Jul 13, 2002 17:08
22 yrs ago
1 viewer *
Russian term
"раз, два и обчелся"
Non-PRO
Russian to English
Art/Literary
Операция на сердце - уникальная и ювелирная работа. Мест в России, где это делают - раз, два и обчелся.
I understand from context that it means there are very few places where this type of operation are done, but I'm looking for a good idiomatic English rendering of this term. "few and far between" is the one that I'm considering. Any help is much appreciated.
I understand from context that it means there are very few places where this type of operation are done, but I'm looking for a good idiomatic English rendering of this term. "few and far between" is the one that I'm considering. Any help is much appreciated.
Proposed translations
(English)
| 4 +6 | (they) can be counted on the fingers of one hand |
Jolanta Schimenti
|
| 4 | as rare as hens' teeth |
Jack Doughty
|
| 4 | such surgeries are performed next to nowhere in Russia |
Tatiana Neroni (X)
|
| 4 -1 | rara avis |
Сергей Лузан
|
| 4 -1 | happens once in a blue moon |
jerryk (X)
|
Proposed translations
+6
18 mins
Jolanta Schimenti
Experienced linguist
Native in: Lithuanian 
Works in: English to Lithuanian, Lithuanian to English, Russian to English, and 12 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
58
Selected
(they) can be counted on the fingers of one hand
*
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thanks for your quick response. This was another one I was thinking, and I think it fits best.
Thanks to all,
SC"
-1
4 mins
Сергей Лузан
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Native in Russian
Russian Federation
Always welcome! :)
Native in: Russian 
Works in: German to Russian, English to Russian, Spanish to Russian, and 7 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
1276
rara avis
Try to use this.
Good luck, Sam Cowan!
Good luck, Sam Cowan!
Peer comment(s):
| neutral |
Michael Tovbin
: из латыни следует, что так говорят о чем-то одном. "Это редкая вещица". Опять же, слишком высокий штиль. Предложение самого спрашивающего больше подходит.
12 mins
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|
Ну, не знаю. А мне нравится - можно перекомпоновать. Опять же - латынь и врачебная тематика - очень хорошо сочеитаются. Попадают в целевую аудиторию. А вы не стесняйтесь - ставьте свой ответ, если есть.
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| disagree |
Dan_Brennan
: Somewhat rarified. Like Mtovbin I would seriously question whether this was the right register... and would most English speakers understand it?
18 hrs
|
-1
27 mins
happens once in a blue moon
Obviously, not a literal translation, but I think the same general idea in a very common english expression.
Web Page Matches 1-20 of 275 | Next 20 >
PBS TeacherSource - Mathline - Middle School Math Project
... This happens “once in a blue moon.” Students review the order of the planets
from the sun and use this data to create a human solar system. ...
http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/mathline/lessonplans/msmp/b...
New Science: A Harvest Moon (10/30/01)
... upon a time. Once in a what? Ever hear someone say, "that only happens
once in a blue moon"? Just what does that mean? Well, it's ...
http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/news/2001/news-halloween.asp
Once In A Blue Moon
Friday, June 21, 1996 A good film happens Once In A Blue Moon. By LIZ
BRAUN Toronto Sun Any movie billed as offering 'family values ...
http://www.canoe.ca/JamMoviesReviewsO/oncebluemoomtor.html
More Results From: www.canoe.ca
Blue Moon Farm Bed & Board & Franklin Tennessee
... If you're so lucky to get a reservation, you'll be treated like a prince
or princess. After all, this only happens once in a blue moon. ...
http://www.bluemoonfarmbb.com/reviews.shtml
Web Page Matches 1-20 of 275 | Next 20 >
PBS TeacherSource - Mathline - Middle School Math Project
... This happens “once in a blue moon.” Students review the order of the planets
from the sun and use this data to create a human solar system. ...
http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/mathline/lessonplans/msmp/b...
New Science: A Harvest Moon (10/30/01)
... upon a time. Once in a what? Ever hear someone say, "that only happens
once in a blue moon"? Just what does that mean? Well, it's ...
http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/news/2001/news-halloween.asp
Once In A Blue Moon
Friday, June 21, 1996 A good film happens Once In A Blue Moon. By LIZ
BRAUN Toronto Sun Any movie billed as offering 'family values ...
http://www.canoe.ca/JamMoviesReviewsO/oncebluemoomtor.html
More Results From: www.canoe.ca
Blue Moon Farm Bed & Board & Franklin Tennessee
... If you're so lucky to get a reservation, you'll be treated like a prince
or princess. After all, this only happens once in a blue moon. ...
http://www.bluemoonfarmbb.com/reviews.shtml
Peer comment(s):
| disagree |
Michael Tovbin
: означает - "очень редкое событие", "раз в сто лет".
21 mins
|
1 hr
Jack Doughty
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Native in English
United Kingdom
Translator since 1953
Native in: English
Works in: Russian to English, German to English, English
Related KudoZ points
:
14525
as rare as hens' teeth
Places in Russia where this is done are as rare as hens' teeth.
(I think your own idea of "few and far between" is pretty good, but this could be an alternative expressing even greater rarity.)
Ref. 1:
Cheap as chips! Rare as hens' teeth!
David Dickinson. David Dickinson is the talented presenter of daytime
TV's "Bargain Hunt". He's a true star if ever there was one ...
Ref. 2:
Words that Sell - testimonials
"... as rare as hens teeth!". "I’ve worked with international copywriting
legends like Bob Bly and Kris is right up there in that category. ...
(I think your own idea of "few and far between" is pretty good, but this could be an alternative expressing even greater rarity.)
Ref. 1:
Cheap as chips! Rare as hens' teeth!
David Dickinson. David Dickinson is the talented presenter of daytime
TV's "Bargain Hunt". He's a true star if ever there was one ...
Ref. 2:
Words that Sell - testimonials
"... as rare as hens teeth!". "I’ve worked with international copywriting
legends like Bob Bly and Kris is right up there in that category. ...
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Oleg Rudavin
: Not as grading even - does the idiom mean 'extremely rare' or 'non-existing'?
22 mins
|
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Obviously there are no such things as hens' teeth, but it is used to mean "extremely rare".
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| disagree |
Dan_Brennan
: Slightly obscure to my mind
17 hrs
|
4 hrs
Tatiana Neroni (X)
Tatiana Neroni (X)
Legal translations from a law office
Works in: English to Russian, Russian to English, English, and 1 more.
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Related KudoZ points
:
148
such surgeries are performed next to nowhere in Russia
..
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