неудачник
neudachnik
The English word "loser" can be translated into Russian as неудачник (neudachnik).
неудачник is used to describe a person who fails to win.
Meaning: person who fails to win (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed using the prefix не-, which means "not" or "un-".
Which one should you use?
While неудачник describes someone who fails, везунчик is the common term for a lucky person or a winner by chance. If you are referring specifically to someone who has lost a competition, a game or an argument, you may use the term Проигравший.
How do you pronounce it?
neudachnik
Did you know?
- In some contexts, неудачник is used to describe a 'tragic' figure in literature, reflecting a Russian cultural fascination with the 'little man' who is crushed by circumstances.
- If you want to call someone a loser in a much harsher, slangy way, you might use the word лох, which implies the person is not just unlucky, but also incredibly gullible and easy to trick.
- While неудачник describes a general loser in life, calling someone лузер (a phonetic transliteration of 'loser') is common among Russian youth and carries a slightly different, more westernized social connotation.
Examples in context
- Я думал, Том – неудачник.I thought Tom was a loser.This sentence shows how to use неудачник to express a thought about someone's character.Tatoeba #12770033 by marafon, translation #12770030 by rul
- Он обозвал меня неудачником.He called me a loser.This sentence demonstrates the use of неудачник when describing being insulted.Tatoeba #10147523 by marafon, translation #12394376 by ddnktr
- Трудно признать себя неудачником.It's hard to admit you're a loser.This sentence illustrates the use of неудачник when discussing self-perception.Tatoeba #9364361 by marafon, translation #9189127 by shekitten
- Ivan, ты всегда проигрываешь в карты! Ты очередной лох!Ivan, you always lose at cards! You're just another loser!
- Мы не смогли достичь поставленных целей. Я больше не могу терпеть этого неудачника!We couldn't achieve the set goals. I can't stand this loser anymore!
- Лошара, ты опять не пришел на вечеринку вчера!Loser, you didn't come to the party again yesterday!
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dmitry are discussing a movie character.
- Мария MariaЭтот герой кажется таким неудачником.Etot geroi kazhetsya takim neudachnikom.This character seems like such a loser.
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, но он очень добрый человек.Da, no on ochen' dobryi chelovek.Yes, but he is a very kind person.
- Мария MariaПочему он всегда всё проигрывает?Pochemu on vsegda vsyo proigryvaet?Why does he always lose everything?
- Дмитрий DmitryВ этом и суть его образа.V etom i sut' ego obraza.That is the whole point of his character.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
