ocurra
/oh-KOO-rrah/
(that) it happens
When we express desire or possibility about an event, we use 'ocurra.' This image shows the possibility of a beautiful event happening.
ocurra(Verb)
(that) it happens
?Expressing desire or possibility about an event
,(that) it occurs
?Formal usage regarding an event or idea
(that) I happen
?First-person singular, less common
📝 In Action
Espero que no ocurra nada malo en el viaje.
B1I hope that nothing bad happens on the trip.
Dudo que esto ocurra dos veces.
B2I doubt that this will occur twice.
Cuando ocurra un problema, llámame.
B2When a problem happens, call me. (Signaling future possibility)
💡 Grammar Points
The Special 'Subjunctive' Form
You use 'ocurra' (the present subjunctive) when you express feelings, doubts, or wishes about something happening, especially after verbs like 'esperar' (to hope) or 'dudar' (to doubt).
Impersonal Use
Often, 'ocurrir' refers to events, so it’s usually used in the third person singular ('él/ella/usted' form), referring to the event itself, as in 'que ocurra un milagro' (that a miracle happens).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong mood after doubt
Mistake: "Dudo que esto *ocurre*."
Correction: Dudo que esto *ocurra*. (When expressing doubt, you must switch to the special subjunctive form.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Uncertainty
If the happening is uncertain, desired, or contingent on something else, you need 'ocurra'. If you are stating a fact ('It happens every day'), use the indicative: 'ocurre'.
When an idea or thought comes to someone's mind, we can use 'ocurra.' The star signifies the arrival of a new thought.
ocurra(Verb)
(that) it occurs to me/him/her
?Referring to an idea coming to someone's mind
📝 In Action
No creo que se me ocurra una idea mejor.
B2I don't think a better idea will occur to me (come to my mind).
Espero que a ella se le ocurra algo.
B2I hope that something occurs to her (she thinks of something).
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Se Le Ocurra' Structure
When talking about ideas, 'ocurrir' needs the reflexive pronoun 'se' plus the indirect object pronoun ('le', 'me', 'te', etc.) to show who the idea came to. The idea itself is the subject, so we use 'ocurra' (singular).
Subjunctive for Opinion
This meaning almost always uses the subjunctive ('ocurra') because it follows expressions of opinion, denial, or doubt, such as 'No creo que...' (I don't believe that...).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'Se'
Mistake: "Quiero que le ocurra una idea."
Correction: Quiero que *se* le ocurra una idea. (The 'se' is essential here to signal the idea is appearing in their mind.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Similar to 'Gustar'
Think of this structure like the verb 'gustar' (to like). The idea is the thing that 'happens' to the person (le/me/te).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ocurra
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'ocurra' to express a desire?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'ocurra' sound like a command sometimes?
In Spanish, the formal command for 'usted' (you, formal) uses the same form as the present subjunctive 'él/ella/usted'. So, while 'Que ocurra' usually means 'that it happens,' it can also be used as a formal command: 'Haga que esto ocurra' (Make this happen).
Is 'suceda' a good substitute for 'ocurra'?
Yes, 'suceda' (from 'suceder') is an excellent and very common synonym for the main meaning ('to happen'). They are interchangeable in most contexts related to events.