гости́ница
gostínicafeminine
The English word hotel is translated into Russian as гости́ница (gostínica) or оте́ль.
Meaning: establishment providing accommodation (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| гости́ница | gostínica | feminine |
| оте́ль | otɛ́lʹ | masculine |
Both words refer to an establishment providing accommodation. While гости́ница is the native Russian term, оте́ль is a loanword often used to describe higher-end or international-style establishments. Additionally, if you are referring to a hostel, you would use the term хостел.
What does it mean word for word?
The word гости́ница is derived from the root гости, which means guests, making the word literally a place for guests.
Which one should you use?
гости́ница is the standard, native Russian word. In contrast, оте́ль is a loanword from French or English that is frequently used in modern business contexts or to denote more upscale accommodations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the loanword оте́ль is оте́ли.
How do you pronounce it?
gostínica
Did you know?
- The word гости́ница shares a linguistic root with the word гости́нец, which refers to a small gift or treat brought by a visitor to a host.
- In the Soviet era, the word гости́ница often implied a state-run establishment where guests were strictly monitored by the authorities through registration systems.
- In certain historical contexts, the word гость (guest) was also a term used for a 'merchant', meaning a гости́ница was essentially a place for traveling traders.
Examples in context
- Извините, в гостинице произошла ошибкаExcuse me, there was a mistake at the hotel
- Ищу хороший отель в Москве.Looking for a nice hotel in Moscow.
- В Москве есть множество отличных гостиниц. Какой уровень комфорта вы предпочитаете?There are many excellent hotels in Moscow. What level of comfort do you prefer?
- Привет! Где можно остановиться в этом городе?Hi! Where can I stay in this city?
- В этом городе много отелей и гостиниц. Мы можем забронировать комнату в отеле по соседству.There are many hotels and guesthouses in this city. We can book a room in the hotel next door.
- Извините, но в гостинице не работает кондиционер.Sorry, but the air conditioner isn't working in the hotel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hotel” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
