What are the differences between ocasión y oportunidad?

Question

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Answer 1

"Un ocasión" is also used in Spanish meaning "a bargain", a small twist away from English where "an opportunity' takes that meaning.

Thank you for that nuance, another step in my understanding. - kirk1, Nov 13, 2012

I didn't know that either. Thank you. :D - cheskasullivan, Nov 13, 2012

Answer 2

I am not very advanced in Spanish but I would think that any diference between ocasión y oportunidad would probably be about the same as for the English equivalent words so I will answer with regard to the English. Occasion and opportunity are synonyms or at least can be. Opportunity has some slightly different uses or nuances but usually means the chance to do something or for something to happed.

Occasion has several meanings including: 1. An event such as, we only use this dishware (e.g. plates) on special occasions. 2. Opportunity, reason or cause such as, I often have the occasion to try to use my Spanish. 3. The time of a particular event such as on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

The second meaning or useage listed above is a synomym of opportunity. I think opportunity is a slightly "stronger" word when used for this meaning. Opportunity suggests a little more good fortune in having a chance to do something such as, "I had the opportunity to live and work in China for four years, three of which were in Beijing." (Which, in fact I did. The photo I use on this site was taken on the northeast edge of Beijing.)

Zaijian