Abstract. The present research deals with the problems related to the interpretation of conceptual information in the process of literary translation. Cognitive context involves a vast layer of implicit information, which forms the representation of author’s intention and reflects the main ideas incorporated in the text. Different approaches to the analysis of the cognitive context in modern linguistics are discussed in the article as well. The analyzed examples illustrate the role of cognitive context and the necessity for the adequate interpretation of conceptual information in pre-translational analysis and further equivalent choice of means of translation.