Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lottery'

English Word: lottery

Key Russian Translations:

• лотерея [lɐ.tʲɪˈrʲe.jə] - [Formal, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of gambling, events, or state-run systems, but not everyday vocabulary).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun recognition and cultural context; suitable for learners with some familiarity with Russian nouns and inflections).

Pronunciation (Russian):

лотерея: [lɐ.tʲɪˈrʲe.jə]

Note on лотерея: The stress falls on the third syllable ('rʲe'), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the soft 'tʲ' sound. Pronounce it with a clear roll if speaking in a formal context.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The game of chance where prizes are distributed by random selection.

Translation(s) & Context:

• лотерея - Used in formal and everyday contexts for state-run or commercial lotteries, such as buying tickets or winning prizes.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил билет в лотерею на прошлой неделе.

  I bought a ticket for the lottery last week. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, common in casual conversations about personal experiences.)

• Государственная лотерея принесла миллионы выигрышей в прошлом году.

  The state lottery brought millions in winnings last year. (Illustrates use in a formal or news-related context, emphasizing scale and official aspects.)

• Многие люди тратят деньги на лотерею, надеясь на удачу.

  Many people spend money on the lottery, hoping for luck. (Demonstrates the word in a reflective or advisory sentence, highlighting cultural attitudes toward gambling.)

• В этой лотерее главный приз — новенький автомобиль.

  In this lottery, the main prize is a brand-new car. (Shows the word with a modifier, in the context of describing prizes.)

• Она выиграла в лотерею, но решила поделиться частью приза с друзьями.

  She won the lottery but decided to share part of the prize with friends. (Exemplifies the word in a narrative context, involving social implications.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лотерея" is a feminine noun (feminine singular in nominative case) and follows the first declension pattern in Russian. It has regular inflections based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender but changes with number and case as shown. For example, in plural, it can refer to multiple lotteries or types.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: розыгрыш (rozygrysh) - Often used for a drawing or raffle, with a slightly more informal connotation in event contexts. выигрышная игра (vyigryshnaya igra) - Literal for "winning game," emphasizing the chance element.
• Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms, as "lottery" is a specific concept, but terms like гарантированный доход (garantirovannyy dohod) could imply a "guaranteed income" in contrast to its uncertainty.

Related Phrases:

• Государственная лотерея - State lottery; Refers to officially run games with government oversight.
• Выиграть в лотерею - To win the lottery; A common phrase for expressing sudden fortune or luck.
• Билет в лотерею - Lottery ticket; Used when discussing participation or purchasing.
• Международная лотерея - International lottery; Implies cross-border games, often with larger prizes.

Usage Notes:

"Лотерея" directly corresponds to the English "lottery" in most contexts, particularly for games of chance. It is typically used in formal settings like news or official documents, but can appear in casual speech. Be mindful of case inflections when constructing sentences; for example, use the genitive form "лотереи" after prepositions like "в" (in). If multiple translations exist, choose "лотерея" for standard lotteries, but "розыгрыш" for smaller events. Grammatically, it’s a feminine noun, so adjectives must agree (e.g., "большая лотерея" for "big lottery").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я иду в лотерея" instead of "Я иду в лотерею". Correct: The accusative case "лотерею" is needed after "в" in this context. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement with prepositions, which English speakers often overlook.

• Error: Confusing with synonyms, e.g., using "розыгрыш" interchangeably without context, leading to misuse in formal settings. Correct: Reserve "розыгрыш" for raffles and "лотерея" for organized lotteries. Explanation: Subtle differences in connotation can make phrases sound unnatural.

• Error: Forgetting gender agreement, e.g., saying "большой лотерея" instead of "большая лотерея". Correct: Use feminine adjectives like "большая". Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender, number, and case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, lotteries like "Гослото" (State Lotto) are popular and often tied to government initiatives, with proceeds funding social programs. They reflect a cultural fascination with fate and luck, influenced by historical events like the Soviet era's state-controlled games. However, there's also a cautionary undertone due to gambling regulations, emphasizing that while lotteries can bring excitement, they are not a reliable path to wealth.

Related Concepts:

• приз (prize)
• выигрыш (winnings)
• азартная игра (gambling game)
• ставка (bet)