suceder
/soo-seh-DEHR/
to happen
When something unexpected 'happens' (sucede), it can be a beautiful event like a sudden rainbow.
suceder(verb)
to happen
?referring to events or incidents
,to occur
?formal synonym for 'to happen'
to take place
?synonym for a planned event
📝 In Action
¿Qué sucedió anoche en la fiesta?
A1What happened last night at the party?
Las cosas suceden por una razón.
A2Things happen for a reason.
Si sucede algo, llámame inmediatamente.
A2If something occurs, call me immediately.
💡 Grammar Points
Impersonal Use
When talking about general events, 'suceder' is most often used in the 'él/ella/usted' form (sucede) or the 'ellos/ellas/ustedes' form (suceden), similar to how we use 'it' in English ('It happens').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Pasar'
Mistake: "Using 'suceder' for everything when 'pasar' (to pass/happen) is usually more common in casual conversation."
Correction: 'Pasar' is the everyday choice, 'suceder' is slightly more formal or used when asking for a detailed account of an event.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Event
Think of 'suceder' as focusing on the event itself taking place, rather than just movement or time passing.
To 'succeed' (suceder) means to follow someone in a role, often depicted by passing a symbolic item like a key.
suceder(verb)
to succeed
?to follow someone in a position or job
,to follow
?coming after something else in a sequence
to take over
?taking a position of leadership
📝 In Action
El hijo del rey sucedió a su padre en el trono.
B1The king's son succeeded his father on the throne.
La crisis económica sucedió a un periodo de gran crecimiento.
B2The economic crisis followed a period of great growth.
Ella me sucederá como directora general.
B2She will succeed me as CEO.
💡 Grammar Points
Requires 'a'
When 'suceder' means 'to succeed' or 'to follow (someone)', it usually needs the preposition 'a' before the person or thing being followed: 'Sucede A la jefa' (He succeeds the boss).
❌ Common Pitfalls
False Cognate Warning
Mistake: "Do NOT use 'suceder' to mean 'to be successful' or 'to achieve a goal'."
Correction: For 'to be successful', use 'tener éxito' or 'lograr'. 'Suceder' is only about sequence or occurrence.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
Reserve this meaning of 'suceder' for formal transitions, like talking about rulers, official titles, or chronological events in history.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: suceder
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'suceder' to mean 'to follow in sequence'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'suceder' and 'pasar' when they both mean 'to happen'?
'Pasar' is the most common, everyday word for 'to happen' or 'to go by' ('¿Qué pasa?'). 'Suceder' is often used in slightly more formal contexts, in writing, or when emphasizing a significant event or incident.
Can I use 'suceder' to talk about being successful in a career?
No. This is a common mistake! 'Suceder' only means 'to happen' or 'to follow someone.' To talk about achieving success, you must use 'tener éxito' (to have success) or 'ser exitoso' (to be successful).