Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #1,500 le plus courant 15 min de lecture

ocasião

Top 1,500

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Portuguese language, and their exposure to the word ocasião is usually quite limited and highly contextualized. Beginners typically encounter this word as part of fixed, memorized phrases rather than understanding its full grammatical flexibility. The most common phrase an A1 student will learn is 'ocasião especial' (special occasion), which is frequently taught in vocabulary modules related to holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. Teachers might use it when explaining how to say 'Happy Birthday' or 'Merry Christmas', noting that these are special occasions. At this stage, the focus is on basic comprehension and simple production. A learner might be able to point to a picture of a wedding and say 'ocasião especial', but they will likely struggle to use the word in a complex sentence or understand its secondary meaning as 'opportunity'. They are also introduced to the feminine gender of the word, learning that it requires the article 'a' or 'uma'. Pronunciation is a major focus here, as the nasal '-ão' sound is notoriously difficult for English speakers. A1 learners practice saying the word slowly, trying to master the 'z' sound of the 's' and the nasal ending. While they might not use the word frequently in their own spontaneous speech, recognizing it in simple texts, such as invitations or greeting cards, is a significant milestone. The goal at this level is simply to associate the word with the concept of a party or a significant event, laying the groundwork for more advanced usage in the future.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their understanding and active use of the word ocasião begin to expand significantly. They move beyond merely recognizing it in greeting cards and start incorporating it into their own simple sentences to describe past events and future plans. At this stage, learners are introduced to the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), and the phrase 'naquela ocasião' (on that occasion / at that time) becomes an incredibly useful tool for them. It allows them to anchor their short narratives to a specific point in the past. For example, an A2 student might say, 'Eu fui ao Brasil em 2019. Naquela ocasião, eu visitei o Rio de Janeiro.' This demonstrates a growing ability to connect ideas and sequence events. Furthermore, they begin to understand the word's connection to clothing and preparation. Vocabulary lessons about shopping often include phrases like 'roupa para uma ocasião especial' (clothes for a special occasion). They also start to grasp the plural form, 'ocasiões', learning that the '-ão' changes to '-ões', which is a critical grammatical rule for this level. While they still might occasionally confuse it with 'oportunidade' or struggle with the preposition contractions (like forgetting to combine 'em' + 'a' to make 'na'), their overall comfort with the word increases. They can understand it when spoken clearly in familiar contexts, such as a friend talking about a recent party, and they can use it to make their own basic conversations slightly more descriptive and precise.

Reaching the B1 level marks a significant turning point in a learner's ability to use the word ocasião with nuance and flexibility. At this intermediate stage, learners are expected to handle a wider variety of conversational topics, and ocasião becomes a key vocabulary item for expressing opinions, recounting detailed stories, and discussing abstract concepts like opportunities. B1 students learn the highly common collocation 'aproveitar a ocasião' (to take advantage of the occasion/opportunity), which allows them to express intentions and motivations more clearly. For instance, they might say, 'Vou aproveitar a ocasião para praticar meu português.' This shows a deeper semantic understanding of the word beyond just 'a party'. They also become much more comfortable with the prepositional structures surrounding the word, consistently using 'na ocasião' correctly without hesitation. At this level, learners are exposed to more authentic materials, such as news articles and podcasts, where they will frequently hear the word used in a journalistic sense (e.g., 'na ocasião do acidente'). This exposure helps them understand the difference between formal and informal registers. They start to realize that while 'festa' is great for a casual chat, 'ocasião' adds a touch of formality and precision to their speech. The B1 learner can actively choose to use this word to elevate their language, making their storytelling more cohesive and their expressions of gratitude or apology more polite and culturally appropriate.

At the B2 level, learners achieve a high degree of fluency and confidence, and their use of the word ocasião reflects this advanced proficiency. They are no longer just using it in basic sentences; they are employing it in complex, multi-clause structures and understanding its subtle stylistic implications. B2 students master the formal prepositional phrase 'por ocasião de' (on the occasion of / due to), which is essential for writing formal essays, business emails, or delivering presentations. They can effortlessly construct sentences like, 'O evento foi organizado por ocasião do aniversário da fundação.' This demonstrates a strong command of formal Portuguese syntax. Furthermore, they have a solid grasp of the synonyms and alternatives, knowing exactly when to use 'ocasião', 'oportunidade', 'momento', or 'evento' based on the specific context and desired tone. They understand the cultural weight of the word, recognizing proverbs like 'A ocasião faz o ladrão' and being able to use them appropriately in conversation to illustrate a point. At this stage, pronunciation errors are minimal, and the pluralization ('ocasiões') is automatic. They can also understand the word when spoken rapidly in movies or by native speakers in noisy environments. The B2 learner uses ocasião not just to communicate basic facts, but to add texture, precision, and cultural authenticity to their spoken and written Portuguese, seamlessly blending it into their extensive vocabulary repertoire.

At the C1 level, the learner's use of the word ocasião is virtually indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They possess a deep, intuitive understanding of the word's semantic boundaries and its stylistic versatility. C1 learners can manipulate the word in highly abstract and sophisticated contexts, such as academic debates, literary analysis, or complex professional negotiations. They are acutely aware of the subtle nuances between 'ocasião' and its closest synonyms, and they use this knowledge to craft precise and eloquent arguments. For example, they understand that while 'oportunidade' implies a inherently positive chance, 'ocasião' can be neutral, referring simply to a set of circumstances that allow for an action, whether positive or negative. They can effortlessly navigate complex grammatical structures, using the word in subjunctive clauses or passive voice constructions without hesitation. Furthermore, C1 learners are fully attuned to the idiomatic and colloquial uses of the word, easily understanding and employing regional variations or slang expressions that incorporate it, if any exist in their specific target dialect. They can read classic Portuguese literature and fully appreciate the historical and formal weight the word carries in older texts. At this level of mastery, the word is not just a vocabulary item to be translated; it is a conceptual tool that the learner uses to think, persuade, and express complex realities directly in the Portuguese language.

The C2 level represents near-native mastery, and at this pinnacle of language acquisition, the word ocasião is wielded with absolute precision, elegance, and rhetorical power. C2 learners do not merely use the word correctly; they use it artfully. They can exploit its dual meaning (event vs. opportunity) for poetic or rhetorical effect in writing or public speaking. They are capable of understanding the most obscure literary references or archaic usages of the word in historical documents. In highly formal diplomatic or academic settings, they can use phrases like 'nesta magna ocasião' (on this grand occasion) to set a specific tone of reverence or importance. Conversely, they can seamlessly drop the word into rapid, colloquial street slang without sounding overly formal or out of place, demonstrating a perfect command of register shifting. They understand the etymological roots of the word and how it connects to other Romance languages, giving them a profound metalinguistic awareness. For a C2 learner, any errors related to this word are virtually non-existent. They can correct subtle stylistic awkwardness in others' writing regarding the use of this word and its synonyms. Ultimately, at the C2 level, the word ocasião is fully integrated into the learner's linguistic identity, allowing them to express the most subtle shades of meaning, emotion, and temporal context with the effortless grace of a true master of the Portuguese language.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

ocasião en 30 secondes

Refers to a specific event or party.
Acts as a marker for a point in time.
Can mean a favorable opportunity or chance.
Always feminine, requiring 'a' or 'uma'.

The Portuguese word ocasião is a highly versatile and frequently utilized feminine noun that fundamentally translates to the English word occasion, but its semantic range extends significantly beyond this simple one-to-one translation to encompass a wide variety of contexts, situations, and nuanced meanings in everyday communication. When people use this word, they are typically referring to a specific, identifiable moment in time, a particular event that holds some level of significance, or a favorable opportunity that arises for someone to take a specific action or experience something notable. Understanding the depth of this vocabulary item is absolutely essential for any dedicated learner of the Portuguese language who wishes to achieve fluency and sound natural when speaking with native speakers from Brazil, Portugal, or other Lusophone countries.

Temporal Reference: It is frequently used to pinpoint a specific moment in the past or future, acting as an anchor for narratives and storytelling.

In daily conversation, you will frequently hear individuals employing this term to describe social gatherings, celebrations, or important milestones, such as birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries, which are universally recognized as special occasions.

O casamento foi uma ocasião inesquecível para todos os presentes.

However, its utility is not limited to joyous festivities; it is equally applicable to formal events, professional meetings, or even solemn ceremonies where a certain standard of behavior or dress is expected. Furthermore, the concept of an opportunity is deeply embedded in the meaning of this word.

Opportunity Context: When used as a synonym for opportunity, it implies a favorable set of circumstances that allow for a desired action to take place.

When a native speaker talks about taking advantage of an occasion, they mean seizing the moment to do something beneficial, such as asking for a favor, presenting an idea, or making a significant life change.

Eu aproveitei a ocasião para pedir um aumento ao meu chefe.

This dual nature—representing both an event and an opportunity—makes it an indispensable tool in your linguistic arsenal. Let us delve deeper into the specific ways this word manifests in real-world scenarios. For instance, when someone says they bought a new suit for the occasion, they are highlighting the event's importance and the necessity of appropriate preparation.

Comprei um vestido novo especialmente para esta ocasião.

Conversely, if someone mentions that they met an old friend on a certain occasion, they are using the word to pinpoint a specific instance in the past without necessarily attaching any grand significance to the event itself.

Casual Usage: In everyday speech, it can simply mean 'that time' or 'that instance' without any formal connotations.

This flexibility allows the word to seamlessly transition between highly formal registers and casual, everyday banter. To fully grasp its application, one must also consider the prepositions that commonly accompany it.

Naquela ocasião, nós não sabíamos o que fazer.

The phrase 'na ocasião' is incredibly common and serves as a temporal marker, roughly equivalent to 'at the time' or 'on that occasion' in English. It is a powerful cohesive device in storytelling, allowing the speaker to anchor their narrative to a specific point in the past. Similarly, the expression 'por ocasião de' is a more formal construction used to indicate the cause or context of an event, translating to 'on the occasion of' or 'due to.'

O discurso foi feito por ocasião do aniversário da cidade.

By mastering these nuances, learners can elevate their Portuguese from basic comprehension to sophisticated expression. The cultural weight of the word should also not be underestimated. In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, there is a strong emphasis on hospitality, celebration, and observing traditions, all of which revolve around various occasions. Therefore, knowing how to appropriately discuss, prepare for, and reflect upon these moments is a key aspect of cultural integration and effective communication. As you continue to encounter this word in reading, listening, and conversation, pay close attention to the surrounding context, as it will provide valuable clues about whether the speaker is referring to a grand event, a fleeting opportunity, or simply a specific point in time. This continuous observation and practice will ultimately solidify your understanding and enable you to use the word with confidence and precision in your own Portuguese interactions.

Constructing sentences with the word ocasião requires a solid understanding of Portuguese syntax, particularly regarding the use of prepositions, articles, and adjectives that naturally collocate with this feminine noun. Because it is a feminine word, it must always be preceded by feminine articles, such as 'a' (the) or 'uma' (an), and any adjectives that modify it must also agree in gender and number, taking the feminine form.

Gender Agreement: Always ensure that articles and adjectives matching the noun are feminine, such as 'uma ocasião especial' rather than 'um ocasião especial'.

This fundamental rule of agreement is the first step in using the word correctly. Beyond basic agreement, the true mastery of this word lies in understanding the prepositional phrases that frame it within a sentence.

Esta é uma ocasião perfeita para comemorar nossas vitórias.

One of the most frequent patterns you will encounter is the combination of the preposition 'em' (in/on/at) with the definite or indefinite article, resulting in contractions like 'na' (em + a) or 'numa' (em + uma).

Preposition Contractions: The preposition 'em' contracts with 'a' to form 'na', which is heavily used to mean 'on the occasion'.

For example, saying 'na ocasião' translates to 'on the occasion' or 'at that time', and it is extensively used to refer back to a specific moment that was previously mentioned in the conversation or text.

Na ocasião do acidente, a rua estava muito escura.

This structure is vital for recounting past events with clarity and precision. Another highly useful structure involves the verb 'aproveitar' (to take advantage of). The phrase 'aproveitar a ocasião' is the standard way to express 'seizing the opportunity' or 'taking advantage of the situation'.

Vou aproveitar a ocasião para estudar mais sobre este assunto complexo.

When you want to describe the nature of the event, you will place the adjective after the noun, which is the standard word order in Portuguese. Common combinations include 'ocasião especial' (special occasion), 'ocasião formal' (formal occasion), or 'ocasião rara' (rare occasion).

Adjective Placement: Adjectives generally follow the noun, enhancing the description of the specific event or moment being discussed.

If you are writing a formal text or delivering a speech, you might use the prepositional phrase 'por ocasião de', which means 'on the occasion of' or 'in celebration of'.

O museu foi inaugurado por ocasião do centenário da independência.

This is a highly sophisticated structure that instantly elevates the register of your Portuguese. Furthermore, the word can be used in negative contexts, such as 'não é a ocasião adequada' (it is not the appropriate occasion), to politely decline an action or suggest that the timing is wrong. It is also common to see it used with demonstrative pronouns, like 'esta ocasião' (this occasion) or 'aquela ocasião' (that occasion), to specify exactly which event is being discussed.

Lembro-me bem daquela ocasião em que viajamos juntos para a praia.

By practicing these various sentence structures—ranging from simple adjective pairings to complex prepositional phrases—you will develop a robust ability to use the word accurately and expressively in any communicative context, whether you are chatting with friends at a café or writing a formal academic essay. The key is consistent exposure and deliberate practice of these grammatical patterns until they become second nature.

The word ocasião is ubiquitous in the Portuguese-speaking world, permeating almost every layer of society and every type of discourse, from the most informal street conversations to the highest levels of diplomatic and academic communication. You will actually hear this word in a multitude of environments, making it a highly practical vocabulary item to master.

Social Gatherings: It is heavily used when planning, attending, or reminiscing about parties, dinners, and family get-togethers.

One of the most common places you will encounter it is in the context of social events and celebrations. When people are planning a party, a wedding, or a significant anniversary, they frequently refer to the event as a 'ocasião especial'.

Vamos abrir um vinho caro para celebrar esta ocasião.

You will hear it in clothing stores when a salesperson asks if you are looking for an outfit for a specific event, saying something like 'É para alguma ocasião especial?' (Is it for a special occasion?).

Retail and Fashion: Store clerks frequently use this term to help customers find the appropriate attire for their specific needs.

Beyond social life, the word is deeply embedded in professional and business environments.

A reunião de hoje é uma ocasião importante para o futuro da empresa.

In meetings, conferences, and corporate emails, professionals use it to denote an opportunity or a significant moment for the company. For instance, a manager might say they will use the occasion of a conference to network with potential clients. You will also hear it frequently in journalism and news broadcasts. Reporters and news anchors use the term to establish the timeline of events, especially when recounting crimes, political developments, or historical milestones.

Na ocasião do crime, o suspeito não estava na cidade.

Phrases like 'na ocasião do crime' (at the time of the crime) or 'por ocasião das eleições' (on the occasion of the elections) are standard journalistic phrasing.

Journalistic Discourse: News media rely on this word to provide clear chronological context to the stories they are reporting.

Furthermore, the word appears in literature, poetry, and formal speeches, where its elegant sound and historical weight add gravity to the text.

Foi uma ocasião de grande tristeza para toda a nação.

In everyday colloquial speech, you might hear the famous proverb 'A ocasião faz o ladrão' (Opportunity makes the thief), which is a cultural staple used to explain that people might do bad things if they are presented with an easy opportunity. You will also hear it in expressions of gratitude or apology, such as 'Desculpe se eu disse algo errado naquela ocasião' (Sorry if I said something wrong on that occasion).

Quero agradecer a todos que me ajudaram naquela ocasião difícil.

Because it is so versatile, you will encounter it in podcasts, YouTube videos, soap operas (novelas), and everyday street chatter. The broad spectrum of its usage—from the mundane task of buying clothes to the formal reporting of national news—demonstrates why it is a core component of the Portuguese vocabulary that every learner must strive to understand and utilize effectively.

When English speakers learn the Portuguese word ocasião, they often encounter several common pitfalls that can lead to grammatical errors or awkward phrasing, primarily due to direct translation habits and a misunderstanding of Portuguese prepositions and gender rules. One of the most frequent mistakes is related to the gender of the noun. Because many English words ending in '-ion' translate to Portuguese words ending in '-ão', learners sometimes mistakenly assume these words are masculine, leading to errors like saying 'um ocasião' instead of the correct 'uma ocasião'.

Gender Errors: Always remember that words ending in '-ção' or '-são' are almost exclusively feminine in Portuguese, requiring feminine articles and adjectives.

It is crucial to internalize that this is a feminine noun, and all modifiers must agree accordingly.

Foi uma ocasião maravilhosa, não um ocasião maravilhoso.

Another significant area of difficulty involves the use of prepositions. English speakers often want to say 'in this occasion' or 'at this occasion', and they might translate this directly using incorrect prepositions. The correct preposition to use when referring to a specific instance in time is 'em', which contracts with the article to form 'na' (na ocasião).

Prepositional Mistakes: Avoid using 'por' or 'para' when you simply mean 'at that time'; stick to 'na' for temporal references.

Using 'para a ocasião' is correct only when you mean 'for the occasion' (e.g., dressing up for the occasion).

Eu estava lá na ocasião, não para a ocasião.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse ocasião with similar words like 'oportunidade' (opportunity) or 'vez' (time/instance). While ocasião can mean opportunity, it is generally broader. If you mean a specific chance to do something, 'oportunidade' might be the more precise choice, though 'aproveitar a ocasião' is perfectly natural. Another common error is overusing the formal phrase 'por ocasião de' in casual conversation. This phrase sounds highly academic or journalistic and will seem out of place if you are just chatting with friends at a bar.

Não diga 'por ocasião do meu jantar', diga apenas 'no meu jantar'.

Pronunciation also presents a minor hurdle. The 's' in ocasião is pronounced like a 'z' because it sits between two vowels, and the '-ão' requires a nasal sound that does not exist in English.

Pronunciation Errors: Failing to nasalize the final syllable or pronouncing the 's' as an 's' instead of a 'z' will immediately mark you as a foreigner.

Practicing the nasal diphthong is essential for being understood clearly.

A pronúncia correta da palavra ocasião exige prática do som nasal.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget that the plural form is 'ocasiões', changing the '-ão' to '-ões'. Using 'ocasiãos' is a glaring grammatical mistake. By being aware of these common mistakes—gender agreement, preposition choice, semantic overlap, register appropriateness, pronunciation, and pluralization—you can consciously avoid them and speak Portuguese with much greater accuracy and confidence.

Em várias ocasiões, eu cometi esse erro, mas agora eu aprendi.

Continuous practice and listening to native speakers will naturally iron out these issues over time.

Expanding your vocabulary means not just learning a single word, but understanding the ecosystem of synonyms and related terms that surround it. The word ocasião has several close synonyms and alternatives in Portuguese, each carrying its own subtle nuances and specific contexts of use.

Oportunidade: This is the most direct translation for 'opportunity' and is often used interchangeably with ocasião when referring to a chance to do something.

While 'ocasião' can mean opportunity, 'oportunidade' is much more specific to a favorable chance, especially in professional or personal growth contexts.

Esta é uma excelente ocasião, ou melhor, uma grande oportunidade para você.

If you are talking about a job offer, you would use 'oportunidade de emprego', never 'ocasião de emprego'. Another highly relevant alternative is the word 'momento' (moment).

Momento: Use this when you want to emphasize the specific point in time rather than the event itself.

'Momento' is perfect for describing fleeting instances or emotional peaks, whereas 'ocasião' implies a more structured or significant event.

Naquele momento, que foi uma ocasião tensa, ninguém falou nada.

When referring to social gatherings, the word 'evento' (event) is a very common substitute. You might say 'O evento foi um sucesso' instead of 'A ocasião foi um sucesso', though both are grammatically correct and widely understood.

O evento de caridade foi uma ocasião nobre para ajudar os necessitados.

Another interesting alternative is the word 'vez' (time/instance).

Vez: This is used for counting occurrences or referring to a specific instance in a series of events.

If you want to say 'on that occasion', you could also say 'naquela vez' (that time), which is much more informal and conversational.

Naquela vez, ou naquela ocasião, nós rimos até chorar.

For more specific types of occasions, you have words like 'festa' (party), 'celebração' (celebration), or 'cerimônia' (ceremony). Choosing the right alternative depends heavily on the register (formal vs. informal) and the exact meaning you wish to convey. For instance, a politician giving a speech will likely use 'ocasião' or 'cerimônia', while a teenager talking to friends will use 'festa' or 'vez'.

A formatura é uma ocasião que exige uma grande celebração.

By understanding the subtle differences between ocasião, oportunidade, momento, evento, and vez, you can select the most precise word for your thoughts, making your Portuguese not just correct, but eloquent and highly expressive. This level of vocabulary discrimination is a hallmark of advanced language proficiency and is well worth the effort to cultivate.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient Roman mythology, Occasio was the goddess of opportunity. She was often depicted as a woman with a long lock of hair on the front of her head but bald in the back, symbolizing that you must grab opportunity as it approaches, because once it passes, you cannot catch it from behind.

Guide de prononciation

UK /o.ka.ziˈɐ̃w̃/

US /o.ka.ziˈɐ̃w̃/

The stress falls on the final syllable: o-ca-si-ÃO.

Rime avec

razão coração paixão emoção ilusão decisão visão televisão

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 's' as an 's' instead of a 'z'.
Failing to nasalize the final 'ão', making it sound like 'ow'.
Stressing the second syllable instead of the last.
Adding an 'n' sound at the end (like 'oka-zee-own').
Pronouncing the initial 'o' as 'oh' instead of a short 'o' or 'u' sound (in some dialects).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easily recognizable due to its similarity to the English word 'occasion'.

Écriture 4/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender, the correct prepositions (na, por), and the plural form (ocasiões).

Expression orale 5/5

The nasal '-ão' sound and the 'z' sound of the 's' can be challenging for English speakers to pronounce naturally.

Écoute 3/5

Generally easy to hear, but can blend into prepositions in fast speech (e.g., 'naocasião').

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

festa tempo momento especial em

Apprends ensuite

oportunidade evento circunstância aproveitar situação

Avancé

ensejo efeméride conjuntura propício ocasionar

Grammaire à connaître

Feminine Nouns ending in -ção/-são

A ocasião, a paixão, a televisão. They always take feminine articles.

Plural of words ending in -ão

Ocasião becomes ocasiões. (Unlike pão -> pães, or mão -> mãos).

Contraction of 'em' + articles

Em + a ocasião = na ocasião. Used for temporal references.

Adjective Agreement

Ocasião especial, ocasião única. Adjectives must be feminine.

Preposition 'por' for cause/context

Por ocasião de (Due to / on the occasion of).

Exemples par niveau

É uma ocasião especial.

It is a special occasion.

Uses the feminine article 'uma'.

A festa é uma ocasião feliz.

The party is a happy occasion.

Adjective 'feliz' follows the noun.

Eu tenho uma ocasião importante hoje.

I have an important occasion today.

Basic subject-verb-object structure.

Que ocasião bonita!

What a beautiful occasion!

Exclamatory sentence structure.

Esta ocasião é para você.

This occasion is for you.

Demonstrative pronoun 'Esta' agrees with the feminine noun.

Nós celebramos a ocasião.

We celebrate the occasion.

Definite article 'a' used before the noun.

É uma ocasião de família.

It is a family occasion.

Preposition 'de' used to show association.

A ocasião é amanhã.

The occasion is tomorrow.

Used with the verb 'ser' to indicate time.

Naquela ocasião, eu estava muito cansado.

On that occasion, I was very tired.

Contraction 'Naquela' (em + aquela) used for past reference.

Comprei esta camisa para uma ocasião especial.

I bought this shirt for a special occasion.

Preposition 'para' indicates purpose.

Nós nos conhecemos em uma ocasião diferente.

We met on a different occasion.

Preposition 'em' used with indefinite article.

Foi uma das melhores ocasiões da minha vida.

It was one of the best occasions of my life.

Plural form 'ocasiões' used with superlative.

Eles não falaram nada na ocasião.

They didn't say anything at the time.

Contraction 'na' (em + a) used as a temporal marker.

Você se lembra daquela ocasião?

Do you remember that occasion?

Verb 'lembrar-se' requires the preposition 'de' (daquela).

A ocasião pede um bom vinho.

The occasion calls for a good wine.

Figurative use of the verb 'pedir' (to ask/call for).

Muitas ocasiões são divertidas.

Many occasions are fun.

Plural agreement with 'Muitas' and 'divertidas'.

Vou aproveitar a ocasião para falar com o gerente.

I will take the opportunity to speak with the manager.

Common collocation 'aproveitar a ocasião'.

A ocasião faz o ladrão, como diz o ditado.

Opportunity makes the thief, as the saying goes.

Use of a popular cultural proverb.

Não perca esta ocasião única de viajar.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to travel.

Negative imperative 'Não perca' with the noun.

Na ocasião do meu casamento, choveu muito.

At the time of my wedding, it rained a lot.

Specific temporal framing using 'Na ocasião de'.

Sempre nos encontramos em ocasiões formais.

We always meet on formal occasions.

Plural form with an adjective indicating register.

A ocasião não era adequada para piadas.

The occasion was not appropriate for jokes.

Imperfect past tense 'era' describing a past state.

Ele discursou brilhantemente na ocasião.

He gave a brilliant speech on the occasion.

Adverb 'brilhantemente' modifying the action at that time.

Tivemos várias ocasiões para resolver o problema.

We had several occasions to solve the problem.

Use of 'várias' to indicate multiple instances.

O presidente discursou por ocasião do feriado nacional.

The president gave a speech on the occasion of the national holiday.

Formal prepositional phrase 'por ocasião de'.

Aproveitando a ocasião, gostaria de agradecer a todos.

Taking advantage of the occasion, I would like to thank everyone.

Gerund form 'Aproveitando' used to transition topics.

Em raras ocasiões ele perde a paciência.

On rare occasions he loses his patience.

Adjective 'raras' placed before the noun for emphasis.

A ocasião exigia um traje de gala rigoroso.

The occasion demanded strict formal attire.

Verb 'exigir' used to personify the event's requirements.

Foi uma ocasião propícia para fechar o negócio.

It was a favorable occasion to close the deal.

Advanced adjective 'propícia' (favorable/auspicious).

Na ocasião dos fatos, a testemunha estava presente.

At the time of the events, the witness was present.

Legal/journalistic phrasing 'Na ocasião dos fatos'.

Deixemos essa discussão para uma ocasião mais oportuna.

Let's leave this discussion for a more opportune occasion.

Subjunctive 'Deixemos' used as a polite suggestion.

A ocasião revelou o verdadeiro caráter dele.

The occasion revealed his true character.

Abstract use where the event acts as a catalyst.

A conjuntura atual não oferece a ocasião ideal para investimentos.

The current situation does not offer the ideal occasion for investments.

Complex vocabulary 'conjuntura' paired with the noun.

Ele soube capitalizar a ocasião com maestria.

He knew how to capitalize on the occasion masterfully.

Advanced verb 'capitalizar' used metaphorically.

A obra foi publicada por ocasião do centenário do autor.

The work was published on the occasion of the author's centenary.

Formal historical/literary context.

Tratou-se de uma ocasião singular na história da diplomacia.

It was a singular occasion in the history of diplomacy.

Pronominal verb 'Tratou-se de' for formal description.

Aproveito o ensejo desta ocasião para reiterar meus protestos de estima.

I take the opportunity of this occasion to reiterate my expressions of esteem.

Highly formal, almost archaic epistolary formula.

A ocasião, longe de ser um obstáculo, provou-se um trampolim.

The occasion, far from being an obstacle, proved to be a stepping stone.

Complex sentence structure with an appositive phrase.

Em nenhuma outra ocasião presenciamos tamanho descaso.

On no other occasion have we witnessed such disregard.

Negative inversion structure for emphasis.

A efeméride constituiu uma ocasião de profunda reflexão nacional.

The anniversary constituted an occasion for profound national reflection.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'efeméride' and 'constituiu'.

A ocasião furtiva pedia uma discrição absoluta por parte dos envolvidos.

The stealthy occasion demanded absolute discretion from those involved.

Literary adjective 'furtiva' creating a specific mood.

Foi, por excelência, a ocasião que cristalizou a sua hegemonia política.

It was, par excellence, the occasion that crystallized his political hegemony.

Use of 'por excelência' and advanced verb 'cristalizou'.

Aproveitando-se da ocasião, o orador teceu críticas veladas ao sistema.

Taking advantage of the occasion, the speaker wove veiled criticisms of the system.

Reflexive gerund and poetic verb 'teceu' (wove).

Tal ocasião não comporta leviandades nem digressões fúteis.

Such an occasion does not allow for frivolities or futile digressions.

Formal verb 'comporta' and advanced vocabulary 'leviandades'.

A efemeridade da ocasião não diminuiu o seu impacto indelével na memória coletiva.

The ephemerality of the occasion did not diminish its indelible impact on the collective memory.

Highly abstract and academic phrasing.

Erigiram o monumento por ocasião do armistício, perpetuando a paz.

They erected the monument on the occasion of the armistice, perpetuating peace.

Historical narrative style with 'Erigiram'.

A ocasião afigurou-se-lhe como a derradeira tábua de salvação.

The occasion appeared to him as the ultimate lifeline.

Complex pronominal verb 'afigurou-se-lhe'.

Nesta faustosa ocasião, congregam-se as mentes mais brilhantes da nossa era.

On this sumptuous occasion, the most brilliant minds of our era congregate.

Elevated literary adjective 'faustosa'.

Collocations courantes

ocasião especial

aproveitar a ocasião

na ocasião

por ocasião de

ocasião propícia

ocasião rara

perder a ocasião

criar a ocasião

ocasião formal

adequado para a ocasião

Phrases Courantes

Naquela ocasião

Nesta ocasião

Aproveitando a ocasião

Vestido para a ocasião

Uma ocasião de ouro

À altura da ocasião

Ocasião faz o ladrão

Em qualquer ocasião

Esperar a ocasião

Ocasião festiva

Souvent confondu avec

ocasião vs Oportunidade

Oportunidade is strictly a favorable chance (like a job), while ocasião can just be a point in time or a party.

ocasião vs Momento

Momento refers to a brief period of time, whereas ocasião often implies a planned event or a specific set of circumstances.

ocasião vs Vez

Vez is used for counting (uma vez, duas vezes) or referring to 'that time', while ocasião is more descriptive of the event itself.

Expressions idiomatiques

"A ocasião faz o ladrão"

Opportunity makes the thief. It means that people may commit bad acts if they are presented with an easy chance to do so.

Não deixe o dinheiro na mesa, a ocasião faz o ladrão.

Informal/Proverb

"Agarrar a ocasião pelos cabelos"

To seize the opportunity firmly. Similar to taking the bull by the horns regarding a chance.

Quando a oferta surgiu, ele agarrou a ocasião pelos cabelos.

Informal

"Deixar passar a ocasião"

To let the opportunity slip away. Failing to act when the time is right.

Ele hesitou e deixou passar a ocasião.

Neutral

"Estar à altura da ocasião"

To rise to the occasion. To perform as well as the important situation demands.

O jovem jogador esteve à altura da ocasião na final.

Formal/Journalistic

"Fazer a ocasião"

To create the opportunity. To actively make a situation favorable rather than waiting.

Um bom líder não espera, ele faz a ocasião.

Neutral

"Em primeira ocasião"

At the first opportunity. Doing something as soon as possible.

Te ligo em primeira ocasião.

Formal

"Por ocasião e obra"

By chance and circumstance. A somewhat poetic way of saying things aligned perfectly.

Por ocasião e obra do destino, nos encontramos.

Literary

"Servir para a ocasião"

To be good enough for the moment. Something that works temporarily.

Esta ferramenta vai servir para a ocasião.

Informal

"Ocasião de peso"

A momentous occasion. A very important or heavy event.

A assinatura do tratado foi uma ocasião de peso.

Formal

"Sorrir a ocasião"

When the opportunity smiles at someone. Being lucky.

Parece que a ocasião sorriu para ele hoje.

Poetic

Facile à confondre

ocasião vs Oportunidade

Both can translate to 'opportunity' in English.

Use oportunidade for concrete chances (jobs, deals). Use ocasião for events or 'taking advantage of the moment'.

Tive a oportunidade de trabalhar lá. Aproveitei a ocasião para falar com o chefe.

ocasião vs Evento

Both translate to 'event' or 'occasion'.

Evento is usually a formally organized gathering (conference, concert). Ocasião can be any specific moment or a personal celebration.

O evento de tecnologia foi bom. O nosso jantar foi uma ocasião especial.

ocasião vs Momento

Both refer to time.

Momento is a fleeting second or minute. Ocasião is a broader set of circumstances or a specific event.

Espere um momento. Foi uma ocasião inesquecível.

ocasião vs Festa

Both can mean 'party'.

Festa strictly means party. Ocasião is a broader term that includes parties but also formal events and specific times.

A festa foi animada. A ocasião exigia silêncio.

ocasião vs Situação

Both describe circumstances.

Situação is the general state of affairs. Ocasião is a specific instance or event within those affairs.

A situação do país é ruim. Naquela ocasião, houve um protesto.

Structures de phrases

É uma ocasião + [adjective].

É uma ocasião especial.

Naquela ocasião, [subject] + [past tense verb].

Naquela ocasião, eu chorei.

Vou aproveitar a ocasião para + [infinitive verb].

Vou aproveitar a ocasião para estudar.

[Subject] + estar vestido para a ocasião.

Ele estava vestido para a ocasião.

Por ocasião de + [event], [action].

Por ocasião do feriado, a loja fechou.

A ocasião exige + [noun].

A ocasião exige respeito.

Trata-se de uma ocasião + [adjective].

Trata-se de uma ocasião singular.

Aproveitando o ensejo desta ocasião, [formal action].

Aproveitando o ensejo desta ocasião, reitero meus votos.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Top 2000 most common words in Portuguese.

Erreurs courantes

Saying 'um ocasião'. → Saying 'uma ocasião'.
The word is feminine, so it requires the feminine indefinite article 'uma'.
Saying 'em a ocasião'. → Saying 'na ocasião'.
In Portuguese, the preposition 'em' must contract with the article 'a' to form 'na'.
Saying 'ocasiãos' for the plural. → Saying 'ocasiões'.
The plural of words ending in '-são' usually takes the '-ões' form.
Using 'ocasião' for a job offer. → Using 'oportunidade' for a job offer.
While they both mean opportunity, 'oportunidade' is the correct collocation for jobs.
Saying 'para a ocasião' to mean 'at that time'. → Saying 'na ocasião' to mean 'at that time'.
'Para a ocasião' means 'for the occasion' (e.g., a dress for the occasion). To indicate time, use 'na'.

Astuces

Feminine Agreement

Always pair 'ocasião' with feminine adjectives. Say 'ocasião perfeita', never 'ocasião perfeito'.

The Z Sound

Remember the 's' sounds like a 'z'. Say o-ca-zi-ão.

Aproveitar

Memorize the verb 'aproveitar' with this word. 'Aproveitar a ocasião' is a golden phrase.

Use 'Na'

When referring to a past event, use 'na ocasião' (in the occasion), not 'em ocasião'.

Plural Form

The plural is 'ocasiões'. Practice writing it to remember the spelling change.

Proverbs

Use 'A ocasião faz o ladrão' to impress native speakers when talking about security or temptation.

Formal Writing

Use 'por ocasião de' in your formal essays to sound highly educated.

Oportunidade vs Ocasião

Use 'oportunidade' for jobs and 'ocasião' for events or specific moments.

Fast Speech

Listen for 'naquela ocasião' as a single block of sound when native speakers tell stories.

Transitioning

Use 'Aproveitando a ocasião...' to smoothly change the subject in a conversation.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine an OCCASION where you say 'Oh, cause I own (o-ca-si-ão) this moment!' to remember the pronunciation and meaning.

Association visuelle

Visualize a grand calendar. One specific date is glowing brightly, representing a special event or a golden opportunity. This glowing date is the 'ocasião'.

Word Web

Tempo Festa Oportunidade Evento Momento Especial Aproveitar Data

Défi

Write three sentences about your last birthday using the phrase 'naquela ocasião' to describe what happened.

Origine du mot

The word 'ocasião' originates from the Latin word 'occasio', which means 'opportunity' or 'a favorable moment'. The Latin root is derived from the verb 'occidere', meaning 'to fall' or 'to happen'. This reflects the idea of an event or opportunity 'falling' into one's lap or occurring at a specific time. It entered the Portuguese language during its early formation from Vulgar Latin.

Sens originel : A favorable moment or an event that falls or happens by chance.

Romance (Latin root: occasio)

Contexte culturel

There are no specific cultural sensitivities or offensive connotations associated with this word. It is safe to use in all contexts.

English speakers use 'occasion' mostly for events, but in Portuguese, 'ocasião' is used much more frequently to mean 'opportunity' (like 'taking the occasion to do something').

The famous proverb 'A ocasião faz o ladrão' (Opportunity makes the thief). Machado de Assis, a famous Brazilian author, frequently used the word in his classic literature to describe the social events of 19th-century Rio de Janeiro. Many Bossa Nova songs use the word to describe fleeting moments of love.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Planning a Party

ocasião especial
roupa para a ocasião
celebrar a ocasião
convidados para a ocasião

Telling a Story

naquela ocasião
na ocasião
lembro-me da ocasião
foi uma ocasião em que

Business Meetings

aproveitar a ocasião
ocasião propícia
nesta ocasião
ocasião de negócios

Formal Speeches

por ocasião de
nesta solene ocasião
à altura da ocasião
uma ocasião histórica

Shopping for Clothes

vestido para a ocasião
adequado para a ocasião
traje de ocasião
qual é a ocasião?

Amorces de conversation

"Qual foi a ocasião mais especial que você já celebrou com sua família?"

"Você acha que a ocasião faz o ladrão, ou isso é apenas uma desculpa?"

"Você costuma comprar roupas novas para cada ocasião especial, ou repete os looks?"

"Qual foi a última vez que você aproveitou uma ocasião para fazer algo corajoso?"

"Como você se prepara para uma ocasião formal, como um casamento ou formatura?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre uma ocasião em que você teve que tomar uma decisão muito difícil e rápida.

Descreva a ocasião mais feliz da sua infância com o máximo de detalhes possível.

Pense em uma ocasião em que você perdeu uma grande oportunidade. O que você faria diferente?

Como a sua cultura celebra ocasiões especiais em comparação com outras culturas que você conhece?

Escreva um pequeno discurso que você daria por ocasião da sua própria formatura ou promoção.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is always feminine. You must use 'a ocasião' or 'uma ocasião'. Words ending in '-ção' or '-são' in Portuguese are almost universally feminine.

The most natural way to say this is 'naquela ocasião'. You can also say 'na ocasião' if the context of the past event is already clear.

It is better to use 'oportunidade' for a job. 'Oportunidade de emprego' is the standard phrase. 'Ocasião' sounds strange in this specific context.

The plural is 'ocasiões'. The '-ão' ending changes to '-ões', which is a common but not universal rule for words with this ending.

No. While it is often used for 'special occasions' like parties, it frequently just means a specific time in the past or a chance to do something.

The 's' is pronounced like an English 'z' because it is located between two vowels (a and i).

It means 'to take advantage of the occasion' or 'to seize the opportunity'. It is a very common phrase used when you use a situation to your benefit.

It is highly formal. You will see it in news articles, official documents, or hear it in formal speeches. Avoid using it in casual chats.

It translates to 'Opportunity makes the thief'. It means that if you make it easy for someone to do something bad, they probably will.

Yes, but only when you mean 'for the occasion', such as 'I bought a dress for the occasion' (Comprei um vestido para a ocasião). Do not use it to mean 'at that time'.