A small figure standing on a green path looks forward as a large, bright golden key appears floating in the air directly in front of them, symbolizing a favorable moment.

oportunidad

/o-por-tu-ni-DAD/

NounfA2

opportunity?A favorable time or set of circumstances to do something.,chance?A possibility of doing something.

Also:occasion?A specific time when something happens.

📝 In Action

Esta es una gran oportunidad para practicar tu español.

This is a great opportunity to practice your Spanish.

No dejes pasar la oportunidad de viajar por el mundo.

Don't let the chance to travel the world pass you by.

Si me dan la oportunidad, demostraré que puedo hacerlo.

If they give me the opportunity, I will prove I can do it.

El lanzamiento del nuevo producto es una oportunidad de oro para la empresa.

The launch of the new product is a golden opportunity for the company.

Word Connections

Synonyms

ocasión (occasion, chance)
chance (chance (colloquial))
posibilidad (possibility)

Antonyms

desventaja (disadvantage)
inconveniente (inconvenience, drawback)

Common Collocations

aprovechar la oportunidad – to seize/take advantage of the opportunity
dar una oportunidad – to give a chance
perder la oportunidad – to miss the opportunity
una oportunidad única – a unique opportunity
una oportunidad de oro – a golden opportunity

Idioms & Expressions

la oportunidad la pintan calva – Opportunity knocks but once; you have to seize the moment.

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine: 'la' oportunidad

Even though it doesn't end in '-a', 'oportunidad' is a feminine word. So, you always say 'la oportunidad' (the opportunity) or 'una oportunidad' (an opportunity).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'de' vs. 'para'

Mistake: "Tengo una oportunidad por ganar el premio."

Correction: Say 'Tengo una oportunidad de ganar el premio.' Use 'de' + a verb in its base form (like 'ganar') to say 'opportunity to do something'. Use 'para' to talk about the purpose or goal, often with a noun: 'Es una oportunidad para el cambio' (It's an opportunity for change).

⭐ Usage Tips

Seize the Day!

A super common and useful phrase is 'aprovechar la oportunidad,' which means 'to seize' or 'take advantage of the opportunity.' It has a positive feeling, like you're making the most of a good situation.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: oportunidad

Question 1 of 1

Which verb best completes this sentence? 'Si quieres tener éxito, tienes que ______ cada oportunidad.'

📚 More Resources

Word Family

oportuno(timely, opportune) - adjective

oportunista(opportunist) - noun/adjective

inoportuno(inopportune, untimely) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'oportunidad' and 'posibilidad'?

Think of it this way: a 'posibilidad' is just something that *could* happen (it's possible). An 'oportunidad' is a *good* possibility, a favorable moment or a special chance to do something you want. Many things are possible, but not all of them are great opportunities.