Oeste vs. occidente
The Spanish words 'oeste' and 'occidente' both refer to the compass point, 'west'. However, they are used in slightly different contexts.
Oeste
This term refers to the compass direction 'west' and is used in general geographic contexts or when giving directions.
El sol se pone en el oeste.
(The sun sets in the west.)
Nuestra casa está ubicada al oeste de la ciudad.
(Our house is situated to the west of the city.)
Occidente
'Occidente' also translates to 'west', but it's more often used in a broader, cultural or historical context to refer to Western societies or regions, rather than in specific geographic or navigational terms.
Occidente tiene una influencia predominante en la cultura global.
(The West has a predominant influence on global culture.)
Muchas tradiciones del occidente se han propagado por todo el mundo.
(Many traditions from the West have spread around the world.)
Summary
In summary, while both 'oeste' and 'occidente' translate as 'west', they are used differently. Oeste is more frequently used in a strict geographic sense, like a compass direction. Occidente, meanwhile, more commonly refers to Western areas in a cultural or historical sense.