Proper names in the phraseology of Ukrainian, Polish and Russian languages: semantics, illustration and translation solutions

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of phraseological units with an onomastic component in a comparative perspective of Ukrainian, Polish, and Russian, as well as to the challenges of translating them. The relevance of the research stems from the growing interest in linguoculturally marked expressions that reflect the mentality of a people and constitute an essential part of their linguistic heritage. Particular attention is given to the role of proper names within phraseological structures: their transformation from individual designations into generalized images, symbols of behavioral types, and carriers of cultural associations, emotional tones, and shades of irony. It is shown that anthroponyms in proverbs, sayings, and idioms are often selected on the basis of rhyme or phonetic convenience, a feature especially typical of folk creativity and children’s language play.

The article highlights contemporary translation studies approaches to the issue of translation adequacy, according to which the primary criterion is not literal but functional accuracy—the ability to reproduce the communicative, emotional, and stylistic effect of the expression. The analysis demonstrates that when translating phraseological units with an onomastic component, translators often need to substitute the name or find a functionally equivalent counterpart that ensures a comparable artistic impact in the target language. It is emphasized that the successful translation of such units requires not only strong linguistic competence but also an understanding of cultural connotations, folk stereotypes, and historical layers associated with the use of proper names.

A comparison of Ukrainian, Polish, and Russian material reveals both shared patterns in the use of anthroponyms and unique national features that contribute to the distinctive phraseological color of each language. The study underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to translating phraseological units—one in which artistic and cultural adequacy plays the central role.