A storybook illustration of a small rabbit standing at a fork in a grassy path, symbolizing the chances of choosing one direction over another. One path leads toward a sun, and the other toward a cloud.

probabilidades

pro-ba-bi-li-DA-des

nounfB1

chances?likelihood of an event,odds?in sports or betting

Also:probabilities?mathematical context,prospects?future outlook

📝 In Action

Hay muchas probabilidades de que el proyecto funcione.

There are high chances that the project will work.

Las probabilidades estaban en nuestra contra, pero ganamos.

The odds were against us, but we won.

¿Qué probabilidades hay de que me den el trabajo?

What are the chances that they give me the job?

Calculamos las probabilidades de éxito antes de invertir.

We calculated the probabilities of success before investing.

Word Connections

Synonyms

posibilidades (possibilities)
riesgo (risk)

Common Collocations

hay pocas probabilidades – there is little chance
tener probabilidades de éxito – to have chances of success
las probabilidades están en contra – the odds are against us

💡 Grammar Points

Always Plural and Feminine

Even if you are talking about a single chance, this word is almost always used in its plural form, 'probabilidades.' Since it is feminine, you use 'las' before it.

Using the Subjunctive

When 'probabilidades' is used to express uncertainty about the future, the next verb often needs the special verb form (subjunctive): 'Hay probabilidades de que llueva' (There are chances that it will rain).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Singular Form

Mistake: "La probabilidad es alta."

Correction: Las probabilidades son altas. (While 'la probabilidad' exists, the plural 'las probabilidades' is far more common in everyday speech.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Hay' for Existence

The most common way to start a sentence about chances is using 'Hay' (There is/are): 'Hay muchas probabilidades' (There are many chances).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: probabilidades

Question 1 of 1

How would you translate the phrase 'There is a high chance of success' using the verb 'hay'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

probabilidad(probability (singular)) - noun

probable(likely) - adjective

probablemente(probably) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Spanish speakers almost always use 'las probabilidades' instead of the singular 'la probabilidad'?

While the singular form 'la probabilidad' is correct, especially in mathematics, 'probabilidades' (plural) is used in daily conversation to talk about the general concept of 'chances' or 'odds,' much like English speakers might say 'the odds' or 'the chances' instead of 'the chance.'