lotería
“lotería” means “lottery” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
lottery
Also: raffle, sweepstakes
📝 In Action
Compramos un billete de lotería para el sorteo de Navidad.
A1We bought a lottery ticket for the Christmas draw.
¿Qué harías si te tocase la lotería?
A2What would you do if you won the lottery?
La oficina de lotería está abierta hasta las ocho.
A1The lottery office is open until eight.
pure chance
Also: roll of the dice
📝 In Action
Elegir un médico en esa clínica es una lotería, nunca sabes quién te tocará.
B1Choosing a doctor at that clinic is pure chance (a lottery); you never know who you will get.
Conseguir mesa en ese restaurante sin reserva es una lotería.
B2Getting a table at that restaurant without a reservation is a roll of the dice.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: lotería
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'lotería' in its figurative sense (meaning pure chance)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Lotería' comes from the Spanish word 'lote,' meaning a 'lot' or 'portion.' The concept spread across Europe, referring to the distribution of land or goods by chance. It has roots in the Italian word 'lotta' (a portion or share).
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'lotería' un falso amigo con el inglés?
No, 'lotería' is a true cognate, meaning it looks and sounds very similar to the English word 'lottery' and has the exact same main meaning.
What is the most famous lottery in the Spanish-speaking world?
The most famous is 'El Gordo' (The Fat One), which is the Spanish Christmas Lottery. It is known for its massive prize pool and cultural significance.