이 페이지를 내 언어로

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun 14분 분량

oligopolio

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 oligopolio 30초 만에

설명 oligopolio in your Level:

The word 'oligopolio' is a bit difficult for beginners, but we can explain it simply. Imagine a small town where there are only three big shops that sell bread. If you want bread, you must go to one of those three shops. Because there are only three, the owners can talk to each other and decide to sell the bread at a high price. This is an 'oligopolio'. In Spanish, 'oligo' means 'few' and 'polio' comes from a word that means 'to sell'. So, it is a market with 'few sellers'. It is a masculine word, so we say 'el oligopolio'. You won't use this word when you are buying bread at the shop, but you might hear it on the news when people talk about big companies like phone companies or electric companies. It is important to know because it helps you understand why some things are expensive. Even at this level, you can remember that 'oligo' means 'few' and 'mono' means 'one'. So 'monopolio' is one shop, and 'oligopolio' is a few shops. It is a long word, but if you break it down, it is easier to say: o-li-go-po-lio. Practice saying it slowly. It is a very formal word, used by teachers and people on TV. If you use it, people will think you know a lot of Spanish! Just remember to use 'el' with it. For example: 'El oligopolio es malo para los precios' (The oligopoly is bad for prices). It is a good word to learn if you want to talk about business or the news later on.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more about the world around you in Spanish. 'Oligopolio' is a noun that describes a market where only a few companies are in control. Think about the mobile phone companies in your country. Usually, there are only three or four big ones, right? That is an 'oligopolio'. Because there are so few companies, they have a lot of power. They can set the prices, and it is hard for a new, small company to start. You will see this word in newspapers or hear it in serious conversations about the economy. Grammatically, it is a masculine noun: 'el oligopolio'. If you want to talk about more than one, you say 'los oligopolios'. A common way to use it is with the word 'de' to say what kind of market it is, like 'un oligopolio de gasolineras' (an oligopoly of gas stations). It is different from a 'monopolio' because in a monopoly, there is only ONE company. In an oligopoly, there are a FEW. This distinction is important. You might hear people complain about the 'oligopolio de la electricidad' because they think the prices are too high. Learning this word helps you expand your vocabulary beyond basic daily needs and into the world of society and business. It's a 'level up' word that shows you are moving into more intermediate topics. Try to use it when you are talking about big industries. For example, 'En mi país, el mercado de los bancos es un oligopolio'. This sentence is simple but uses a high-level word correctly.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

As a B1 learner, you are expected to understand and use more specialized vocabulary related to professional and social issues. 'Oligopolio' is a key term in economics and social sciences. It refers to a market situation where a small number of sellers or producers exert significant control over the market. The defining characteristic of an oligopoly is 'interdependencia' (interdependence). This means that if one company changes its prices or launches a new product, the other companies must react. This often leads to 'competencia no relacionada con los precios' (non-price competition), like massive advertising campaigns, rather than lowering prices for consumers. In Spanish, you will frequently encounter this term in the business section of newspapers like 'El Economista' or in political debates. It is often used with a critical tone, suggesting that these few companies are preventing fair competition. For example, 'La falta de competencia en un oligopolio perjudica al consumidor final' (The lack of competition in an oligopoly harms the final consumer). You should also be aware of related terms like 'barreras de entrada' (barriers to entry), which are the obstacles that make it hard for new firms to enter an oligopoly. Understanding 'oligopolio' allows you to engage in deeper discussions about why certain industries in Spanish-speaking countries, like the energy or banking sectors, operate the way they do. It is a masculine noun, and you should practice using it with appropriate verbs like 'formar', 'regular', or 'denunciar'. Being able to use 'oligopolio' in a sentence correctly demonstrates a solid intermediate grasp of the language and its application to real-world structures.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'oligopolio' in academic and professional contexts. An oligopoly is a market structure characterized by a small number of firms whose localized power allows them to influence price and output. Unlike perfect competition, where firms are price-takers, firms in an oligopoly are 'buscadores de precios' (price-seekers). A crucial concept at this level is 'colusión' (collusion), which occurs when firms in an oligopoly secretly agree to set prices or production levels to increase their collective profits. In many jurisdictions, this is illegal and prosecuted by 'agencias de defensa de la competencia' (antitrust agencies). When discussing this in Spanish, you might use the term 'cártel' to describe such an arrangement. The word 'oligopolio' is also used metaphorically in political science to describe a 'partitocracia' where a few political parties dominate the landscape, effectively limiting the democratic choices available to citizens. You should be able to analyze the pros and cons of an oligopoly—for example, the 'economías de escala' (economies of scale) that large firms can achieve versus the 'pérdida de eficiencia' (loss of efficiency) for the market. Example: 'El oligopolio farmacéutico argumenta que los altos precios son necesarios para financiar la investigación y el desarrollo'. This level of discourse requires not just knowing the word, but understanding the economic mechanisms it implies. You should also be familiar with the 'teoría de juegos' (game theory), which is often used to model how firms in an oligopoly behave. Using 'oligopolio' correctly in a B2 essay or presentation shows that you can handle complex, abstract concepts with precision and nuance.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

For C1 learners, 'oligopolio' is a tool for sophisticated analysis of market dynamics and regulatory frameworks. You are expected to understand the nuances of different types of oligopolies, such as 'oligopolios colusorios' (collusive oligopolies) and 'oligopolios no colusorios' (non-collusive oligopolies). In a non-collusive setting, firms might engage in 'guerras de precios' (price wars) or follow a 'liderazgo de precios' (price leadership) model, where one dominant firm sets the price and others follow. Your vocabulary should include terms like 'curva de demanda quebrada' (kinked demand curve), which explains price stability in these markets. In Spanish-speaking legal contexts, you will encounter 'oligopolio' in discussions about 'derecho de la competencia' (competition law) and 'abuso de posición dominante' (abuse of dominant position). You should be able to discuss the impact of globalization on the formation of 'oligopolios transnacionales' and how these entities challenge the regulatory power of individual nation-states. Furthermore, you should be able to use the word in varied registers, from high-level economic theory to sharp political commentary. For instance, 'La consolidación del oligopolio mediático plantea serios interrogantes sobre la pluralidad informativa y la salud de la democracia'. At this level, you are not just describing a market; you are evaluating its ethical, social, and legal implications. You should be able to use the term fluently in debates, defending or critiquing the role of large corporations in the modern economy. Your mastery of 'oligopolio' should extend to its derivatives and related concepts, allowing for a seamless and highly accurate academic or professional discourse.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, 'oligopolio' is part of a vast and precise lexicon used to dissect the most complex economic and systemic structures. You should be able to discuss the 'microfundamentos' of oligopolistic behavior, utilizing advanced models like Cournot (quantity competition), Bertrand (price competition), and Stackelberg (leader-follower). Your analysis might touch upon 'equilibrio de Nash' and how it applies to the strategic interactions within an oligopoly. In a C2 context, 'oligopolio' is often discussed in relation to 'fallos de mercado' (market failures) and the 'teoría del segundo mejor' (theory of the second best). You should be capable of writing a thesis-level critique of how 'oligopolios naturales'—industries where high fixed costs make it efficient to have only a few providers—should be regulated by the state to prevent 'rentas monopolísticas'. Furthermore, you should be able to navigate the linguistic subtleties of how 'oligopolio' is used in different Spanish-speaking regions, noticing, for example, how the 'oligopolio de las élites' is a common trope in Latin American sociopolitical analysis. Your usage should be flawless, incorporating the word into complex sentence structures with perfect agreement and sophisticated connectors. Example: 'Si bien la teoría clásica postula la ineficiencia del oligopolio, ciertos enfoques schumpeterianos sugieren que la concentración de capital es un prerrequisito sine qua non para la innovación disruptiva a gran escala'. At this level, the word is no longer just a term to be learned; it is a conceptual building block for the highest level of intellectual inquiry and professional expertise in the Spanish language.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

oligopolio 30초 만에

Oligopolio is a masculine noun referring to a market structure dominated by a few large firms, leading to limited competition and high prices.
The word comes from Greek roots meaning 'few' and 'to sell', distinguishing it from a monopoly which has only one seller.
It is commonly used in economic, political, and business contexts to describe sectors like telecommunications, energy, and banking in Spanish-speaking countries.
Key characteristics include mutual interdependence between firms, high barriers to entry for new competitors, and the risk of illegal price-fixing or collusion.

The term oligopolio describes a specific market structure that exists between the extremes of a perfect monopoly and perfect competition. In an oligopoly, the market is dominated by a small number of large firms or sellers. Because there are so few players, the actions of one firm significantly influence the others. This creates a state of mutual interdependence where companies must carefully watch their competitors' pricing, marketing strategies, and production levels. In Spanish-speaking countries, this term is frequently used in news reports regarding the telecommunications, banking, and energy sectors, where a handful of corporations often control the majority of the market share. Understanding oligopolio is crucial for anyone studying business or economics in Spanish, as it explains why prices for certain services remain consistently high and why new companies find it difficult to enter these markets.

Economic Context: An oligopoly is characterized by high barriers to entry, meaning it is very expensive or legally difficult for a new company to start competing. This often leads to a lack of innovation or price-fixing.

El sector de las telecomunicaciones en este país es un claro oligopolio donde solo tres empresas dictan los precios.

When discussing an oligopolio, you will often hear terms like 'colusión' (collusion) or 'barreras de entrada' (entry barriers). Unlike a monopoly, where there is only one provider, an oligopoly allows for some choice, but that choice is limited. For example, in the global smartphone market, Apple and Samsung represent a dominant oligopoly in many regions. In Spanish culture, discussions about the 'oligopolio eléctrico' (the electric oligopoly) are very common in Spain, referring to the small group of companies that control the power grid and energy distribution. This word carries a slightly negative connotation in public discourse, often associated with a lack of transparency and unfair advantages for big corporations at the expense of the consumer.

Social Impact: Oligopolies can lead to higher prices for consumers because the few companies involved don't have to compete as aggressively as they would in a crowded market.

Muchos economistas advierten que el oligopolio bancario reduce las opciones de ahorro para los ciudadanos.

In a broader sense, the word is used to critique any system where power is concentrated. While its primary home is economics, you might hear a political scientist talk about an 'oligopolio de partidos' (an oligopoly of parties) to describe a political system where only two or three parties have any real chance of winning elections. This suggests that even though it looks like a democracy, the real choices are very limited. The word is masculine (el oligopolio) and follows standard Spanish pluralization rules (los oligopolios). It is a formal word, suitable for academic writing, business meetings, and serious journalism. You wouldn't typically use it in a casual chat about where to buy groceries unless you were specifically talking about the corporate structure of supermarket chains.

La ley de competencia busca prevenir la formación de un oligopolio que perjudique al consumidor final.

Global Examples: The airline industry is a classic example of an oligopoly, where a few major carriers dominate the most profitable routes.

Es difícil para una pequeña empresa de software romper el oligopolio de los gigantes tecnológicos.

El gobierno intervino para evitar que la fusión de las dos petroleras creara un oligopolio.

Using oligopolio correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun. It is often the subject of a sentence or the object of verbs related to creation, regulation, or criticism. For instance, you might say 'El oligopolio controla los precios' (The oligopoly controls the prices). In this case, the noun is the active agent. Because it is a technical term, it is frequently accompanied by adjectives that specify the industry or the nature of the market control. Adjectives like 'natural', 'cerrado' (closed), or 'estatal' (state-run) are common. When you want to describe a market that is becoming an oligopoly, you use the verb 'convertirse' or 'volverse'. For example: 'El mercado se está convirtiendo en un oligopolio' (The market is turning into an oligopoly).

Common Verbs: Formar (to form), romper (to break), regular (to regulate), denunciar (to denounce), dominar (to dominate).

Las autoridades de competencia intentan romper el oligopolio de las empresas de telefonía móvil.

Another important structural use is with the preposition 'de'. You will almost always see 'oligopolio de...' followed by the industry name. 'Un oligopolio de medios de comunicación' (A media oligopoly) or 'un oligopolio de supermercados' (a supermarket oligopoly). This construction helps pinpoint exactly which part of the economy is being discussed. In more academic or professional Spanish, you might use the word in the plural to discuss global trends: 'Los oligopolios internacionales dificultan el comercio justo' (International oligopolies make fair trade difficult). Note that the stress is on the 'po' (o-li-go-PO-lio), and it is a four-syllable word. Proper pronunciation is key to sounding professional in a business setting.

Prepositional Phrases: Bajo un oligopolio (Under an oligopoly), contra el oligopolio (Against the oligopoly), a causa del oligopolio (Because of the oligopoly).

Los precios de la gasolina suben a causa del oligopolio de las distribuidoras petroleras.

In writing, oligopolio often appears in the introductory sentences of economic analyses or the concluding arguments of consumer rights articles. It serves as a powerful label for a complex situation. If you are writing a report, you might say: 'Este informe analiza el impacto del oligopolio en el bienestar del consumidor' (This report analyzes the impact of the oligopoly on consumer welfare). It is also useful in debates about globalization. You might hear: 'La globalización ha favorecido la creación de grandes oligopolios mundiales' (Globalization has favored the creation of large global oligopolies). Using the word correctly shows a high level of Spanish proficiency and an understanding of socio-economic dynamics.

Es imperativo que el Estado intervenga cuando un oligopolio impide la entrada de nuevos competidores.

Adjective Agreement: Since it is masculine, all adjectives must be masculine: oligopolio injusto, oligopolio cerrado, oligopolio poderoso.

La economía digital no está libre de oligopolios poderosos que controlan nuestros datos.

El oligopolio de las agencias de calificación crediticia fue muy criticado durante la crisis financiera.

You are most likely to encounter the word oligopolio in serious news broadcasts, financial newspapers, and academic settings. In Spain, for example, the 'oligopolio eléctrico' is a frequent topic of conversation during the winter months when electricity bills rise. News anchors on channels like RTVE or Antena 3 will use it when interviewing economists about why prices are so high. In Latin America, the term often comes up in discussions about the 'oligopolio mediático' (media oligopoly), where a few families or conglomerates control the majority of TV channels and newspapers, influencing public opinion and political outcomes. It’s a word that signals a deep dive into the 'why' behind economic frustrations.

News Media: Headlines like 'El gobierno busca limitar el oligopolio en el sector energético' are common in papers like El País or La Nación.

Escuché en las noticias que el oligopolio del cemento está bajo investigación por fijación de precios.

In a university setting, specifically in faculties of economics, law, or political science, oligopolio is a foundational concept. Professors will discuss 'modelos de oligopolio' like Cournot, Bertrand, or Stackelberg. Students learn how these companies interact and why they sometimes collude to act like a monopoly. If you are taking a business course in Spanish, you will definitely need to master this term to participate in case study discussions. It’s not just about the word itself, but the economic theory it represents. You might also hear it in political speeches, where candidates promise to 'acabar con los oligopolios' (end the oligopolies) to appeal to voters who feel squeezed by high costs of living.

Academic Environment: Used in textbooks and lectures to explain market failures and the need for antitrust laws (leyes antimonopolio).

En mi clase de microeconomía, analizamos cómo un oligopolio afecta la curva de demanda.

Beyond the news and school, you might find oligopolio in documentaries about the global food system or the pharmaceutical industry. These programs often highlight how a few massive corporations control the seeds we plant or the medicines we take. In these contexts, the word is used to evoke a sense of concern about the lack of diversity and choice in essential services. If you enjoy listening to Spanish podcasts about technology or current events, like 'Radio Ambulante' or 'TED en Español', you will occasionally hear this word used to describe the dominance of companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook. It is a word for the informed citizen who wants to understand the structures of power in the modern world.

El documental explica cómo el oligopolio de las semillas amenaza la biodiversidad agrícola.

Podcasts & Documentaries: Frequent use in investigative journalism to describe corporate mergers and acquisitions that reduce competition.

Muchos temen que la inteligencia artificial acabe dominada por un pequeño oligopolio de empresas de Silicon Valley.

Para entender por qué internet es tan caro aquí, hay que estudiar el oligopolio de los proveedores de red.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing oligopolio with 'monopolio'. While they both relate to limited competition, a 'monopolio' involves only one seller, whereas an 'oligopolio' involves a few. Using them interchangeably can lead to significant misunderstandings in an economic discussion. Another common error is with the gender of the word. Since it ends in '-o', many learners correctly guess it is masculine, but they sometimes forget to apply this to the articles and adjectives. It is always 'el oligopolio' and never 'la oligopolio'. Additionally, learners often misspell the word by adding an extra 'l' (like 'olligopolio') or forgetting the 'i' after the 'l' (like 'oligopolo'). Pronunciation can also be tricky; the 'g' is a hard 'g' sound like in 'goat', not a soft 'j' sound.

Oligopolio vs. Monopolio: Monopolio = 1 seller. Oligopolio = 2-10 sellers. Duopolio = Exactly 2 sellers.

No es un monopolio porque hay tres empresas, así que técnicamente es un oligopolio.

Another mistake involves the word's register. Oligopolio is a formal, technical term. Using it in a very casual, slang-heavy conversation might sound out of place or overly dramatic. For instance, if you and two friends are the only ones who know a secret, you wouldn't say you have an 'oligopolio de la información' unless you were making a joke. It’s best reserved for business, politics, and social science. Furthermore, some learners try to turn it into a verb like 'oligopolizar'. While 'monopolizar' is a very common and accepted verb, 'oligopolizar' is much rarer and can sound awkward. It is better to use phrases like 'formar un oligopolio' or 'actuar como un oligopolio'.

Common Spelling Errors: Oligopolio (Correct), Oligopolo (Incorrect), Olligopolio (Incorrect), Oligopolio (Correct).

Es un error común escribir 'oligopolio' con doble 'l', pero en español solo lleva una.

Finally, be careful with the plural form. While 'los oligopolios' is correct, some learners try to use 'las oligopolias', which is completely wrong. Remember that nouns ending in '-io' in Spanish are almost always masculine. Also, when using the word in a sentence, ensure that the verb agrees with the singular or plural form. 'El oligopolio tiene...' (The oligopoly has) versus 'Los oligopolios tienen...' (The oligopolies have). It sounds basic, but in the middle of a complex economic explanation, these small errors can add up. Practice saying the word slowly to master the 'io' diphthong at the end, which should sound like 'yo' in 'yoga' but shorter.

Mucha gente dice 'la oligopolio' por error, pero recuerda siempre que es el oligopolio.

Register Check: Formal: 'El oligopolio de las aerolíneas'. Informal/Wrong: 'Hay un oligopolio de amigos en el parque'.

Debemos evitar el uso de tecnicismos como oligopolio en conversaciones informales a menos que sea necesario.

Si pronuncias mal oligopolio, podrías sonar poco profesional en una presentación de negocios.

To truly master the concept of oligopolio, it helps to understand its 'relatives' in the world of economic terminology. The most immediate alternative is 'monopolio', which we’ve discussed. But there are more specific terms too. A 'duopolio' is a type of oligopoly where exactly two firms dominate. A 'cartel' (cártel in Spanish, with an accent) is a group of companies in an oligopoly that explicitly agree to fix prices or limit production—think of OPEC in the oil market. While an oligopoly is a market structure, a cartel is a specific, often illegal, behavior within that structure. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

Term Comparison: Monopolio: One seller. Oligopolio: Few sellers. Competencia Perfecta: Many sellers with no power. Oligopsonio: Few buyers (a reverse oligopoly).

A diferencia de un monopolio, en un oligopolio todavía existe una competencia limitada entre las grandes firmas.

If you are looking for less technical ways to describe the same phenomenon, you might use phrases like 'concentración de mercado' (market concentration) or 'dominio de unos pocos' (dominance of a few). In a political context, you might use 'oligarquía' (oligarchy), which refers to a small group of people having control of a country or organization. While 'oligopolio' is about markets and selling, 'oligarquía' is about power and ruling. Another interesting related term is 'monopsonio' (one buyer) and 'oligopsonio' (few buyers). For example, if there are many cocoa farmers but only three large chocolate companies that buy from them, those companies form an oligopsonio. Using these specific terms makes your Spanish sound much more sophisticated.

Synonyms & Near-Synonyms: Concentración de mercado, dominio compartido, grupo dominante, cártel (if illegal agreement is involved).

La alta concentración de mercado es a menudo un síntoma de un oligopolio persistente.

In some cases, you might hear 'trust' (used as a loanword or translated as 'consorcio') to describe a large group of businesses that cooperate to control a market. However, oligopolio remains the most standard and accurate term in Spanish for the market structure itself. When comparing an oligopoly to 'competencia perfecta' (perfect competition), you are highlighting the difference between a market where no one has power and a market where a few have almost all of it. This contrast is a common theme in economic essays. By knowing these alternatives, you can avoid repeating the same word and provide a clearer, more detailed analysis of the economic situation you are describing.

El oligopolio se sitúa en un punto intermedio entre la competencia perfecta y el monopolio absoluto.

Antonyms: Competencia perfecta (Perfect competition), libre mercado (Free market - in its ideal form), mercado atomizado (Atomized market).

Pasar de un oligopolio a un mercado atomizado requiere leyes de competencia muy estrictas.

Las empresas en un oligopolio a veces forman un cártel para maximizar sus beneficios conjuntos.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

While 'monopoly' has been used in English and Spanish for centuries, 'oligopoly' only became a common economic term in the early 20th century as economists began to study markets that weren't quite monopolies but weren't competitive either.

발음 가이드

UK /ˌɒl.ɪˈɡɒp.əl.i/

US /ˌɑː.lɪˈɡɑː.pəl.i/

The primary stress is on the third-to-last syllable: o-li-go-PO-lio.

라임이 맞는 단어

monopolio duopolio expolio folio portfolio escolio repolio trébolio

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'g' like a Spanish 'j' (it should be a hard 'g' as in 'game').
Adding an extra 'l' sound (it's not 'olligopolio').
Stressing the 'li' instead of the 'po'.
Missing the 'i' in the final syllable '-lio'.
Confusing it with 'monopolio' during rapid speech.

난이도

독해 3/5

The word is long but follows standard Spanish phonetics and is similar to the English 'oligopoly'.

쓰기 4/5

Spelling it correctly (one 'l', ending in '-io') and using it in formal contexts requires practice.

말하기 4/5

Requires correct stress on the 'PO' syllable to sound natural.

듣기 3/5

Easily recognizable in news and lectures once the 'oligo-' prefix is known.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

mercado empresa precio vender competencia

다음에 배울 것

monopolio duopolio cártel colusión barreras de entrada

고급

oligopsonio monopsonio equilibrio de Nash competencia imperfecta externalidades

알아야 할 문법

Nouns ending in -io are usually masculine.

El oligopolio, el edificio, el gimnasio.

Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun.

Un oligopolio poderoso / Unos oligopolios poderosos.

The preposition 'de' is used to specify the type of oligopoly.

Oligopolio de telecomunicaciones.

Use 'se' for impersonal statements about economic phenomena.

Se dice que el oligopolio perjudica al pobre.

Verbs of change like 'convertirse en' are used for market evolution.

El mercado se convirtió en un oligopolio.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

En mi pueblo hay un oligopolio de tiendas.

In my town there is an oligopoly of shops.

Uses 'un' (masculine singular article) with 'oligopolio'.

El oligopolio vende cosas caras.

The oligopoly sells expensive things.

Subject-verb agreement: 'el oligopolio' (singular) with 'vende'.

No me gusta el oligopolio de los bancos.

I don't like the oligopoly of the banks.

Uses 'el' as a definite article.

Tres empresas forman un oligopolio.

Three companies form an oligopoly.

Verb 'formar' used to describe the creation of the structure.

¿Qué es un oligopolio?

What is an oligopoly?

Basic interrogative structure.

El oligopolio es un grupo pequeño.

The oligopoly is a small group.

Adjective 'pequeño' agrees with masculine noun 'oligopolio'.

Hay pocos vendedores en un oligopolio.

There are few sellers in an oligopoly.

Preposition 'en' indicates location/state.

El oligopolio controla el mercado.

The oligopoly controls the market.

Direct object 'el mercado' follows the verb.

El oligopolio de la telefonía es muy fuerte aquí.

The telephony oligopoly is very strong here.

Adjective 'fuerte' describes the power of the oligopoly.

Muchas personas odian los oligopolios.

Many people hate oligopolies.

Plural form 'los oligopolios'.

Es difícil competir contra un oligopolio.

It is difficult to compete against an oligopoly.

Preposition 'contra' (against).

El gobierno estudia el oligopolio de la luz.

The government is studying the electricity oligopoly.

Use of 'de la luz' as a common colloquialism for electricity.

Un oligopolio tiene pocos competidores.

An oligopoly has few competitors.

Noun 'competidores' is masculine plural.

Los precios suben por el oligopolio.

Prices go up because of the oligopoly.

Prepositional phrase 'por el' indicating cause.

Queremos romper el oligopolio del gas.

We want to break the gas oligopoly.

Infinitive 'romper' used as an object of 'queremos'.

Ese mercado se volvió un oligopolio.

That market became an oligopoly.

Reflexive verb 'volverse' to indicate a change of state.

El oligopolio bancario limita las opciones de crédito.

The banking oligopoly limits credit options.

Adjective 'bancario' modifies 'oligopolio'.

Las empresas en un oligopolio suelen vigilarse mutuamente.

Companies in an oligopoly usually watch each other mutually.

Reflexive verb 'vigilarse' with the adverb 'mutuamente'.

Existe un oligopolio natural en el sector del agua.

There is a natural oligopoly in the water sector.

The term 'oligopolio natural' is a specific economic concept.

El oligopolio mediático influye en la opinión pública.

The media oligopoly influences public opinion.

Verb 'influir' followed by the preposition 'en'.

Debemos denunciar las prácticas de este oligopolio.

We must denounce the practices of this oligopoly.

Noun 'prácticas' is feminine plural.

El oligopolio de las aerolíneas domina las rutas principales.

The airline oligopoly dominates the main routes.

Subject 'el oligopolio' is singular, so 'domina' is singular.

Es casi imposible entrar en un mercado de oligopolio.

It is almost impossible to enter an oligopoly market.

Use of 'de oligopolio' as an adjectival phrase.

El oligopolio genera beneficios muy altos para pocos.

The oligopoly generates very high profits for a few.

Adjective 'altos' agrees with 'beneficios'.

La colusión es un riesgo constante en cualquier oligopolio.

Collusion is a constant risk in any oligopoly.

The noun 'colusión' is feminine.

El oligopolio se caracteriza por sus altas barreras de entrada.

The oligopoly is characterized by its high barriers to entry.

Passive construction 'se caracteriza por'.

Las leyes antimonopolio también regulan el oligopolio.

Antitrust laws also regulate the oligopoly.

Adverb 'también' used for emphasis.

Un oligopolio puede llevar a una falta de innovación.

An oligopoly can lead to a lack of innovation.

Modal verb 'puede' followed by the infinitive 'llevar'.

El comportamiento estratégico es clave en el oligopolio.

Strategic behavior is key in the oligopoly.

Adjective 'estratégico' modifies the noun 'comportamiento'.

Analizamos el oligopolio usando la teoría de juegos.

We analyze the oligopoly using game theory.

Gerund 'usando' indicates the method.

El oligopolio de los supermercados controla la cadena de suministro.

The supermarket oligopoly controls the supply chain.

Compound noun 'cadena de suministro' (supply chain).

Muchos países sufren por un oligopolio de importación.

Many countries suffer because of an import oligopoly.

Prepositional phrase 'de importación'.

La interdependencia mutua define la dinámica del oligopolio.

Mutual interdependence defines the dynamics of the oligopoly.

Abstract nouns like 'interdependencia' and 'dinámica'.

El oligopolio puede derivar en un cártel si hay acuerdos explícitos.

The oligopoly can result in a cartel if there are explicit agreements.

Verb 'derivar' followed by the preposition 'en'.

Se observa una rigidez de precios típica del oligopolio no colusorio.

A price rigidity typical of non-collusive oligopoly is observed.

Impersonal 'se' construction ('se observa').

El oligopolio de las tecnológicas plantea retos a la soberanía digital.

The tech oligopoly poses challenges to digital sovereignty.

Verb 'plantear' used in a formal context.

Las fusiones y adquisiciones a menudo refuerzan el oligopolio.

Mergers and acquisitions often reinforce the oligopoly.

Plural subject 'las fusiones y adquisiciones'.

El modelo de Stackelberg explica el liderazgo en un oligopolio.

The Stackelberg model explains leadership in an oligopoly.

Proper noun 'Stackelberg' used as an adjective.

La eficiencia del oligopolio es un tema de debate recurrente.

The efficiency of the oligopoly is a recurring topic of debate.

Adjective 'recurrente' modifies 'tema'.

El oligopolio de las agencias de rating fue clave en la crisis.

The rating agencies' oligopoly was key in the crisis.

Loanword 'rating' is common in financial Spanish.

La arquitectura del oligopolio contemporáneo trasciende las fronteras nacionales.

The architecture of the contemporary oligopoly transcends national borders.

Use of high-level verb 'trascender'.

El equilibrio de Nash en el oligopolio de Bertrand predice precios marginales.

The Nash equilibrium in the Bertrand oligopoly predicts marginal prices.

Technical economic terminology.

Ciertos sectores muestran una tendencia intrínseca hacia el oligopolio natural.

Certain sectors show an intrinsic tendency toward natural oligopoly.

Adjective 'intrínseca' modifies 'tendencia'.

La vigilancia regulatoria es vital para mitigar las externalidades del oligopolio.

Regulatory oversight is vital to mitigate the externalities of the oligopoly.

Noun 'externalidades' (externalities) is a C2-level economic term.

El oligopolio de plataformas digitales ejerce un poder cuasi-soberano.

The digital platform oligopoly exerts quasi-sovereign power.

Prefix 'cuasi-' (quasi) used in formal analysis.

La paradoja del oligopolio radica en su capacidad para la innovación y la exclusión.

The paradox of the oligopoly lies in its capacity for innovation and exclusion.

Verb 'radicar' (to lie in/consist of).

Se cuestiona si el oligopolio de las semillas compromete la seguridad alimentaria.

It is questioned whether the seed oligopoly compromises food security.

Passive voice 'se cuestiona'.

La colusión tácita en el oligopolio elude a menudo la fiscalización legal.

Tacit collusion in the oligopoly often evades legal scrutiny.

Adjective 'tácita' (tacit) and verb 'eludir' (to evade).

자주 쓰는 조합

romper el oligopolio

oligopolio natural

formar un oligopolio

bajo un oligopolio

oligopolio mediático

oligopolio eléctrico

denunciar el oligopolio

dinámica de oligopolio

oligopolio de oferta

combatir el oligopolio

자주 쓰는 구문

El oligopolio de siempre

— A phrase used to complain about the same few companies that always control things. It implies a sense of resignation.

Al final, los contratos se los lleva el oligopolio de siempre.

Romper las reglas del oligopolio

— To act in a way that goes against the common practices of a dominant group. Often used for innovative startups.

Esta nueva aplicación quiere romper las reglas del oligopolio del transporte.

Víctima del oligopolio

— A person or small business that suffers because of the power of a few large companies.

El pequeño agricultor es víctima del oligopolio de los supermercados.

En manos de un oligopolio

— To be controlled or dependent on a small group of companies.

El suministro de energía está en manos de un oligopolio.

Fomentar el oligopolio

— To create conditions that help a few companies stay in power, often used as a criticism of government policy.

Esa ley solo sirve para fomentar el oligopolio de las constructoras.

Oligopolio de facto

— A situation that is an oligopoly in practice, even if it's not officially defined as one.

Aunque hay diez empresas, tres de ellas tienen el 90% del mercado, es un oligopolio de facto.

Luchar contra el oligopolio

— To take actions (legal, political, or social) to reduce the power of dominant firms.

Es necesario luchar contra el oligopolio para que bajen los precios.

El fin del oligopolio

— A dramatic phrase used to describe a major change in a market where new competition enters.

La llegada de internet supuso el fin del oligopolio de las enciclopedias impresas.

Protegido por el oligopolio

— Something that exists or thrives because it is part of or supported by a dominant group.

Ese directivo está protegido por el oligopolio industrial.

Al servicio del oligopolio

— An accusation that a person or law is only working to help big corporations.

Dicen que el ministro está al servicio del oligopolio bancario.

자주 혼동되는 단어

oligopolio vs monopolio

A monopoly has only one seller, while an oligopoly has a few. This is the most common confusion.

oligopolio vs oligarquía

Oligarchy refers to a small group of people ruling a country, whereas oligopoly refers to a small group of companies controlling a market.

oligopolio vs duopolio

A duopoly is a specific type of oligopoly with exactly two sellers. All duopolies are oligopolies, but not all oligopolies are duopolies.

관용어 및 표현

"Ser harina de otro costal"

— To be a completely different matter. Often used when comparing an oligopoly to a different economic issue.

El monopolio es un problema, pero el oligopolio es harina de otro costal.

informal

"Cortar el bacalao"

— To be the one in charge or the one who makes the decisions. Perfectly describes the firms in an oligopoly.

En este sector, solo tres empresas cortan el bacalao.

informal/colloquial

"Poner trabas"

— To put obstacles in someone's way. This is what an oligopoly does to new competitors.

El oligopolio pone trabas a cualquier empresa que intente entrar.

neutral

"Estar compinchados"

— To be in cahoots or colluding. Used to describe companies in an oligopoly that fix prices.

Parece que las gasolineras están compinchadas para subir los precios a la vez.

informal

"Tener la sartén por el mango"

— To have the upper hand or be in a position of power. Describes the market power of an oligopoly.

En el mercado eléctrico, las grandes compañías tienen la sartén por el mango.

informal/colloquial

"Hacer el agosto"

— To make a killing or a lot of money in a short time. Often said of oligopolies during crises.

Con la subida de la luz, las eléctricas están haciendo el agosto.

informal

"Ponerse de acuerdo"

— To reach an agreement. In an oligopoly context, this often implies illegal collusion.

Es ilegal que las empresas se pongan de acuerdo para fijar el precio.

neutral

"Cerrar el paso"

— To block the way. Used to describe how an oligopoly prevents new competition.

El oligopolio intenta cerrar el paso a las energías renovables pequeñas.

neutral

"Repartirse el pastel"

— To divide up the profits or the market among a few. A classic description of an oligopoly.

Las constructoras se repartieron el pastel de las obras públicas.

informal

"Atar de pies y manos"

— To tie someone's hands and feet (to leave someone helpless). Describes how consumers feel in an oligopoly.

El oligopolio nos tiene atados de pies y manos con estos precios.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

oligopolio vs oligopsonio

Similar sound and same prefix.

Oligopolio is a few sellers; oligopsonio is a few buyers.

El mercado del tabaco es un oligopsonio porque solo hay tres fábricas que compran a los agricultores.

oligopolio vs monopolio

Related economic concepts.

Mono = 1, Oligo = Few. In a monopoly, there is no competition; in an oligopoly, there is limited competition.

Correos era un monopolio, pero ahora el transporte es un oligopolio.

oligopolio vs colusión

Often happens within an oligopoly.

Oligopolio is the market structure; colusión is the illegal action of cooperating to fix prices.

El oligopolio no es ilegal, pero la colusión sí lo es.

oligopolio vs cartel

Describes a group in an oligopoly.

A cartel is a formal organization of firms in an oligopoly that agree to act together.

El cártel del cemento fue desmantelado por las autoridades.

oligopolio vs concentración

Used as a synonym.

Concentración is the act or measurement of market power; oligopolio is the name of the resulting state.

La concentración bancaria ha creado un oligopolio.

문장 패턴

El [noun] es un oligopolio.

El mercado de la leche es un oligopolio.

Hay un oligopolio de [industry].

Hay un oligopolio de gasolineras en mi ciudad.

El oligopolio de [industry] controla [object].

El oligopolio de los bancos controla los intereses.

Debido al oligopolio, los precios [verb].

Debido al oligopolio, los precios no bajan nunca.

La existencia de un oligopolio supone [consequence].

La existencia de un oligopolio supone una barrera para la innovación.

Si bien el oligopolio permite [benefit], también genera [negative].

Si bien el oligopolio permite economías de escala, también genera ineficiencias asignativas.

Es necesario regular el oligopolio para [purpose].

Es necesario regular el oligopolio para proteger al consumidor.

Las empresas forman un oligopolio para [purpose].

Las empresas forman un oligopolio para evitar la guerra de precios.

어휘 가족

명사

oligopolista (the person/firm in an oligopoly)

oligopsonio (market with few buyers)

monopolio

duopolio

동사

oligopolizar (rarely used, but exists in some academic texts)

형용사

oligopolístico/a (related to an oligopoly)

oligopolista (can also be an adjective)

사용법

frequency

Common in news and educational settings; rare in everyday household talk.

자주 하는 실수

La oligopolio → El oligopolio
Learners often think formal words ending in '-o' might be feminine if they relate to abstract concepts, but 'oligopolio' is strictly masculine.
Olligopolio → Oligopolio
Using a double 'l' is a common spelling mistake. In Spanish, 'oligo' has only one 'l'.
Confusing it with 'monopolio' → Use 'oligopolio' for 2+ firms
Saying 'monopolio' when there are three companies is technically incorrect and shows a lack of economic vocabulary.
Oligopolia → Oligopolio
Trying to make the word feminine to match a feminine industry (e.g., 'la oligopolia eléctrica') is a common grammatical error.
Misplacing the stress → o-li-go-PO-lio
Stressing the 'LI' or the 'GO' makes the word hard for native speakers to recognize.

팁

Learn the Prefix

Memorize that 'oligo-' means 'few'. This will help you understand other words like 'oligarquía' (rule by few) or 'oligoceno' (a geological epoch).

Gender Check

Always treat 'oligopolio' as masculine. 'El oligopolio es...', 'Un oligopolio fuerte'. Never use 'la'.

The Stress Rule

The stress is on the 'PO'. Practice saying: o-li-go-PO-lio. This distinguishes it from other similar-sounding words.

Read the News

To see this word in action, read the 'Economía' section of Spanish newspapers like El País or El Mundo. It appears almost every week.

Perfect for Essays

Use 'oligopolio' in your Spanish essays about social issues or economics to instantly boost your formal register score.

The Three Kings

Visualize three kings sharing a single crown. That is an oligopoly—power shared by a very small group.

Industry Specific

Associate 'oligopolio' with specific industries like 'telefonía', 'electricidad', and 'bancos' to remember its context.

Listen for 'de'

When you hear 'oligopolio', listen for the word 'de' right after it. It will tell you exactly what market is being discussed.

Use Adjectives

Make your writing better by adding adjectives like 'cerrado' (closed), 'feroz' (fierce), or 'injusto' (unfair) to 'oligopolio'.

Social Debate

Understand that in Spain, 'oligopolio' is often a 'dirty word' used to criticize the high cost of living.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Oligo' as 'Only-Go' to a few shops. 'Oligo' = Few. 'Polio' = Selling. Only go to a few sellers.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant pizza (the market) being eaten by only three very fat cats (the companies), while many tiny mice (consumers) wait for crumbs.

Word Web

Empresas Precios Competencia Poder Mercado Consumidor Barreras Colusión

챌린지

Write three sentences about the 'oligopolio' in your own country. Use the verbs 'romper', 'formar', and 'criticar'.

어원

The word comes from the Ancient Greek 'oligos' (ὀλίγος) meaning 'few' and 'pōlein' (πωλεῖν) meaning 'to sell'. It was modeled after the much older word 'monopoly'.

원래 의미: A state of few sellers.

Greek-derived Latinate word, common to most Romance and Germanic languages.

문화적 맥락

Be aware that calling a specific group of companies an 'oligopolio' can be seen as a political statement or an accusation of unfair practices.

In the US or UK, the term is used similarly but perhaps with less daily frequency in casual conversation than in Spain, where 'oligopolio' is a common political buzzword.

The 'OPEC' oil cartel is the world's most famous example of an oligopoly in action. The movie 'The Insider' (El dilema) touches on the oligopoly of the Big Tobacco companies. Economic textbooks by Paul Samuelson or Gregory Mankiw (translated into Spanish) are where most students first encounter the term.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

News reports on energy prices

El oligopolio eléctrico
Subida de tarifas
Beneficios caídos del cielo
Falta de competencia

University Economics lecture

Modelo de Cournot
Interdependencia estratégica
Poder de mercado
Curva de demanda quebrada

Political debate

Acabar con el oligopolio
Intereses de las grandes empresas
Protección al consumidor
Leyes antimonopolio

Business strategy meeting

Análisis del sector
Barreras de entrada
Cuota de mercado
Reacción de la competencia

Legal discussion about mergers

Concentración empresarial
Tribunal de la competencia
Riesgo de colusión
Defensa del consumidor

대화 시작하기

"¿Crees que el sector bancario en tu país es un oligopolio?"

"¿Qué medidas debería tomar el gobierno para romper el oligopolio de la luz?"

"¿Cómo afecta un oligopolio a la innovación tecnológica en tu opinión?"

"¿Prefieres un monopolio estatal o un oligopolio privado para servicios básicos?"

"¿Has notado alguna vez que las gasolineras parecen actuar como un oligopolio?"

일기 주제

Describe una situación en la que te sentiste frustrado por la falta de opciones en un mercado dominado por un oligopolio.

Investiga y escribe sobre un oligopolio famoso en la historia de tu país y cómo afectó a la economía.

Si pudieras crear una ley para regular los oligopolios, ¿cuáles serían los tres puntos más importantes?

Reflexiona sobre cómo el oligopolio mediático puede influir en la forma en que vemos el mundo.

Compara las ventajas y desventajas de vivir en una economía con muchos oligopolios frente a una con competencia perfecta.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, tener un oligopolio no es ilegal por sí mismo. Es una estructura de mercado que ocurre naturalmente en sectores con altos costes. Lo que es ilegal es que las empresas dentro de ese oligopolio se pongan de acuerdo para fijar precios (colusión).

La diferencia principal es el número de vendedores. En un monopolio hay solo uno (mono = uno). En un oligopolio hay unos pocos (oligo = pocos), generalmente entre dos y diez empresas dominantes.

Porque al haber poca competencia, las empresas no necesitan bajar los precios para atraer clientes. Además, a menudo vigilan los precios de sus competidores y los mantienen similares para maximizar beneficios.

Es un mercado donde es más eficiente que haya pocas empresas debido a los altísimos costes de infraestructura, como en el caso del agua, la electricidad o los ferrocarriles.

Se dice 'oligopolio'. Es un sustantivo masculino (el oligopolio) y se pronuncia con el acento en la sílaba 'po'.

Es el hecho de que las decisiones de una empresa (como bajar el precio) afectan directamente a las ventas y decisiones de las otras pocas empresas del mercado.

Son obstáculos que impiden que nuevas empresas entren a competir, como leyes complicadas, patentes o la necesidad de tener muchísimo dinero para empezar.

Generalmente no, pero a veces las grandes empresas de un oligopolio pueden invertir más dinero en investigación y desarrollo gracias a sus altos beneficios.

Es el caso más simple de oligopolio, donde solo hay dos empresas que dominan todo el mercado, como Coca-Cola y Pepsi en muchos países.

Normalmente mediante leyes del gobierno que fomentan la competencia, prohibiendo fusiones entre empresas grandes o facilitando la entrada de nuevas empresas extranjeras o pequeñas.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기