抽選(ちゅうせん)

抽選(ちゅうせん) is selection by drawing lots. In Japan it is the standard way of rationing anything oversubscribed: concert tickets, popular restaurant slots, public housing, marathon entries, and school places.

Usage

• The method takes で: 抽選(ちゅうせん)で決(き)める (decide by lottery)
• The draw you enter or fail takes に: 抽選(ちゅうせん)に申(もう)し込(こ)む, 抽選(ちゅうせん)に外(はず)れる
• Also used as a verb with する when an organiser holds the draw

Common collocations

• 抽選(ちゅうせん)で当(あ)たる: to win a draw
• 抽選(ちゅうせん)販売(はんばい): sale by lottery
• 抽選(ちゅうせん)結果(けっか): the result of the draw
• 抽選(ちゅうせん)倍率(ばいりつ): the odds, expressed as applicants per place

Similar words

先着順(せんちゃくじゅん) (first-come, first-served) is the other common rationing method, and notices usually state which one applies. 抽選(ちゅうせん) rewards nobody for being quick; 先着順(せんちゃくじゅん) rewards nothing else.