Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lobby'

English Word: lobby

Key Russian Translations:

• лобби [ˈlɒbi] - [Informal, Used in modern contexts, often borrowed from English]

Frequency: Medium (Common in urban and business contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves recognizing borrowed words and their usage in contemporary Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лобби: [ˈlɒbi]

Note on лобби: The pronunciation closely mirrors the English original, with stress on the first syllable. Be cautious of the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for beginners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: An entrance hall or waiting area, especially in a hotel or public building

Translation(s) & Context:

• лобби - Used in formal or semi-formal settings to describe a reception area, common in hospitality and architecture contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В отеле есть просторное лобби с мягкими диванами.

  In the hotel, there is a spacious lobby with comfortable sofas.

• Гости собираются в лобби перед экскурсией.

  Guests gather in the lobby before the tour.

• Лобби здания украшено современными картинами.

  The building's lobby is decorated with modern paintings.

• После регистрации, идите в лобби для приветственного напитка.

  After check-in, go to the lobby for a welcome drink.

Meaning 2: A group that influences politicians or policies (political lobbying)

Translation(s) & Context:

• лобби - Used in political or business contexts to refer to interest groups, often with a neutral or slightly negative connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Политическое лобби пытается повлиять на новый закон.

  The political lobby is trying to influence the new law.

• В Вашингтоне сильное лобби нефтяных компаний.

  In Washington, there is a strong lobby of oil companies.

• Лобби экологов борется за чистый воздух.

  The environmental lobby is fighting for clean air.

• Международное лобби влияет на глобальную торговлю.

  The international lobby influences global trade.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лобби" is a neuter noun borrowed from English, and it often remains invariable in modern Russian usage, especially in informal contexts. However, it can follow basic noun patterns in more formal or integrated uses:

Note: As a foreign borrowing, it does not always inflect fully. In plural forms, it might be used as "лобби" without changes, especially in political contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • вестибюль (vestibul) - More formal term for an entrance hall.
  • группа влияния (gruppa vliyaniya) - For political lobbying, emphasizing influence groups.
• Antonyms:
  • противники (protivniki) - Opponents, in the context of lobbying.

Related Phrases:

• лобби-группа - A lobby group; used in political discussions to refer to organized interests.
• входное лобби - Entrance lobby; common in architectural descriptions.
• лоббировать интересы - To lobby for interests; implies advocating for specific causes.

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "лобби" directly corresponds to the English "lobby" and is often used in borrowed contexts, making it accessible for English speakers. However, in formal Russian, prefer "вестибюль" for physical spaces to sound more native.
• It is more common in urban or professional settings; avoid in casual everyday conversation.
• When choosing between translations, use "лобби" for modern, international contexts, but be aware of its neutral connotation in politics, which can imply manipulation.
• Grammatically, it functions as a neuter noun and rarely changes form, simplifying its use for learners.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "лобби" with "лоббирование" (lobbying as a verb/action). Correct: Use "лобби" as a noun for the group or space; "лоббировать" for the verb. Example: Incorrect: "Они лобби здание." Correct: "Они в лобби здания." (They are in the lobby of the building.)
• Error: Overusing it in formal writing without inflection. Correct: While it often remains unchanged, in sentences requiring cases, ensure context fits; e.g., "в лобби" for prepositional case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "лобби" often carries a connotation of Western influence, especially in politics, reflecting historical skepticism toward foreign lobbying in post-Soviet Russia. It symbolizes modern globalization but can imply corruption in media discussions.

Related Concepts:

• вестибюль
• группа давления
• политическое влияние