monopolio
“monopolio” means “monopoly” in Spanish (exclusive control over a market or service).
monopoly
Also: exclusive possession
📝 In Action
El gobierno quiere romper el monopolio de la compañía de teléfonos.
B1The government wants to break the phone company's monopoly.
Nadie tiene el monopolio de la verdad.
B2Nobody has a monopoly on the truth.
Jugamos al monopolio toda la tarde de ayer.
A2We played Monopoly all yesterday afternoon.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: monopolio
Question 1 of 3
If a company is the ONLY one allowed to sell water in a city, what do they have?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'monopolium', which comes from the Greek roots 'monos' (single) and 'polein' (to sell). Essentially, it describes the act of being the only seller.
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'monopolio' always a bad thing in Spanish?
Not necessarily in grammar, but in conversation and economics, it usually has a negative tone because it implies a lack of choice for others.
Do I capitalize it when talking about the board game?
Yes, just like in English, when you refer to the specific brand or board game, you should use a capital M: 'Jugar al Monopolio'.
Can 'monopolio' be a verb?
No, 'monopolio' is only a naming word (noun). To describe the action, use the verb 'monopolizar'.