1

I am translating a Russian phrase, original meaning of which was:

I am the same as all other people.

A suggested translation is:

I'm just like anyone else.

I think it should be:

I am not like the other people.

What are the differences in conveyed meaning between these phrases? Please, help me to clarify...

Improve this question
3
  • 1
    And what stops you from using I am the same as all other people? Since it is what you want to say...
    – Philoto
    Aug 31, 2011 at 15:43
  • Hi, chipvl. Unfortunately, translation requests are considered off-topic for our site. If you hop into the ELU chat room, however, we have lots of people (including some Russian speakers) who would be able to help you.
    – JSBձոգչ
    Aug 31, 2011 at 17:09
  • I edited your question to make it more on topic (as I see it). If you object to these edits, you may roll them back by selecting the timestamp link next to "edited" and choosing rollback as an option.
    – Kit Z. Fox ♦
    Aug 31, 2011 at 17:20

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

Yes, the following two sentences are roughly synonymous, so it would appear to be a fine translation.

I'm just like anyone else.

I am the same as all other people.

Improve this answer
1

I disagree that the two phrases are equivalent.

I'm just like anyone else.

This means I'm no better or worse than anybody. Usually it is used to reference a specific trait: "I'm just like anybody else. I like a glass of beer and a hamburger now and then."

I am the same as all other people.

This is broader, and suggests that the speaker matches the entire population of the earth in every measure.

The key difference here is all vs. any. The former is broad in scope, the latter more narrow and specific.

Improve this answer
2
  • Perhaps Everyone else would be a better choice of wording.
    – Chad
    Aug 31, 2011 at 15:16
  • 1
    I don't disagree there's a slight variation (hence the roughly), however considering the I am the same as all other people was also a translation from Russian and perhaps suffered from a lack of precision I didn't want to get too deeply into it, and rather simply wanted to affirm that it meant a similar thing and certainly did not mean the opposite as the OP believed.
    – Dusty
    Aug 31, 2011 at 15:19

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.