This paper is meant to discuss the ways in which the Soviet Russian lexis is translated into different languages. Two cases are discussed: translation into Polish (i.e. within the same group of Slavonic languages), and translation from Russian into English. The comparison of the two types of translations is intended to prove that the similarity of geographical, political, and social realia helps the translator to render the original meaning in translation. This is also possible due to similar associations connected with certain notions. These associations are built on the basis of the similar culture of all Slavonic nations and languages.