oportunidad
Lemma Details
Translation: opportunity; chance; occasion
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'opportunitas', derived from 'opportunus' meaning 'favorable, convenient, suitable'. The Latin term combines 'ob' (toward) and 'portus' (port, harbor), originally referring to the favorable wind that drives ships toward the harbor—a perfect metaphor for a favorable circumstance or timing. The English cognate 'opportunity' shares this same Latin root.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No pierdas esta oportunidad.
Don't miss this opportunity.
Es una oportunidad única en la vida.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Busco oportunidades de trabajo en el extranjero.
I'm looking for job opportunities abroad.
Gracias por darme la oportunidad de explicar.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to explain.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'opportunity' with a Spanish accent - they sound very similar
- Remember the 'port' in both 'opportunity' and 'oportunidad' - like a ship coming to port at the right time
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking business cultures, 'oportunidad' is frequently used in professional contexts to discuss business prospects. The phrase 'igualdad de oportunidades' (equal opportunity) is important in social and political discourse across Spanish-speaking countries.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Oportunidad' is the noun meaning 'opportunity' while 'oportuno' is the adjective meaning 'timely' or 'opportune'.
Notes: These words are related but serve different grammatical functions.
Mnemonic: 'Oportunidad' ends in '-dad' like many Spanish nouns (similar to English '-ty'), while 'oportuno' ends in '-o' like many masculine adjectives.
Explanation: While both refer to potential circumstances, 'oportunidad' implies a favorable chance that should be taken advantage of, whereas 'posibilidad' simply refers to something that could happen without the connotation of advantage.
Confused word:
Existe la posibilidad de que llueva mañana.
There is a possibility that it will rain tomorrow.
Notes: 'Oportunidad' has a more positive connotation and often implies action should be taken.
Mnemonic: Think of 'oportunidad' as a door opening (opportunity), while 'posibilidad' is just something that might happen (possibility).