monopolio
/monoˈpoljo/masculine
The English word 'monopoly' is monopolio in Spanish.
monopolio refers to exclusive possession. When describing what is being monopolized, it is typically followed by the preposition sobre to mean 'monopoly on' or 'monopoly over'. In formal business or economic discussions, you might also use the phrase Control Total del Mercado to mean 'total market control'.
Meaning: exclusive possession (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the general concept is translated as monopolio, the name of the specific board game is often kept in English as Monopoly.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
monopolio is a masculine noun and is used with the definite article el, as in el monopolio.
How do you pronounce it?
/monoˈpoljo/
Did you know?
- The term monopolio originates from the Latin monopolĭum, which was adapted from the Greek words for 'single' and 'seller'.
- If a person is acting in a controlling or dominating manner in a social setting, you might jokingly call them a monopolizador, though this is much more specific than the English 'monopolizer'.
- Spanish has a related term oligopolio for when a few companies dominate a market, and the two are frequently paired in Spanish economic textbooks to show contrast.
Examples in context
- Nuestra tienda tiene un monopolio sobre este producto.Our store has a monopoly on this item.This sentence shows how to use monopolio to indicate a monopoly on a product.Tatoeba #4151880 by Leono, translation #2607282 by JimBreen
- Mary, esta chica traviesa, vino a dejar su nombre al comienzo de esta frase, para no entregarle ese monopolio a Tom, aunque era absolutamente innecesario.Mary, this mischievous girl, came sticking her name at the beginning of this sentence, in order to not leave that monopoly to Tom, although it wasn't necessary at all.This sentence uses monopolio in a more descriptive context.Tatoeba #1247713 by marcelostockle, translation #1247357 by sacredceltic
- El monopolio del agua es un problema grave.The monopoly on water is a serious problem.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing the local market.
- MateoSolo hay una panadería en este pueblo.There is only one bakery in this town.
- SofíaSí, tienen el monopolio del pan aquí.Yes, they have the monopoly on bread here.
- MateoPor eso los precios son tan altos.That is why the prices are so high.
- SofíaEs verdad, Sofía piensa que falta competencia.It's true, Sofía thinks there is a lack of competition.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monopoly” translations and entries monopolio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries monopolio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
