Milan Kundera critiques the tendency of translators to embellish language, altering simple phrases to make them seem more sophisticated or profound. For example, they substitute straightforward words like "go" with "walk," or transform basic verbs into more complex forms. This tendency reflects a desire for richness in expression but can stray from the original meaning and intent of the text.

Kundera also highlights the struggles translators face with common phrases like "I am" and "I have." He suggests that translators often seek to avoid what they perceive as clichéd or mundane expressions, leading to creative reinterpretations that may not align with the source material. This pursuit of novelty underscores the challenges inherent in translation, where the balance between fidelity to the original text and artistic interpretation is constantly navigated.