This article explores the role of metaphor as a tool for preserving artistic imagery and national color in literary translation. Metaphors are viewed not merely as stylistic devices but as cognitive and cultural units that convey worldviews, values, and emotional depth embedded in the source text. Special attention is given to conceptual metaphor theory, cultural specificity, and translation strategies that help maintain textual authenticity. The study includes illustrative Uzbek-English examples to highlight the challenges and opportunities in transferring national poetics through metaphor.

metaphor; translation; artistic imagery; national color; cognitive linguistics; cultural adaptation; Uzbek literature; poetic expression.

Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. Metaphors We Live By. — Moscow: Editorial URSS, 2004. — 256 p.

Newmark, P. A Textbook of Translation. — London: Prentice Hall, 1988. — 292 p.

Omar, S. Cultural Aspects of Metaphor Translation in Uzbek-English Contexts // Journal of Language and Culture Studies. — 2021. — No. 4(12). — pp. 57–65.

Wang, Y. Cognitive Strategies in Metaphor Translation: A Case Study Approach // Translation and Interpreting Studies. — 2023. — Vol. 18, No. 2. — pp. 203–221.

Hong, L., & Rossi, E. Cross-Cultural Conceptual Mapping of Metaphors in Literary Translation // Journal of Literary Semiotics. — 2021. — Vol. 9(3). — pp. 88–100.

Sun, L. Modern Approaches to Rendering Metaphors in Literary Translation // Journal of Translation Studies. — 2017. — No. 2. — pp. 41–47.