Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bingo'

English Word: bingo

Key Russian Translations:

• бинго [ˈbʲinɡə] - [Neutral, Borrowed Term, Used in Games]
• в точку [v ˈtotʃkʊ] - [Informal, Idiomatic for "Exactly" or "Spot on"]

Frequency: Medium (бинго - Low in everyday speech; в точку - Medium in informal contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бинго: [ˈbʲinɡə]

Note on бинго: The stress falls on the first syllable. It is a direct borrowing from English, so the pronunciation closely mimics the original.

в точку: [v ˈtotʃkʊ]

Note on в точку: The stress is on the second word, "точку." The preposition "в" is pronounced quickly and softly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Game of Chance (Bingo as a Game)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бинго - Used specifically to refer to the game of bingo, often in recreational or gambling contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Мы играли в бинго на вечеринке.

  We played bingo at the party.

• Она выиграла приз в бинго!

  She won a prize in bingo!

• Бинго - популярная игра среди пожилых людей.

  Bingo is a popular game among elderly people.

2. Expression of Success or Agreement (Bingo as "Exactly" or "Got it")

Translation(s) & Context:

• в точку - Used idiomatically to mean "spot on" or "exactly," often in informal conversations.
• бинго - Occasionally used in this sense, borrowed directly from English, but less common than "в точку."

Usage Examples:

• Ты угадал! В точку!

  You guessed it! Spot on!

• Это именно то, что я искал. Бинго!

  This is exactly what I was looking for. Bingo!

• Твоя идея - в точку, давай попробуем.

  Your idea is spot on, let’s give it a try.

• Когда он сказал это, я подумал: "Бинго, вот решение!"

  When he said that, I thought: "Bingo, here’s the solution!"

• Ты попал в точку с этим предложением.

  You hit the nail on the head with this suggestion.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бинго: This is a borrowed word and does not inflect in Russian. It remains unchanged regardless of case, number, or context.

в точку: This is a fixed idiomatic expression. The word "точку" is the accusative singular form of "точка" (point). It does not change within this phrase.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "в точку" (as "spot on"):

• точно
• верно
• правильно

Note: "точно" is often used interchangeably with "в точку," but it can also mean "precisely" in other contexts. "верно" and "правильно" lean more toward "correctly."

Antonyms for "в точку":

• мимо
• неверно

Related Phrases:

• попасть в точку - Literally "to hit the point," meaning to guess correctly or say something spot on.
• играть в бинго - "To play bingo," referring to the game.

Usage Notes:

• "бинго" is primarily used to refer to the game and is a direct borrowing from English. It is less common in the idiomatic sense of "got it" or "exactly," though it is sometimes used this way in younger, urban circles influenced by English media.
• "в точку" is the more natural and widely used expression for "spot on" or "exactly" in Russian. It is informal and fits well in conversational settings.
• Be mindful of context when choosing between these translations. If discussing the game, always use "бинго." For expressions of agreement or correctness, "в точку" is the safer, more authentic choice.

Common Errors:

• Error: Overusing "бинго" in the idiomatic sense of "exactly." Many English speakers assume it translates directly, but it sounds unnatural to native Russian speakers in most contexts.
  Incorrect: Ты решил задачу! Бинго!
  Correct: Ты решил задачу! В точку!
• Error: Mispronouncing "в точку" by stressing the preposition "в." The stress must be on "точку."
  Incorrect Pronunciation: [ˈv totʃkʊ]
  Correct Pronunciation: [v ˈtotʃkʊ]

Cultural Notes:

The game of bingo ("бинго") is not as culturally prominent in Russia as in some Western countries, though it is known in certain recreational or gambling contexts. The idiomatic use of "в точку" reflects a common Russian conversational style of affirming correctness or precision, often used with enthusiasm or emphasis in informal settings.

Related Concepts:

• лотерея (lottery)
• игра (game)
• угадать (to guess)