lotería
/loteˈɾia/feminine
The English phrase 'lottery' is translated into Spanish as lotería.
The word refers to a scheme for the distribution of prizes by lot or chance. In Spain, Lotería Nacional refers to a specific lottery. To express the act of winning, use the verb ganar in the phrase ganar la lotería. You may also use the idiomatic phrase sacarse la lotería, which often implies a stroke of luck.
Meaning: scheme for the distribution of prizes by lot or chance (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun lotería is feminine and is used with the feminine definite article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/loteˈɾia/
Did you know?
- When talking about the Spanish National Lottery, the term El Gordo is often used colloquially to refer to the main prize, even though it translates to 'The Fat One'.
- The Mexican version of lotería uses a caller who reads riddles or clues instead of simply stating the name of the image on the card.
- The English word 'lot' and the Spanish lotería actually share the same ancient Germanic root, meaning they are distant linguistic cousins.
Examples in context
- Me gané la lotería.I won the lottery.Tatoeba #1359861 by marcelostockle, translation #320982 by CK
- Yanni ganó la lotería.Yanni won the lottery.Tatoeba #10024789 by manufrutos, translation #10023823 by Amastan
- Tom se sacó la lotería.Tom was chosen by lottery.Tatoeba #1278834 by marcelostockle, translation #1140991 by CK
- Me encantaría ganar la lotería algún día.I would love to win the lottery someday.
- ¿Participaste en el último sorteo de la lotería?Did you take part in the last lottery draw?
- ¡Ojalá me gane el loto esta vez!I hope I win the lottery this time!
- ¿Sabes cuándo es la próxima rifa del barrio?Do you know when the next neighborhood raffle is?
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about a local game at a shop.
- Daniel¿Sabes si juegan la lotería hoy?Do you know if they are playing the lottery today?
- SofíaNo, la lotería es solo los sábados.No, the lottery is only on Saturdays.
- DanielEntiendo, entonces esperaré al fin de semana.I see, then I will wait for the weekend.
- SofíaEs una buena idea, Daniel.That is a good idea, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lottery” translations and entries lotería, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lotería, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
