ocasión

/oh-kah-SYOHN/

occasion

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

An ocasión is a specific event or time, like this birthday celebration.

ocasión(noun)

fA2

occasion

specific event or time

time

instance or specific moment

Also:

event

a notable occurrence

📝 In Action

En esta ocasión, la cena será en un restaurante.

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

Fue una ocasión memorable para toda la familia.

It was a memorable occasion for the whole family.

La boda fue una gran ocasión para reunirnos.

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

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'En'

When you want to say 'on this occasion' or 'on that occasion,' you always use the preposition 'en' in Spanish: 'en esta ocasión'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Casual

'Ocasión' is slightly more formal than 'vez' (time), making it perfect for discussing important events or official happenings.

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

If you are given an ocasión, it means you have a favorable chance or opportunity.

ocasión(noun)

fB1

opportunity

favorable chance

Also:

chance

a possibility to act

📝 In Action

Si tengo ocasión, te llamaré mañana.

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

No tuve ocasión de despedirme antes de irme.

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

Aprovecha la ocasión para practicar tu inglés.

Seize the opportunity to practice your English.

Word Connections

Synonyms

oportunidad (opportunity)
posibilidad (possibility)

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)

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Tener' with 'Ocasión'

To express that you have or don't have a chance to do something, use the verb 'tener' (to have): 'Tengo ocasión' (I have the opportunity).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Ocasión' and 'Hora'

Mistake: "Using 'ocasión' when you mean a specific clock time ('¿Qué ocasión es?')."

Correction: Use 'hora' for specific clock time ('¿Qué hora es?'). 'Ocasión' refers to an event or a chance, not the hour.

✏️ 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

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.