Inklingo

How to Say "opportunity" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “opportunity” is “oportunidad” — use 'oportunidad' for a general favorable chance or circumstance to do something, often a significant or desirable one..

oportunidad🔊A2

Use 'oportunidad' for a general favorable chance or circumstance to do something, often a significant or desirable one.

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chance🔊A2

Use 'chance' when referring to a favorable moment or a possibility, often with a sense of luck or a single shot.

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ocasiónB1

Use 'ocasión' for a specific favorable chance or moment that arises, often implying a suitable event or circumstance.

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momento🔊B2

Use 'momento' when the emphasis is on the 'right time' or a specific point in time that is opportune for action.

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puerta🔊B1

Use 'puerta' metaphorically to mean a 'gateway' or a means of access to future opportunities.

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vez🔊B1

Use 'vez' specifically when referring to a turn or an opportunity to do something in sequence, like in a game or rotation.

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English → Spanish

oportunidad

/o-por-tu-ni-DAD//opoɾtuniˈðað/

nounA2general
Use 'oportunidad' for a general favorable chance or circumstance to do something, often a significant or desirable one.
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-seh/ˈtʃanse/

nounA2informal
Use 'chance' when referring to a favorable moment or a possibility, often with a sense of luck or a single shot.
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 'ocasión' for a specific favorable chance or moment that arises, often implying a suitable event or circumstance.

Examples

Si tengo ocasión, te llamaré mañana.

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

momento

/mo-MEN-to//moˈmento/

nounB2general
Use 'momento' when the emphasis is on the 'right time' or a specific point in time that is opportune for action.
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.

puerta

/PWER-tah//'pweɾ.ta/

nounB1figurative
Use 'puerta' metaphorically to mean a 'gateway' or a means of access to future 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.

vez

/bes//beθ/

nounB1general
Use 'vez' specifically when referring to a turn or an opportunity to do something in sequence, like in a game or rotation.
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.

Oportunidad vs. Momento vs. Ocasión

Learners often confuse 'oportunidad,' 'momento,' and 'ocasión.' While 'oportunidad' is a general favorable circumstance, 'momento' emphasizes the perfect timing for action, and 'ocasión' refers to a specific chance that arises, often tied to an event.

Related Translations

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