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lotería

lottery

noun loh-teh-REE-ah Rare

Origin: From Italian lotteria, from lotto (lot).

Usage Note

Lotería refers both to an official lottery and figuratively to anything involving luck — esto es una lotería means 'this is a lottery' (highly unpredictable). Spain's Lotería de Navidad (Christmas Lottery, 'El Gordo') is one of the world's largest and is deeply embedded in Spanish culture. The Mexican board game Lotería (similar to bingo with illustrated cards) is distinct.

Examples

"Ganó un premio importante en la lotería nacional."

Natural Translation

He won an important prize in the national lottery.

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