gran oportunidad
/ɡɾan opoɾtunidad/from spelling rules
The English phrase "big break" can be translated into Spanish as gran oportunidad.
In Spanish, gran oportunidad is used to describe a life-changing opportunity or a sudden stroke of luck that launches a career, particularly in the arts or entertainment.
Meaning: (entertainment) A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers (noun)
Which one should you use?
Golpe de Suerte translates to 'stroke of luck' and is an informal way to say 'big break'. Oportunidad Única translates to 'unique opportunity' and is a formal way to say 'big break'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to 'a big break' as a singular countable noun, you should use the indefinite article 'una' before the phrase, forming una gran oportunidad.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɾan opoɾtunidad/
Did you know?
- While oportunidad sounds like 'opportunity', its Latin root opportūnitātem originally described a favorable wind blowing a ship toward a port.
- To describe the moment a person actually achieves their 'big break', Spanish speakers use the phrase dar el salto, meaning 'to make the leap'.
- The adjective gran is an apocopic form that must drop its final 'e' whenever it precedes a singular noun, whether that noun is masculine or feminine.
Examples in context
- Finalmente, obtuve una gran oportunidad para demostrar mi talento en el escenario principal.Finally, I got a big opportunity to demonstrate my talent on the main stage.
- Mi golpe de suerte llegó cuando me encontré con el famoso director en el café del vecindario.My stroke of luck came when I ran into the famous director in the neighborhood cafe.
- Ese papel fue su gran oportunidad.That role was his big break.
- Ella espera tener una gran oportunidad en la televisión.She is hoping for a big break on television.
- Su gran oportunidad llegó con esa canción.His big break came with that song.
Example conversation
Two friends talking about an upcoming audition.
- ElenaJavier, ¿estás nervioso por la audición?Javier, are you nervous about the audition?
- JavierSí, Elena, porque esta es mi gran oportunidad.Yes, Elena, because this is my big break.
- ElenaTú tienes mucho talento y lo lograrás.You have a lot of talent and you will make it.
- JavierGracias, espero que el director me elija.Thanks, I hope the director chooses me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gran, oportunidad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
