ocasión
nounUpper-intermediate
What does “ocasión” mean in English?
occasion — a particular time or event; a suitable opportunity
occasion — a particular time or event; a suitable opportunity (en esta ocasión; con ocasión de)
Example sentences
Esta conferencia es una excelente ocasión para establecer contactos con profesionales del sector.
This conference is an excellent opportunity to make contacts with professionals in the sector.
Con ocasión del centenario de la República, el gobierno organizó actos conmemorativos en todo el país.
On the occasion of the centenary of the Republic, the government organised commemorative events throughout the country.
Encontré este libro en el mercadillo de ocasión y resultó ser una edición rarísima.
I found this book at the second-hand market stall and it turned out to be an extremely rare edition.
How to use it
La ocasión (noun, feminine) means 'occasion' — a particular time or event, often a suitable opportunity. Key collocations: en esta ocasión; con ocasión de (on the occasion of); aprovechar la ocasión; en alguna/pocas ocasiones; de ocasión (second-hand, bargain). Distinguish from oportunidad (opportunity — a positive chance for gain) and momento (moment — a point in time). Con ocasión de is formal and fixed. De ocasión means 'second-hand/bargain' — a commercial register.
Common mistake
En esta ocasión (on this occasion) is a fixed discourse marker. Con ocasión de (on the occasion of) is formal. De ocasión = second-hand or at a bargain price — a distinct commercial meaning. 'On occasions' = en algunas/ciertas ocasiones. Don't confuse with oportunidad (which is always a positive potential gain).
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Nociones generales: tiempo y.