Alisher Navoi’s Farhod and Shirin, one of the five epics in his celebrated Khamsa, is distinguished by its rich use of similes that convey emotional depth, cultural imagery, and aesthetic beauty. Translating these similes into other languages presents significant challenges, as literal renderings often fail to capture the cultural resonance and poetic effect intended by the author. This study examines the ways and methods of translating similes in Farhod and Shirin, focusing on strategies such as literal translation, cultural adaptation, explicitation, and poetic recreation. Through comparative analysis of selected similes and their translations, the article highlights the tension between semantic accuracy and aesthetic preservation. The findings suggest that effective translation of Navoi’s similes requires a balance between linguistic fidelity and creative adaptation, ensuring that the imagery remains accessible to international readers while retaining its poetic charm.

Simile translation, figurative language, translation strategies

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