Thread: translation for tattoo!

Hi all,

I need a short phrase from The Brothers Karamazov translated (tried to do it myself, but I've only just started learning Russian!). The phrase is: "We are guilty before all and for all," in the sense of guilty before everyone and accountable for everyone (not everyTHING). If anyone could help, I would GREATLY appreciate it. Since it's for a tattoo, though, and will be on my body forever, please only answer me if you're sure about the translation!

Thanks a million,
Sheils

Maybe you can name the chapter, approximate place in the chapter and who is saying it. Then I'll be able to look it in the Russian original of the book. (but that'll be later that day when I come home from work)

Your expression can be translated like "Мы виновны перед всеми и во всём" but I think it's not exact thought which Dostoyevsky said. I have found the original words.

Originally Posted by Федор Михайлович Достоевский

Когда же познает, что не только он хуже всех мирских, но и пред всеми людьми за всех и за вся виноват, за все грехи людские, мировые и единоличные, то тогда лишь цель нашего единения достигнется. Ибо знайте, милые, что каждый единый из нас виновен за всех и за вся на земле несомненно, не только по общей мировой вине, а единолично каждый за всех людей и за всякого человека на сей земле.

You see, now. There is no 'we'. The main thought is - you are personally guilty for everything. If you want to make a tattoo 'каждый единый из нас виновен за всех и за вся на земле несомненно' is fine.

PS. Those words said old man and his words are really beautiful ancient Russian language.

Thats going to be a long tattoo.

Hi guys,

Thanks for all of your help!! I actually got the tattoo done before I saw any of your replies--it was an impulse thing, had to do it that very day before I left the country the next, and someone on another board helped me out with the original quote. (I believe the first context in which it appears is when Zosima's brother Markel says it, earlyish in the book.) But I just wanted to say thanks again for helping me out...you're the best!

S

Pictures?

Originally Posted by Souljacker

Pictures?

Uhm, look at a calendar lately?

Why not, time for us to see the tattoo ready (o:

Они никогда не возвращаются, чтобы показать татуировку! Они не заслуживают нашей помощи.