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How to Say "incident" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “incident” is “incidente” — use 'incidente' for a minor disruption, complication, or an unexpected event that causes a brief problem or interruption..

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incidente

in-see-DEN-teh/in.siˈðen.te/

nounB1
Use 'incidente' for a minor disruption, complication, or an unexpected event that causes a brief problem or interruption.
A simple illustration showing a small glass of bright red juice tipped over, spilling liquid onto a clean wooden table, symbolizing a minor incident.

Examples

Tuvimos un pequeño incidente con el coche, pero nada grave.

We had a small incident with the car, but nothing serious.

La policía investiga el incidente ocurrido anoche en el centro.

The police are investigating the incident that occurred downtown last night.

Después de ese incidente, todos estuvieron más atentos.

After that occurrence, everyone was more attentive.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'incidente' ends in '-e', it is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' (the) and masculine adjectives with it: 'el incidente nuevo' (the new incident).

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “La incidente fue terrible.”

Correction: El incidente fue terrible. (Remember to use 'el' because 'incidente' is masculine.)

episodio

eh-pee-SOH-dyoh/e.piˈso.ðjo/

nounB1
Choose 'episodio' when referring to a distinct phase, event, or part of a larger sequence, often in personal experience or a series.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration depicting a wide, empty green field under a clear blue sky. A single, brightly colored red ball is bouncing high in the center of the field, symbolizing an isolated incident.

Examples

Ese episodio de su vida fue difícil de superar.

That episode of her life was difficult to overcome.

La crisis económica fue un episodio oscuro en la historia del país.

The economic crisis was a dark episode in the country's history.

El paciente sufrió un episodio de ansiedad severa.

The patient suffered an episode of severe anxiety.

Describing Severity

To talk about how serious an event was, you often pair 'episodio' with adjectives like 'grave' (serious), 'difícil' (difficult), or 'oscuro' (dark).

suceso

nounB1
Use 'suceso' to describe a notable event or occurrence, often something that happened and is reported or considered significant.

Examples

El noticiero reportó un extraño suceso en el centro de la ciudad.

The news reported a strange incident in the city center.

lance

/lan-se//ˈlanθe/ (Spain) /'lanse/ (Latam)

nounB1
Opt for 'lance' when describing a specific, often tense or challenging, event or situation, particularly one that involves interaction or a confrontation.
A colorful stack of wooden blocks has just toppled over on a simple wooden floor, scattering them across the ground.

Examples

Tuvimos un lance muy tenso con la policía en la frontera.

We had a very tense incident with the police at the border.

El joven tuvo un lance amoroso con la hija del jefe.

The young man had a romantic affair with the boss's daughter.

Masculine Noun

Even though 'lanza' (spear) is feminine, 'lance' is always masculine ('el lance'). Remember the 'E' ending doesn't always indicate gender.

Distinguishing 'Incidente' from 'Suceso'

Learners often confuse 'incidente' and 'suceso'. Remember that 'incidente' typically implies a minor problem or disruption, while 'suceso' refers to a more general, notable event that has occurred.

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