‘Why keep a dog and bark yourself?’

[Theseus]

This English proverbial saying means, as defined by the Cambridge English Dictionary, is said when you wish to know why someone would do something himself or herself when that person already pays someone else to do it.
An example is, for instance, is when a wife asks her husband to do the washing up since she has to go out to do all sorts of jobs and won’t be back until late. Her husband might reply jocularly:- “Of course. Why keep a dog and bark yourself?”
I want to translate this into Greek. Which is the better translation, if either, of this saying:-
«Γιατί να έχεις σκύλο και να γαβγίζεις μόνος σου;»
Or
Γιατί να έχεις σκύλο και να γαβγίζεις κι εσύ;”

 

[cougr]

A direct translation would be: Γιατί να έχεις σκύλο και να γαβγίζεις εσύ.

As far as I know though, expressed as such would require some explanation, as the meaning of the proverb would be lost on most Greeks and I'm unaware of a culturally equivalent expression in Greek.

"και να γαβγίζεις μόνος σου" would be interpreted as "and bark by yourself/alone".

"και να γαβγίζεις κι εσύ" - the addition of "κι" adds an "also" to it eg. "and also bark yourself".

 

[Theseus]

Thanks, cougr. Might you say "Γιατί να δουλεύεις, όταν έχεις δούλους;" A bit lame but it conveys the idea behind the English proverbial expression.

 

[cougr]

Perhaps it might work in some contexts but it carries a different tone and sentiment. Some would argue that it comes across as a bit harsh and perhaps arrogant and exploitative - something an elitist or tyrant would say.

I'm pressed for time at the moment but something along more neutral lines would be:
"Γιατί να παιδεύεσαι εσύ, αφού έχεις άλλους;/ Γιατί να παιδευόμαστε αφού έχουμε άλλους; "
(Why struggle/tire yourself, since you have others [to do it]?)

 

[cougr]

Perhaps it might work in some contexts

So, it might be ok between husband and wife as per your example in #1 but not so much as a general translation.