ocasiones
/oh-kah-SYOH-ness/
times
This illustration shows three distinct 'times' or instances.
ocasiones(Noun)
times
?instances or moments
,occasions
?specific events or happenings
opportunities
?chances to do something
📝 In Action
En ocasiones, me gusta desayunar tarde.
A1Sometimes (on occasions), I like to have a late breakfast.
Solo nos vemos en ocasiones especiales, como Navidad.
A2We only see each other on special occasions, like Christmas.
Perdió muchas ocasiones para invertir su dinero.
B1He missed many opportunities to invest his money.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Remember that 'ocasión' is always a feminine word, so it uses 'la' or 'las' (las ocasiones).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Ocasiones vs. Veces
Mistake: "Using 'veces' when referring to a specific event or formal gathering (e.g., 'Fuimos a la boda dos veces')."
Correction: Use 'ocasiones' for specific events or chances (e.g., 'Fue una ocasión especial'). Use 'veces' when counting how many times something happened (e.g., 'Fui a la tienda tres veces').
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'En ocasiones'
This phrase is the most common way to say 'sometimes' or 'occasionally.' It's a great alternative to 'a veces'.
The act of pressing the button illustrates the concept of 'that you cause' something to happen.
ocasiones(Verb)
(that you) cause
?present subjunctive, second person singular
,(that you) provoke
?present subjunctive, second person singular
you cause
?present indicative, second person singular (less common than 'ocasionas')
📝 In Action
Espero que no ocasiones un malentendido con ese comentario.
B2I hope that you don't cause a misunderstanding with that comment.
Si tú ocasiones este problema, tú debes resolverlo.
B2If you cause this problem, you must solve it. (Indicative use, less common)
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Form
The word 'ocasiones' is most often used as the special verb form (subjunctive) when expressing doubt, desire, or emotion about an action, usually after a trigger phrase like 'Espero que' (I hope that).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Use
The verb 'ocasionar' (to cause) is more formal than 'causar.' Use it when you want your language to sound more precise or serious.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ocasiones
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'ocasiones' in its most common form?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'en ocasiones' and 'a veces'?
Both phrases mean 'sometimes.' 'A veces' is slightly more frequent and neutral for everyday use, but 'en ocasiones' is also very common and often sounds a tiny bit more formal or deliberate.
How do I know if 'ocasiones' is a noun or a verb?
If you see a word like 'las' or 'muchas' before it, it's the noun (e.g., 'las ocasiones'). If you see it following a phrase like 'Espero que tú...' or 'Si tú...', it is likely the verb 'to cause'.