ocurrirá
/oh-koo-rree-RAH/
it will happen
This image shows the anticipation of growth, illustrating the meaning "it will happen."
ocurrirá(verb)
it will happen
?referring to an event
,it will occur
?formal prediction
it will take place
?scheduled event
📝 In Action
La reunión ocurrirá a las cinco, no antes.
A2The meeting will happen at five, not before.
Nadie sabe qué ocurrirá en el futuro con la economía.
B1Nobody knows what will happen in the future with the economy.
Si no tomas precauciones, ocurrirá un accidente.
B2If you don't take precautions, an accident will occur.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Future Tense
The simple future tense (ocurrirá) is used for events that will definitely take place, or to make predictions about the future.
Impersonal Use
Ocurrir is often used impersonally, meaning the subject is usually an event or thing, not a person (e.g., 'The storm will happen').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'ser' instead of 'ocurrir'
Mistake: "El accidente será."
Correction: El accidente ocurrirá. (Use 'ser' for identity or permanent qualities, use 'ocurrir' for events.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Prediction vs. Intention
Use 'ocurrirá' for predictions. If you want to express an immediate intention, use 'ir a' + infinitive: 'Va a ocurrir' (It is going to happen).
A sudden realization or inspiration, like a lightbulb turning on, illustrates the meaning "it will occur (to someone)."
ocurrirá(verb)
it will occur (to someone)
?an idea will strike
,it will come to mind
?a thought realization
it will dawn on (someone)
?realization
📝 In Action
Quizás se le ocurrirá una solución antes de la noche.
B1Perhaps a solution will occur to him before tonight.
Si piensas mucho, te ocurrirá una idea.
B2If you think hard, an idea will come to you.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the 'Se'
When 'ocurrir' means 'to come to mind,' it usually acts like the verb 'gustar' (to like). The idea is the subject, and the person receiving the idea is marked by 'se le' (to him/her) or 'se me' (to me).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the indirect pronoun
Mistake: "Ocurrirá una idea a Juan."
Correction: Se le ocurrirá una idea a Juan. (You need the 'le' or 'se le' to show *who* the idea is happening *to*.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Idea
Remember that in Spanish, the idea or solution is the thing doing the 'occurring,' which is why the verb is singular ('ocurrirá').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ocurrirá
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ocurrirá' in the sense of 'a thought coming to mind'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ocurrirá' the same as 'pasará'?
They are very similar! Both mean 'it will happen.' 'Ocurrirá' is slightly more formal and emphasizes the event itself, while 'pasará' (from 'pasar') is more common in casual speech, meaning 'it will pass' or 'it will happen.'
Why does 'ocurrirá' sometimes include 'se' and sometimes not?
When it means 'to happen' (like a storm), it stands alone. When it means 'to come to mind' (like an idea), it usually needs the extra pronoun (like 'se le' or 'se me') to show who is having the thought.