Inklingo

How to Say "opportunity" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “opportunity” is “oportunidad” — use this for a general favorable time or circumstance to do something, like a business deal or a learning experience.

oportunidad🔊A2

Use this for a general favorable time or circumstance to do something, like a business deal or a learning experience.

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chance🔊A2

Use this for a general possibility or a lucky break, often implying a single attempt.

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ocasiónB1

Use this for a specific favorable moment or a fitting circumstance, often when an event arises.

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momento🔊B2

Use this when referring to the precise, right time to take action or when something is most suitable.

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vez🔊B1

Use this specifically when referring to a turn or a specific instance where an opportunity might arise, like 'my turn'.

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puerta🔊B1

Use this metaphorically to mean a gateway or a means to access new possibilities or opportunities.

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coyuntura🔊B2

Use this to describe a specific, often complex, set of circumstances or a juncture in time, especially in economic or political contexts.

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English → Spanish

oportunidad

o-por-tu-ni-DADopoɾtuniˈðað

nounA2general
Use this for a general favorable time or circumstance to do something, like a business deal or a learning experience.
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.

Examples

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.

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).

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).

chance

chahn-sehˈtʃanse

nounA2general
Use this for a general possibility or a lucky break, often implying a single attempt.
A small, cheerful person standing in a dark hallway, looking excitedly at a large, brightly illuminated open doorway leading to a sunny, inviting landscape.

Examples

Solo necesito un chance para demostrar mi valor.

I just need one chance to prove my worth.

Si me das un chance, puedo arreglarlo.

If you give me a shot, I can fix it.

Llegué tarde y perdí el chance de verla.

I arrived late and missed the opportunity to see her.

Masculine Noun

Even though 'chance' sounds like an English word, in Spanish it is always masculine, so you must use 'el chance' or 'un chance'.

Using 'La Chance'

Mistake: “La chance”

Correction: El chance. Remember that this word is masculine.

ocasión

nounB1general
Use this for a specific favorable moment or a fitting circumstance, often when an event arises.

Examples

Si tengo ocasión, te llamaré mañana.

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

momento

mo-MEN-tomoˈmento

nounB2general
Use this when referring to the precise, right time to take action or when something is most suitable.
A large boulder rolling down a hill, representing the concept of momentum and opportunity.

Examples

Es el momento de actuar y hacer un cambio.

This is the time (the opportune moment) to act and make a change.

El equipo perdió el momento y el otro equipo anotó.

The team lost momentum and the other team scored.

La decisión fue de gran momento para el futuro de la empresa.

The decision was of great importance for the company's future.

vez

besbeθ

nounB1general
Use this specifically when referring to a turn or a specific instance where an opportunity might arise, like 'my turn'.
Three people in a line, with the person at the front holding a board game piece, indicating it is their turn to play.

Examples

¿De quién es la vez?

Whose turn is it?

Ahora es mi vez de hablar.

Now it's my turn to speak.

Espera tu vez, por favor.

Wait for your turn, please.

puerta

PWER-tah'pweɾ.ta

nounB1figurative
Use this metaphorically to mean a gateway or a means to access new possibilities or opportunities.
A glowing, ornate archway opening up from a shadowy area towards a vibrant, sunlit meadow filled with flowers.

Examples

Aprender inglés es una puerta a nuevas oportunidades.

Learning English is a gateway to new opportunities.

Este nuevo trabajo me ha abierto muchas puertas.

This new job has opened many doors for me.

No debemos cerrar la puerta al diálogo.

We must not close the door to dialogue.

coyuntura

ko-yun-TOO-rahkoʝunˈtuɾa

nounB2formal
Use this to describe a specific, often complex, set of circumstances or a juncture in time, especially in economic or political contexts.
A hiker standing at a fork in a path under a sunny sky, surrounded by green hills.

Examples

La coyuntura económica actual es favorable para invertir.

The current economic situation is favorable for investing.

Debemos aprovechar esta coyuntura para hacer cambios en la empresa.

We should take advantage of these circumstances to make changes in the company.

El analista habló sobre la difícil coyuntura política del país.

The analyst spoke about the country's difficult political juncture.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' and make sure any adjectives end in 'a' (e.g., 'la coyuntura actual').

A 'Big Picture' Word

Think of this word as describing how different pieces of a puzzle fit together at a specific moment. It's usually for big events like politics or the economy, not small personal problems.

Using it for 'opportunity' only

Mistake: “Using 'coyuntura' to mean just a lucky break.”

Correction: It means the *whole situation* that creates the break. Use 'oportunidad' for just the chance itself.

Distinguishing 'Oportunidad' from 'Momento' and 'Ocasión'

Learners often confuse 'oportunidad', 'momento', and 'ocasión'. Remember that 'oportunidad' is a general chance, 'ocasión' is a specific fitting circumstance, and 'momento' refers to the precise right time to act.

Related Translations

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