occasion
/ɔ.ka.zjɔ̃/
The English phrase 'occasion' can be translated into French as occasion.
The term refers to a special event or function. While it can occasionally mean 'a chance' in certain contexts, it is primarily used to denote a specific event or a particular moment.
Meaning: special event or function (noun)
Which one should you use?
In contexts where you want to express 'opportunity' as a favorable circumstance, the standard term is opportunité rather than occasion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun occasion is feminine, so it is used with the feminine articles une or la.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /ɔ.ka.zjɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- The term occasion can also refer to a 'second-hand' item, such as in the phrase vêtements d'occasion for 'used clothes'.
- The word occasion was borrowed from the Latin occāsiōnem, replacing an earlier Old French version of the word spelled ochoison.
- In legal French, occasion can appear in the phrase occasionner un dommage, where the word acts as a verb meaning 'to cause' or 'to bring about' a loss.
Examples in context
- Votre discours convient à l'occasion.Your speech is appropriate for the occasion.This sentence shows how to use occasion to describe something appropriate for an event.Tatoeba #8976696 by Aiji, translation #2349834 by AlanF_US
- Il s'agit d'une occasion particulière.This is a special occasion.This sentence uses occasion to describe a special event.Tatoeba #4912744 by sacredceltic, translation #241984 by CK
- Je l'ai gardée pour une grande occasion.I've been saving it for a special occasion.Tatoeba #11323347 by lbdx, translation #5231027 by Hybrid
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing a celebration for a friend's promotion.
- EmmaC'est une occasion parfaite pour fêter ça !It is a perfect occasion to celebrate this!
- LucasTu as raison, l'occasion mérite un bon restaurant.You are right, the occasion deserves a good restaurant.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu as invité tout le monde ?Did you invite everyone?
- LucasOui, je vais envoyer les invitations demain.Yes, I am going to send the invitations tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry occasion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries occasion, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
