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ocasión

oh-kah-SYOHN/o.kaˈsjon/

“ocasión” means “occasion” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

occasion, time

Also: event
NounfA2
A colorful storybook illustration showing a decorated table with a small birthday cake and wrapped gifts, signifying a special event or occasion.

📝 In Action

En esta ocasión, la cena será en un restaurante.

A2

This time (or 'On this occasion'), dinner will be at a restaurant.

Fue una ocasión memorable para toda la familia.

B1

It was a memorable occasion for the whole family.

La boda fue una gran ocasión para reunirnos.

B1

The wedding was a great occasion for us to get together.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • momento (moment)
  • celebración (celebration)

Common Collocations

  • ocasión especial – special occasion
  • en una ocasión – on one occasion / one time

opportunity

Also: chance
NounfB1
A small figure standing before a large, brightly lit open gate in a garden wall, symbolizing a favorable opportunity.

📝 In Action

Si tengo ocasión, te llamaré mañana.

B1

If I get the chance/opportunity, I will call you tomorrow.

No tuve ocasión de despedirme antes de irme.

B2

I didn't have the opportunity (or chance) to say goodbye before leaving.

Aprovecha la ocasión para practicar tu inglés.

B2

Seize the opportunity to practice your English.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • dar ocasión a algo – to give rise to something (cause)
  • aprovechar la ocasión – to take advantage of the opportunity

Idioms & Expressions

  • de ocasión – second-hand / used (often for vehicles or goods sold at a good price)

🔀 Commonly Confused With

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ocasión

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'ocasión' to mean 'opportunity'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
ocasional(occasional) — Adjective
ocasionar(to cause or provoke) — Verb
ocasionalmente(occasionally) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
canciónnaciónpasión
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *occasio, occasionis*, which originally meant 'a falling down' or 'setting' (like the sun), but quickly evolved to mean 'a favorable time' or 'opportunity.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: occasionEnglish: occasion

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'ocasión' feminine?

Most Spanish nouns that end in the letters -sión, -ción, -dad, -tad, and -tud are feminine. Since 'ocasión' ends in -sión, it is always used with feminine words like 'la' (the) and 'una' (a).

What is the difference between 'ocasión' and 'vez'?

Both relate to time. 'Vez' usually means 'time' in the sense of repetition ('one time, two times'). 'Ocasión' refers to a specific event, setting, or a favorable chance/opportunity.