oportuno
“oportuno” means “timely” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
timely
Also: well-timed
📝 In Action
Llegaste en un momento muy oportuno; acabamos de servir la cena.
A2You arrived at a very timely moment; we just served dinner.
Tu ayuda fue muy oportuna para terminar el proyecto.
B1Your help was very well-timed to finish the project.
Fue una intervención oportuna que evitó un gran problema.
B2It was a timely intervention that avoided a big problem.
appropriate
Also: convenient
📝 In Action
No me parece oportuno hablar de dinero en la primera cita.
B1I don't think it's appropriate to talk about money on the first date.
El director consideró oportuno cancelar la reunión.
B2The director thought it appropriate to cancel the meeting.
Si lo crees oportuno, podemos revisar el contrato mañana.
C1If you think it's convenient, we can review the contract tomorrow.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: oportuno
Question 1 of 3
If someone brings you an umbrella just as it starts to rain, their arrival was...
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'opportunus,' which originally described a wind blowing 'ob' (toward) the 'portus' (port). It literally meant a wind that helps a ship get home safely.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'oportuno' describe a person?
Not usually as a personality trait. It describes their actions or their arrival. You wouldn't say 'He is a timely person' as a general trait, but you can say 'His arrival was timely' (Su llegada fue oportuna).
Is 'oportuno' the same as 'a tiempo'?
'A tiempo' usually means 'not late' (on time), while 'oportuno' means 'at the perfect or most helpful moment'.
How do I say 'inappropriately'?
You can use the adverb 'inoportunamente' or the phrase 'de manera inoportuna'.