Soul ("soul") is an ambiguous English noun. Its literal meaning is known to almost everyone who studied English at school, tried to learn it on their own, or at least played computer games in English. However, translation from the dictionary is just the tip of the iceberg. Soul ("soul") is a word that is part of many idioms and persistent idioms, each of which has its own unique meaning, which makes translation difficult.
Overall value
Dictionaries claim that the translation of the word "soul" is as follows:
- Soul.
- Heart.
- Spirit.
- Human.
- Embodiment.
- Personification.
- Energy.
- Sincerity.
- Soul (music genre).
Despite the fact that there are quite a lot of values, and they may seem to some extent too different, if not mutually exclusive, they are rarely confused. The implied meaning is most often understood from the context more than true. And it’s hard to imagine a proposal in which, for example, the words “spirit” and “personification” were equally appropriate, and besides, the meaning of what was said changed significantly from this.
Soulmate is it?
If we take into account that “soul” is “soul”, and “mat” is “friend”, “comrade”, then soulmate is “ spirit companion ”. In other words, this is a like-minded person who adheres to the same idea, or just a soul mate. This can be said of a friend, a family member, a colleague, or simply a person with whom the speaker has many common interests, tastes and views. For instance:
- I met this girl two month ago. She likes pop-music, photography and dogs, just like me. We spend a lot of time together, and I think that we are soulmates. - I met this girl two months ago. She likes pop music, she enjoys photography and loves dogs, just like me. We spend a lot of time together, and it seems to me that she is my soul mate.
Inventive soul
In this case, "soul" is "man." So you can call a liar, an inventor, a dreamer, an amateur to tell extravagant implausible stories and pass them off at face value.
- He was an inventive soul, if you know what I mean. The one who will rather tell that a dinosaurus ate his homework instead of admitting he forgot it at home. “He was an inventor, if you understand what I mean.” One of those who would rather say that the dinosaur ate his homework than admit that he forgot it at home.
Upon my soul!
Literally, this expression is better not to translate. In this case, "soul" is a "non-self-contained" noun, whose original vocabulary meaning is not preserved in a stable expression. Upon my soul! means "Honestly!", "I swear!".
- That dinosaurus really ate my homework! Upon my soul! “That dinosaur really ate my homework!” Honestly!
Kindred soul
Approximately the same as soulmate - a kindred soul, a person close in interests and views. The only difference is that soulmate is a more colloquial and familiar option, and kindred soul is more formal, poetic. In both cases, the word “soul” is “soul,” and it does not change its meaning.
- We have become friends since I found out that he is such a kindred soul of mine. “We became friends right after I discovered how close he was to me.”
Living soul
In Russian there is an expression "living soul". In this case, "soul" is something similar, and even the context in which the phrase is used is almost identical.
- Our engagement is a big secret. I want you to keep it. Don't tell about it to any living person! “Our engagement is a big secret.” I want you to keep it. Do not tell a single living soul about this!
Lost soul
Lost soul. The translation of "soul" into Russian in this case implies not one, but two whole meanings. Firstly, this is a person who has gone off the right path, a sinner, a criminal. Secondly, this is just a miserable, lonely, beloved man.
- When I saw him for the very first time I couldn't believe that he would ever become a lost soul. - When I saw him for the first time, I just could not believe that someday he would go off the right track.
- I want to hug this lost soul so bad! - I so want to hug this unfortunate, lonely man!
To bare one's soul to someone
In the Russian language there is a very close expression "open soul". The literal translation of "soul" from English is impossible in this context, but it’s quite realistic to convey the general meaning of an example:
- Don't forget that we are the closest friends ever. You can tell me anything. Just bare your soul to me and I will help you. - Do not forget that you and I are the closest friends. You can tell me everything. Just share your feelings and I will help you.
To be the soul of something
“Soul” is not only “soul” or “man,” but also “personification,” as indicated earlier. In this case, what is literally translated by beginners as "to be the soul of something," means "to be a living embodiment of something." A synonym for this expression is the phrase to be something itself. Here's how to use it in context:
- My friend is the soul of kindness. He always help those who are in need. “My friend is a living embodiment of kindness.” He always helps those who need it.
Cannot call someone's soul his / her own
In a literal translation into Russian, this phrase means "you cannot call his / her soul his / her own." It sounds like a description of some occult ritual. However, as in most previous cases, the literal translation here is a "bad helper." In fact, the phrase is used by those and in relation to those who work very hard, have absolutely no free time, rotate like a squirrel in a wheel.
- Do you know John? He is a horrible boss. When I worked for him I couldn't call my soul my own! “Do you know John?” He is a terrible boss. When I worked for him, I had absolutely no time for myself!
Put one's heart and soul into something
To work on something with maximum effort, to exert all possible resources and efforts, to “put your soul into it” - the phrase sounds more than appropriate in relation to art, creativity, an important and responsible task, or just a favorite pastime.
- Helen is all into music. She sings very well. People say that she puts her heart and soul into every note of her songs. - Helen loves music more than anything else. She sings very well. People say that she puts her heart and soul into every note of all her songs.
Of course, the listed idioms with the word "soul" - this is far from all. However, knowing them, you can confidently use this English noun and not be confused in its meanings.