https://scientific-jl.com/luch/
Часть-42_ Том-2_ Апрель-2025
379
ANALYSIS OF UZBEK AND ENGLISH PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS
Marjona Azimova Salim qizi
The teacher of SamSIFL
Dustmurodova Sarvinoz
Student of SamSIFL
Annotatsiya. Frazeologiya — tilshunoslikning leksikologiya kabi mustaqil
bo‘limlaridan biri. bu tilshunoslikning til birliklari, xususan, barqaror iboralar,
idiomalar, maqollar va matallarni o‘rganadigan bo‘limidir. Ingliz va o‘zbek
tillarida frazeologizmlarni termin sifatida tilshunoslik va madaniy munosabatlar
mavzusi g‘oyat dolzarb. Ya'ni, har bir millatning o‘ziga xos urf-odatlari,
madaniyati, tarixi va ularning barchasini bir tanaga birlashtiruvchi til bilan birga,
bu barcha komponentlar xalqning adabiyotida o‘z aksini topadi.
Kalit so‘zlar: Frazeologiya, frazeologik birliklar, ekvivalent tarjima, analog
tarjima, izohli tarjima, adaptatsiya.
Abstract. Phraseology — is one of the independent and significant branches
of linguistics, similar to lexicology. It deals with the study of linguistic units, in
particular, stable expressions, idioms, proverbs, and sayings. The study of
phraseological units in English and Uzbek languages is a highly relevant topic in
the fields of linguistics and intercultural communication. This is because every
nation’s unique customs, historical experience, and cultural values are reflected in
their language, especially in phraseological expressions. Language, in turn, is
closely connected with a nation’s spiritual values and way of thinking. Therefore,
phraseological units are not only an integral part of linguistics but are also an
essential element of cultural and literary heritage.
https://scientific-jl.com/luch/
Часть-42_ Том-2_ Апрель-2025
380
Keywords: Phraseology, phraseological units, equivalent translation,
analog translation, descriptive translation, adaptation.
Аннотация. Фразеология — это одна из самостоятельных и важных
отраслей лингвистики наряду с лексикологией. Она занимается изучением
языковых единиц, в частности устойчивых выражений, идиом, пословиц и
поговорок. Изучение фразеологизмов в английском и узбекском языках
является весьма актуальной темой в рамках лингвистики и межкультурной
коммуникации. Это связан с тем, что уникальные обычаи, исторический
опыт и культурные ценности каждого народа отражаются в его языке,
особенно во фразеологических выражениях. Язык, в свою очередь, тесно
связан с духовными ценностями и образом мышления народа. Поэтому
фразеологические единицы являются не только важной частью
лингвистики, но и неотъемлемой составляющей культурного и
литературного наследия.
Ключевые
слова:
Фразеология,
фразеологические
единицы,
эквивалентный перевод, аналоговый перевод, описательный перевод,
адаптация.
Introduction.
Phraseological units significantly expand the artistic and
figurative capacity of a language. They infuse speech with emotional coloring,
amplify its expressiveness, and lend it a folkloric character. These units emdiv
deep spiritual and historical connotations, mirroring the worldview and
accumulated life wisdom of a nation. For instance, in Uzbek, the phrase “Ko‘r-
ko‘rona ergashmoq” conveys the idea of “following someone or something without
question,” which in English is expressed as “follow blindly.” The key roles of
phraseological units are: enriching speech with vivid imagery and emotional
impact; conveying the cultural and national identity of a language; safeguarding
https://scientific-jl.com/luch/
Часть-42_ Том-2_ Апрель-2025
381
and passing on historical and cultural heritage; and providing a succinct and
effective way to express ideas in communication.
Based on their syntactic structure, phraseological units are classified into two
main types: phrase-equivalent units (e.g., “katta ogʻiz” – big mouth, “ammamning
buzogʻi” – my aunt’s calf, “tuyogʻini shiqillatmoq” – to make hoofs clatter) and
sentence-equivalent units (e.g., “yuzi yorugʻ boʻldi” – became joyful, “boshi
osmonga yetdi” – was overjoyed, “sirkasi suv koʻtarmaydi” – is irritable). Since
the components of a phraseological unit are inseparable, they act as a single
syntactic element within a sentence. For instance, in the sentences “Qizga oʻzbek
qishlogʻining sodda hayoti, oq koʻngil odamlari yoqdi” (The girl liked the simple
life of the Uzbek village and its kind-hearted people) and “Nasimjon boshi koʻkka
yetguday suyundi” (Nasimjon rejoiced as if he touched the sky), the phrase “oq
koʻngil” (kind-hearted) functions as an attribute, while “boshi koʻkka yetguday”
(overjoyed) acts as an adverbial modifier. As ready-made lexical units that are
equivalent to single words, phraseological units also exhibit word-like grammatical
and semantic relationships. Therefore, the language contains phenomena such as
phraseological homonymy (e.g., “qoʻl koʻtarmoq” – 1) to hit or attempt to hit, 2)
to support), synonymy (e.g., “toqati toq boʻlmoq” – to lose patience, “sabr kosasi
toʻlmoq” – to run out of patience), and antonymy (e.g., “koʻngli oq” – kind-hearted,
“ichi qora” – malicious; “koʻkka koʻtarmoq” – to praise, “yerga urmoq” – to
humiliate).
Linguist A. Mamatov categorizes Uzbek phraseological units into four
major groups based on their origins:
1.
Units related to human activity and psychology – these include expressions
reflecting emotions, states of mind, and psychological conditions. For
example: “ko‘ngli ochiq” (sincere), “hafsalasi pir bo‘lmoq” (to lose hope),
“yerga ursa ko‘kka sapchimoq” (very nimble).
https://scientific-jl.com/luch/
Часть-42_ Том-2_ Апрель-2025
382
2.
Units associated with professions – this group comprises phrases linked to
trades and crafts. For example: “bo‘zchining mokisidek” (to do something
skillfully and beautifully).
3.
Phraseological units derived from animal imagery – this group includes
expressions that incorporate references to animals. Examples include: “oyog‘i
kuygan tovuqday” (restless), “ammamning buzog‘iday” (innocent), and
“to‘ygan qo‘zi” (calm, peaceful).
4.
Phraseological units connected to religion – these expressions stem from
religious beliefs and concepts. For example: “xudo ko‘tarsin” (a good wish or
blessing) and “payg‘ambar hassasi bilan turgan singari” (in a miraculous or
extraordinary state).
Similar to ordinary words, phraseological units also display such linguistic
phenomena as synonymy, antonymy, and homonymy
Synonyms: “Ko‘ngli keng” and “qo‘li ochiq” (both meaning generous or
hospitable). “Tilini tishlamoq” and “og‘zini berk tutmoq” (both meaning to keep
silent or to keep a secret). “Bosh qotirmoq” and “miya qotirmoq” (both meaning to
think hard or to ponder).
Antonyms: “Ko‘ngli ochiq” — “ko‘ngli tor” (generous — stingy). “Tilini
tishlamoq” — “og‘zini bo‘sh tutmoq” (to keep silent — to talk too much). “Ko‘kka
uchmoq” — “yerga qulamoq” (to succeed — to fail).
Homonyms :“Yelkasiga yuk tushmoq” can mean: 1. To take on a heavy
responsibility, 2. To physically carry a heavy load.
“Ko‘nglini ko‘tarmoq” can mean: 1. To lift someone’s spirits, 2. To feel
cheerful or be in a good mood.
Phraseological units, present in all languages across the world, including
English, form an essential part of a nation’s folklore, encapsulating the wisdom and
life experiences of its people. English phraseological units are generally classified
into three major groups based on their origins:
https://scientific-jl.com/luch/
Часть-42_ Том-2_ Апрель-2025
383
1.
Units that originated in ancient times within the English language;
2.
Expressions borrowed from other languages and incorporated into
English;
3.
Phraseological units derived from American English.
A considerable number of English phraseological units are deeply rooted in
the ancient customs, historical events, and everyday life of the English people.
Many of these expressions stem from age-old English traditions and beliefs, often
reflecting aspects of English history that are now forgotten or little-known.
Moreover, literature has played a key role in shaping English phraseology.
Folktales, poetry, cartoons, and the works of renowned authors have all contributed
widely used expressions to the language. Among these contributors, William
Shakespeare stands out as one of the most influential figures in the enrichment of
the English literary language. Numerous phraseological units originating from his
plays and writings continue to be used actively today, becoming integral to the
expressive power of modern English. In fact, after the Bible, Shakespeare’s works
are regarded as one of the richest sources of English phraseology. Now, let’s
explore some well-known phraseological units introduced by Shakespeare:
Cakes and ale - (s.s.) pirojnoye va pivo; tashvishsiz quvonch, hayotdan
zavqlanmoq.
•
A fool`s paradise - hayoldagi baxt, hayolot dunyosi.
•
Give the devil his due - dushmanga tan bermoq.
•
He green-eyed monster - (k.u.) yashil ko‘zli berahm odam; rashkchi.
•
Have an itching palm - poraxo‘rlik qilmoq; tamagir.
•
Lay it on with a trowel – bo‘rttirib maqtamoq, haddan tashqari
maqtamoq.
•
Not to care a fig – hammaga birdek bo‘lmoq.
•
That`s got him – qilmish-qidirmish.
•
There is a deer – ziyrak bo‘ling!
https://scientific-jl.com/luch/
Часть-42_ Том-2_ Апрель-2025
384
•
I am fed up with it! – jonga tegdi! Yetadi!
Based primarily on the degree of idiomaticity, phraseological units are
typically divided into three broad categories: phraseological fusions,
phraseological unities, and phraseological collocations.
Phraseological fusions (frazeologik birikmalar) are fully non-motivated
word combinations. For example: red tape (meaning ‘bureaucratic procedures’),
heavy father (the role of a serious or solemn character in a play), or kick the bucket
(meaning ‘to die’). In such cases, the individual words have no logical or direct
link to the overall meaning of the entire phrase, at least from a modern perspective.
These expressions are characterized by both complete idiomaticity and full stability
in terms of their lexical components and grammatical structure.
Phraseological unities (frazeologik birliklar) are only partially non-
motivated because their figurative meaning can usually be grasped through the
metaphorical interpretation of the whole unit. For instance, to show one’s teeth and
to wash one’s dirty linen in public may initially suggest a literal meaning, but their
figurative sense is clearer: to show one’s teeth means ‘to adopt a threatening
attitude’ or ‘to show hostility’, whereas to wash one’s dirty linen in public means
‘to expose private disagreements or problems to outsiders’. These unities generally
display a relatively high level of lexical stability. Phraseological collocations
(frazeologik qo‘shilmalar) are motivated word groups where the combination of
words depends on specific lexical compatibility (valency). While the meaning of
the individual components is clear, these collocations exhibit a certain level of
semantic unity. For example, bear a grudge can be replaced with bear malice, but
not with bear a fancy or bear a liking. Similarly, one may say take a liking or take
a fancy, but take a hatred or take a disgust are not acceptable.
These standard collocations function like clichés and display restricted
variability, with the meaning of the whole group slightly overshadowing the literal
meanings of the individual words. When it comes to translating phraseological
https://scientific-jl.com/luch/
Часть-42_ Том-2_ Апрель-2025
385
units, the process is complex, as it requires understanding not only the literal
meaning but also the cultural and contextual connotations behind the expression.
Therefore, several translation strategies are applied when dealing with
phraseological units.
1. Direct translation (equivalent translation) — This method involves
translating a phraseological unit into the target language using a full equivalent,
where both the imagery and meaning align perfectly. In this case, the phrase in both
languages conveys the same concept and visual representation. Examples include:
•
To spill the beans — to reveal a secret.
•
To burn bridges — to eliminate the possibility of returning to a previous
situation
•
Like two peas in a pod — to be very similar or identical.
2. Partial adaptation (analogous translation) — This approach does not rely
on a literal, word-for-word translation. Instead, it replaces the source expression
with a similar phrase in the target language that retains the original meaning but
may use a different metaphor or image. While the imagery changes, the core idea
remains intact. Examples:
•
A drop in the bucket — rendered as a drop in the ocean.
•
To have a sweet tooth — translated as to love sweets.
•
To kill two birds with one stone — expressed as to hit two rabbits with
one shot.
3. Descriptive translation — When no direct or analogous equivalent exists
in the target language, this method is used. It involves expanding and explaining
the meaning of the phraseological unit in a descriptive manner. For instance, white
elephant refers to something that is useless, unwanted, or burdensome. In Uzbek,
it would be translated as a useless and unnecessary thing, providing the necessary
explanation to convey the intended meaning.
https://scientific-jl.com/luch/
Часть-42_ Том-2_ Апрель-2025
386
Cultural differences significantly influence the translation of phraseological
units, as these expressions are deeply rooted in a nation’s historical, religious,
geographical, and social background. For example, the English idiom “to have
skeletons in the closet” (meaning to hide family secrets) can be rendered in Uzbek
as “uyining g‘alvirini ko‘rsatmoq” or simply “to reveal a family secret.” Like in
many other languages, English idioms function as fixed expressions and cannot be
freely altered or replaced with other words. Additionally, English phraseological
units, similar to those in other languages, exhibit features such as synonymy,
antonymy, and homonymy.
Synonyms: To kick the bucket — to pass away (both meaning “to die” or
vafot etmoq). To pull someone’s leg — to make fun of someone (meaning “to
joke” or hazillashmoq, kulmoq). To hit the sack — to go to bed (meaning “to sleep”
or uxlamoq).
Antonyms: To be over the moon — to feel blue (“to be very happy” — juda
quvonmoq vs. “to feel sad” — g‘amgin bo‘lmoq). To hit the nail on the head — to
miss the point (“to be spot on” — aniq topmoq vs. “to misunderstand” — xato
tushunmoq). To bring home the bacon — to lose one’s shirt (“to earn a living” —
daromad topmoq vs. “to lose everything” — butun boyligini yo‘qotmoq).
Homonyms: To break the ice: 1. To ease tension and start a friendly
interaction. 2. To physically break a layer of ice.
To have a big head: 1. To be arrogant or self-important. 2. (Humorously) To
literally have a large head.
Conclusion.
Phraseological units are key components that emdiv the
cultural and national identity of every language. They not only strengthen the
emotional and expressive qualities of speech but also convey a people’s worldview,
traditions, and life experiences. However, translating these units is often complex,
as literal translation is usually insufficient. Instead, translators must consider the
deeper meaning, imagery, and cultural background behind each expression. For
https://scientific-jl.com/luch/
Часть-42_ Том-2_ Апрель-2025
387
this reason, strategies such as using direct equivalents, modifying expressions
partially, or applying other adaptive techniques are employed in translation. A
translator frequently needs to adjust the text to align with the cultural and linguistic
norms of the target audience—a process known as cultural adaptation.
Additionally, the presence of linguistic features like synonymy, antonymy, and
homonymy within the phraseological systems of both English and Uzbek
necessitates thorough analysis. Such exploration not only deepens the theoretical
and practical understanding of phraseology but also forms a vital methodological
foundation for translators.
REFERENCES:
1.
Berdialiyev, A., & Ermatov, I. (2021). Hozirgi o‘zbek adabiy tili:
Leksikologiya, frazeologiya, leksikografiya. Toshkent: “Turon-Iqbol”.
2.
Qosimova, A. M. (2021). O‘zbek va ingliz frazeologiyasi tahlili. Scientific
Progress, Vol. 2, Issue 7, 297-301. ISSN: 2181-1601.
3.
Ginzburg, R. S., Khidekel, S. S., Knyazeva, G. Y., & Sankin, A. A. (1979).
A course in modern English lexicology (2nd ed., revised and enlarged).
Moscow: Vysshaya Shkola.
4.
Узакова Г., Маннобова Л., Шамсиева Х. Лексические компоненты и
трансформация традиционного преподавания английской грамматики
//Зарубежная лингвистика и лингводидактика. – 2024. – Т. 2. – №. 4. –
С. 74-79.
