уда́ча
udáčafeminine
Luck in Russian can be expressed as уда́ча (udáča), везе́ние or сча́стье.
Meaning: something that happens to someone by chance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| уда́ча | udáča | feminine |
| везе́ние | vezénije | neuter |
| сча́стье | sčástʹje | neuter |
Russian uses different words for luck depending on whether you are discussing a specific event, a general quality or a state of being. You can also use the phrase Уда́чи! to wish someone good luck, similar to the English expression 'Good luck!'
Which one should you use?
The words differ based on the nuance of the luck being described. уда́ча refers to a specific successful outcome or a stroke of good luck. In contrast, везе́ние refers to the general phenomenon of luck or the continuous quality of being lucky. While сча́стье can describe a state of great fortune, it is primarily the word for happiness and describes a state of being rather than a random chance event.
How do you pronounce it?
udáča
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'Good luck!', a Russian person wishing someone luck might simply say Ни пуха, ни пера!, which literally translates to 'Neither down, nor feather!'
- When someone wishes you ни пуха ни пера, the correct response is к чёрту!, which literally means 'to the devil!'
- In Russia, it is a common custom to sit in silence for a few seconds on a suitcase or chair before a journey to bring уда́ча.
Examples in context
- Я желаю вам всего счастья и удачи в вашей новой должности.I wish you all the happiness and luck in your new position.
- Удачи на экзамене! Я уверен, ты докажешь, что ты можешь справиться со всем!Good luck on your exam! I'm sure you'll prove that you can handle everything!
- Это была большая уда́ча.Eto byla bol'shaya udacha.It was great luck.
- Его уда́ча внезапно закончилась.Yego udacha vnezapno zakonchilas'.His luck suddenly ran out.
Example conversation
Ольга and Александр are discussing a recent business deal.
- Ольга OlgaТвоя уда́ча сегодня просто невероятна!Tvoya udacha segodnya prosto neveroyatna!Your luck today is simply incredible!
- Александр AleksandrСпасибо, Ольга, мне очень повезло.Spasibo, Ol'ga, mne ochen' povezlo.Thank you, Olga, I was very lucky.
- Ольга OlgaТы действительно заслужил этот успех.Ty deystvitel'no zasluzhil etot uspesh.You truly deserved this success.
- Александр AleksandrНадеюсь, это не просто случайность.Nadeyus', eto ne prosto sluchaynost'.I hope it is not just a coincidence.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “luck” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
