Meaning
to hope for a good outcome.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Авось' is the informal sibling of this phrase. It represents a cultural belief that things might just work out by themselves, often used to justify a lack of planning. In the 90s, business was so unpredictable that 'полагаться на удачу' was a legitimate strategy. Today, it's used more as a critique of unprofessionalism. Many famous characters, like Hermann in Pushkin's 'The Queen of Spades', are defined by their tragic decision to rely entirely on luck. There is a ritual where students shout 'Халява, приди!' (Luck/Freebie, come!) out the window before an exam, which is a literal call to rely on luck.
Use the Perfective for One-offs
If you are talking about a specific single event in the future, use 'положиться' instead of 'полагаться'.
Don't forget the -СЯ
Without the reflexive suffix, the verb means 'to suppose', which will confuse your listener.
Meaning
to hope for a good outcome.
Use the Perfective for One-offs
If you are talking about a specific single event in the future, use 'положиться' instead of 'полагаться'.
Don't forget the -СЯ
Without the reflexive suffix, the verb means 'to suppose', which will confuse your listener.
The 'Avos' Connection
If you want to sound very Russian, mention that relying on luck is part of the 'Russian Avos' mentality.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'полагаться'.
Я не хочу ____ на удачу, я хочу всё проверить сам.
After 'хочу' (want), we use the infinitive form.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
The verb must be reflexive (-ся) and the noun must be in the Accusative case (удачу).
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
— Ты выучил все билеты к экзамену? — Нет, только половину. Придется...
In the context of being half-prepared for an exam, relying on luck is the most common Russian expression.
Match the phrase to the situation.
In which situation would you say 'Нельзя полагаться только на удачу'?
This phrase is used to emphasize the need for preparation and safety over chance.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesЯ не хочу ____ на удачу, я хочу всё проверить сам.
After 'хочу' (want), we use the infinitive form.
Select the correct option:
The verb must be reflexive (-ся) and the noun must be in the Accusative case (удачу).
— Ты выучил все билеты к экзамену? — Нет, только половину. Придется...
In the context of being half-prepared for an exam, relying on luck is the most common Russian expression.
In which situation would you say 'Нельзя полагаться только на удачу'?
This phrase is used to emphasize the need for preparation and safety over chance.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's usually neutral but can be negative if it implies laziness or lack of responsibility.
Yes, 'полагаться на друга' (to rely on a friend) is very common.
'Удача' is more about the successful outcome, 'везение' is the process of being lucky.
Yes, especially when used in the negative to say 'We shouldn't rely on luck.'
Я полагался на удачу (masculine) or Я полагалась на удачу (feminine).
It's possible, but 'полагаться на удачу' is much more idiomatic.
No, but it describes the mindset of a gambler.
'Рассчитывать на свои силы' (to count on one's own strength) or 'Тщательно планировать' (to plan carefully).
Yes, in this specific phrase after 'на', it is always Accusative.
Because it involves a reflexive verb and a specific prepositional case government.
Related Phrases
надеяться на авось
similarTo hope for the best without any reason.
испытывать удачу
builds onTo try one's luck.
рассчитывать на себя
contrastTo count on oneself.
плыть по течению
similarTo go with the flow.
