Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| oportunidad | /opoɾtuniˈdad/ | feminine |
| posibilidad | /posibiliˈdad/ | feminine |
| chance | /ˈt͡ʃanθe/ /ˈt͡ʃanse/ |
feminine, masculine |
To express the idea of a chance, you can choose between several words depending on your exact meaning. Use oportunidad when referring to a favorable set of circumstances or an opportunity. Use posibilidad to refer more strictly to the theoretical likelihood or the existence of something happening. If you wish to stress the likelihood of an event actually occurring, probabilidad is the appropriate formal term.
Which one should you use?
While oportunidad refers to a favorable set of circumstances (an opportunity), posibilidad refers more strictly to the theoretical likelihood or existence of something happening.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Oportunidad and posibilidad are formal terms. The word chance is an anglicism used as informal slang in certain regions to express possibility or probability.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word chance has integrated itself into informal language use in certain regions.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun oportunidad is feminine, so it must be used with feminine articles and adjectives, such as una oportunidad or la oportunidad buena. Similarly, posibilidad is a feminine noun, requiring feminine articles and adjectives, such as una posibilidad or la posibilidad remota.
How do you pronounce it?
/opoɾtuniˈdad/
Did you know?
- Depending on the country, the word chance may be used as a verb chancear in very informal settings to mean 'to give someone a chance' or even 'to flirt'.
- The noun oportunidad is derived from the Latin word for 'approaching the port', implying a favorable time or a wind that is useful for sailing.
- In certain contexts, the word oportunidad can be used to describe a 'bargain' or a 'steal' when referring to a price that is unexpectedly low.
Examples in context
- La oportunidad se fue.The chance is gone.This sentence shows how to express that a chance has passed using oportunidad.Tatoeba #1430210 by marcelostockle, translation #408973 by CM
- Le di una oportunidad.I gave him a chance.This sentence demonstrates the use of oportunidad when giving someone a chance.Tatoeba #4921542 by DarkHollow, translation #3916532 by CH
- Es tu única oportunidad.It's your only chance.This sentence shows how to indicate that something is a person's only chance using oportunidad.Tatoeba #1476904 by marcelostockle, translation #1476576 by Spamster
- El exitoso empresario tuvo la oportunidad de expandir su negocio en el extranjeroThe successful entrepreneur had the chance to expand his business abroad
- Existe la posibilidad de que llueva mañanaThere is a chance of rain tomorrow
- Hay una alta probabilidad de que ganemos el concursoThere is a high chance of winning the contest
- Hay una chance de que ganemos el partidoThere's a chance we win the game
- Probablemente haya mucho tráfico en esta horaThere's likely to be a lot of traffic at this hour
- tienes alguna chance de venirDo you have any chance of coming?
- 236 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel tells Elena about a new job opening.
- Elena¿Sabes algo del nuevo empleo, Daniel?Do you know anything about the new job, Daniel?
- DanielSí, es una buena oportunidad para ti.Yes, it is a good opportunity for you.
- ElenaNo sé si voy a tomar la oportunidad.I don't know if I am going to take the opportunity.
- DanielDeberías intentarlo, Elena.You should try it, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chance” translations and entries oportunidad, posibilidad, chance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chance, oportunidad, posibilidad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
