Dobry v. khoroshy

[Valentino, Russell]

I like the simplicity of the juxtaposition of “kind” and “good” in English for the way “dobryi” and “khoroshii” appear to be being used in the passage, esp. after the contrast of “khoroshii” and “plokhoi.” But I agree with David’s suggestion, because, from the description of the speaker Robert provided, the usage seems quotidian rather than philosophical.

Russell

From: SEELANGS: Slavic & East European Languages and Literatures list [mailto:SEELANGS at LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf Of David Powelstock
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 7:01 AM
To: SEELANGS at LISTSERV.UA.EDU
Subject: Re: [SEELANGS] Dobry v. khoroshy

Dear Robert & SEELANGers,

To my ear, dobryi is more like "good-hearted" or "well-intentioned"--while khoroshii is more like morally good in action or in effect. But I'm not really sure and look forward to hearing what native speakers have to say.

Cheers,
David

 * * * * * * * * * *
David Powelstock

On Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 4:19 AM, Robert Chandler <kcf19 at dial.pipex.com<mailto:kcf19 at dial.pipex.com>> wrote:
Dear all,

This is not Grossman's greatest paragraph, but I find it interesting because I have never seen Добрые and хорошие so clearly opposed.  Is my translation OK?

This brief paragraph follows a description of a woman who is capable of great kindness to individuals, though in many respects she behaves badly.  She swears a lot, is unreliable, etc.

Да, так кто же хорошие, кто плохие люди? Добрые люди всегда ли хорошие? А плохие бывают ли добрыми? А добрые все же бывают плохими? Таковы наши дамы.

"Yes, who can we call good and who can we call bad?  Are kind people always good?  Can bad people be kind?  Can someone be kind and still be a bad person?"

Poka,

Robert



Robert Chandler, 42 Milson Road, London, W14 OLD


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