Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'raffle'

English Word: raffle

Key Russian Translations:

• Розыгрыш [rɐˈzɨɡrɨʂ] - [Formal, Informal; Used in contexts of games, events, or promotions]
• Лотерея [lətʲɪˈrʲejə] - [Formal; Used more broadly for lotteries, but can apply to raffle-style draws]

Frequency: Medium - The word is commonly encountered in contexts like events, marketing, or casual conversations about games, but not in everyday small talk.

Difficulty: B1 - Intermediate level, as it involves basic vocabulary related to events and games; for "Розыгрыш", it's straightforward, while "Лотерея" might require familiarity with noun declensions.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Розыгрыш: [rɐˈzɨɡrɨʂ]

Note on Розыгрыш: The 'ш' sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to 'sh' in English "she", but ensure stress on the second syllable. Common variations in fast speech may soften the 'г'.

Лотерея: [lətʲɪˈrʲejə]

Note on Лотерея: Palatalization of 'т' and 'р' is key; practice with native speakers for the soft 'й' at the end. This word is often stressed on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A game of chance where prizes are distributed by drawing lots or tickets.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Розыгрыш - Used in promotional events, charity drives, or fun activities; common in both formal announcements and informal settings.
• Лотерея - Applied when the raffle is part of a larger lottery system; more formal and often in official or governmental contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В офисе организуют розыгрыш призов среди сотрудников.

  In the office, they are organizing a raffle of prizes among employees.

• Я выиграл в розыгрыше новый смартфон на благотворительном мероприятии.

  I won a new smartphone in the raffle at the charity event.

• Эта лотерея включает ежедневный розыгрыш билетов.

  This lottery includes a daily raffle of tickets.

• Дети с нетерпением ждут розыгрыша на школьном празднике.

  The children are eagerly awaiting the raffle at the school holiday.

• В интернете часто проводятся лотереи с розыгрышами подарков.

  Online, lotteries with raffle giveaways are often held.

Secondary Meaning: A selection process by random draw (e.g., in sports or assignments).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Розыгрыш - Informal contexts like sports drafts or random selections.

Usage Examples:

• Розыгрыш игроков в команде произошёл на основе жребия.

  The raffle of players in the team was done based on a draw.

• Для распределения задач использовали быстрый розыгрыш.

  For task assignment, they used a quick raffle.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "Розыгрыш" and "Лотерея" are nouns. "Розыгрыш" is masculine and follows standard second-declension patterns, while "Лотерея" is feminine and follows first-declension patterns with some irregularities.

Note: These words do not have irregular inflections but follow standard Russian grammar rules. Always adjust for context, as plural forms are used for multiple events.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Жеребьёвка [ʐɨˈrʲɛbjɵfkə] - More formal, used in official draws.
  • Конкурс [kɐnˈkurs] - Implies competition, often with prizes.
• Antonyms:
  • Покупка [pɐˈkupkə] - Purchase, as it involves direct buying rather than chance.

Related Phrases:

• Розыгрыш призов - Raffle of prizes; Common in event promotions.
• Участие в лотерее - Participation in a lottery; Used for entering raffles officially.
• Бесплатный розыгрыш - Free raffle; Often seen in marketing contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Розыгрыш" is the most direct equivalent to "raffle" in English and is versatile for both formal and informal use, while "Лотерея" is better for structured, government-regulated lotteries. Choose "Розыгрыш" for everyday contexts like parties or online events. Be mindful of grammatical gender: "Розыгрыш" is masculine, so it pairs with masculine adjectives (e.g., большой розыгрыш - big raffle). In sentences, it often appears in the accusative case when directly involved in an action.

• Context tip: In Russian culture, raffles are popular in holidays or fundraisers, so usage might vary by region.
• Grammar note: Always decline the noun based on its role in the sentence to avoid sounding unnatural.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "Розыгрыш" with "Лотерея" and use them interchangeably, but "Лотерея" implies a larger system. For example:

• Error: Saying "Я участвую в лотерее" when meaning a small office raffle (incorrect if it's not official).
• Correct: "Я участвую в розыгрыше" - This is more precise for casual events.
• Another error: Forgetting declension, e.g., using nominative "Розыгрыш" in genitive contexts like "в розыгрыше" instead of "в розыгрыше" (wait, that's correct; error would be "в розыгрыш").

Explanation: Always check the case; improper declension can make the sentence grammatically incorrect and confusing to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, raffles ("розыгрыши") are a staple of cultural events like New Year's celebrations or charity drives, often tied to traditions of community and luck. They reflect a broader cultural emphasis on games of chance in folklore, such as in fairy tales where draws determine fate, helping to build a sense of communal excitement and fairness.

Related Concepts:

• Приз [prʲiz] - Prize
• Выигрыш [vɨˈɡrɨʂ] - Winnings
• Конкурс [kɐnˈkurs] - Competition