The relevance of the research is determined by the importance of intercultural and cross-language studies in order to identify similarities and differences in language systems, since in the semantics of each language a common component as well as specific one can be identified. The aim of this study is to identify the types of lexical gaps, the main ways to fill the lexical gaps in the Russian system associated with extra - and intralinguistic factors. Particular attention is paid to the process of borrowing as an important way to eliminate lexical gaps. The leading approach to the study of this problem is the comparison of different time translations of the D.K. Jerome's novel "Three Men in a Boat (to Say Nothing of the Dog)" with the English original novel to identify lexical gaps. Different time translations of D.K. Jerome are identified and analyzed in the paper, which are the source of the description and the penetration of new concepts and phenomena in the Russian language. The lacunarity types in the Russian language are defined and analyzed, the reason for their appearance in the Russian language and ways of transmission are set. Materials of the article can find application in the development of lectures and practical lessons on general and comparative linguistics, country studies, special courses in translation theory and intercultural communication theory. The research materials may be used in the practice of the improving the techniques and methods of translation from English into Russian