jars.
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Note added at 1 day 50 mins (2004-06-30 13:40:54 GMT)
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Looking at these responses, \"lively/alert but not too clever\" might get the sense better. Stupid servants drop things and aren\'t much use!
I'm also thinking of "dim-witted", but I don't like the two "wit"s or the combination of lively and dim. Maybe "stupid" will do. Sounds a bit like an eager dog!
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Note added at 1 hr 1 min (2004-06-29 13:51:46 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
I replaced \"at once\" with \"both\", which I think is closer. You could say \"at the same time\", but but \"both\" covers this in a neater way. Superior and subordinate go well together.
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr 5 mins (2004-06-29 13:55:10 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
An alternative would be \"willing and stupid\". I didn\'t comment on \"jaunty\", but it has very restricted use nowadays - mostly for a cap set at a jaunty angle - and in this context it jars.
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Note added at 1 day 50 mins (2004-06-30 13:40:54 GMT)
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Looking at these responses, \"lively/alert but not too clever\" might get the sense better. Stupid servants drop things and aren\'t much use!
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Karusik
: I think "perplex" or "confuse" better describes the meaning of "смущать", and "at once" is not necessary at all.
10 mins
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You are right in a literal sense, but "subvert" is a good word here, and I suspect is the underlying meaning, of not causing a threat by being too clever.
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| agree |
sergey (X)
: 'daring' for лихой?
1 hr
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Not really. A daring person is not subservient, whereas a lively one may be!
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| agree |
Alexandra Tussing
: daring and not too bright...does sound like an eager dog, doesn't it :)
15 hrs
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See above about "daring". "Not too bright" might be good!
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| agree |
Dmitry Kozlov
: Used to be my fave phrase :) Lively and doltish, eh?
23 hrs
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Doltish is too colloquial, and gives the idea of clumsiness. Not helpful for a servant!
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thanks, David! I've passed on your suggestions to the asker.
Also, thanks to all the peer-graders!"
Discussion