Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'roulette'

English Word: roulette

Key Russian Translations:

• рулетка [ruˈlʲetkə] - [Informal, used in gambling and gaming contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions of games, casinos, or entertainment, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR standards; involves recognizing loanwords from French via English and basic noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

рулетка: [ruˈlʲetkə]

Note on рулетка: The stress falls on the second syllable. The 'лʲ' represents a palatalized 'l' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'l' in "million." Be mindful of the soft vowel sounds in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The gambling game (a game of chance involving a spinning wheel)

Translation(s) & Context:

• рулетка - Used in contexts related to casinos, betting, or recreational games; often implies risk and excitement in informal or formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я поставил все свои деньги на рулетку в казино прошлой ночью.

  I bet all my money on roulette in the casino last night.

• Рулетка — это классическая азартная игра, которая популярна во многих странах.

  Roulette is a classic gambling game that is popular in many countries.

• В фильме главный герой проиграл состояние за один вечер за рулеткой.

  In the movie, the main character lost his fortune in just one evening playing roulette.

• Если вы новичок, начните с виртуальной рулетки, чтобы избежать реальных потерь.

  If you're a beginner, start with virtual roulette to avoid real losses.

• Рулетка часто используется в метафорическом смысле для описания рискованных решений в бизнесе.

  Roulette is often used metaphorically to describe risky decisions in business.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Рулетка" is a feminine noun in Russian (from the first declension group). It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • азартная игра (general term for gambling games; implies excitement but less specific)
  • колесо фортуны (wheel of fortune; used metaphorically or for similar games, with a slight cultural connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • гарантированный исход (guaranteed outcome; refers to situations without risk)

Related Phrases:

• Игра в рулетку - "Playing roulette"; used to describe participating in the game, often in a casino setting.
• Рулетка судьбы - "Roulette of fate"; a metaphorical phrase implying life's uncertainties or random events.
• Вращать рулетку - "To spin the roulette wheel"; refers to taking a chance or initiating a risky action.

Usage Notes:

"Рулетка" directly corresponds to the English "roulette" as a loanword, primarily in gambling contexts. It is versatile but most common in informal discussions. English speakers should note that Russian often requires the noun to be inflected based on its role in the sentence (e.g., in genitive for possession). When choosing between translations, use "рулетка" for literal references; for broader concepts, opt for synonyms like "азартная игра." Be aware of cultural associations, as it may evoke images of luxury or risk in Russian media.

• In formal writing, pair it with context, e.g., "казино рулетка" for casino roulette.
• Avoid overusing in everyday speech, as it might sound overly dramatic outside gambling themes.

Common Errors:

English learners often mispronounce "рулетка" by stressing the wrong syllable or softening the 'л' incorrectly. For example:

• Error: Saying "РУ-letka" with stress on the first syllable.
  Correct: [ruˈlʲetkə] with stress on the second syllable.
  Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural; practice with native audio to master the rhythm.
• Error: Using it without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Я люблю рулетка" instead of "Я люблю рулетку."
  Correct: "Я люблю рулетку" (accusative case for direct object).
  Explanation: Russian grammar requires case agreement, which English lacks, leading to confusion.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "рулетка" is often linked to themes of fate and risk, as seen in literature like Fyodor Dostoevsky's "The Gambler," where it symbolizes addiction and social decline. It also appears in modern contexts, such as online gaming, reflecting Russia's complex relationship with gambling, which has historical restrictions and cultural stigma.

Related Concepts:

• казино (casino)
• азарт (excitement or gambling spirit)
• ставка (bet)