How to Say "incident" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “incident” is “incidente” — use 'incidente' for a specific, usually minor, event that causes a complication or disruption, like a small accident or a brief argument.
incidente
in-see-DEN-tehin.siˈðen.te
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.)
suceso
soo-SAY-sosuˈseso
Examples
Fue un suceso muy extraño.
It was a very strange event.
Los periódicos informan sobre los sucesos de la noche.
The newspapers report on the incidents of the night.
Nadie pudo prever este triste suceso.
No one could foresee this sad event.
It's always masculine
Even if the event itself was feminine, like 'una fiesta', the word 'suceso' is always masculine (el suceso).
Plural for news
When you see 'Sucesos' as a heading in a newspaper, it specifically refers to 'Crime and Incidents'—the section where they report on accidents or police news.
The 'Success' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'suceso' to mean winning or doing well.”
Correction: Use 'éxito' for success. 'Suceso' just means something happened, whether it was good or bad.
episodio
eh-pee-SOH-dyohe.piˈso.ðjo
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).
incidencia
in-see-den-syahinθiˈdenθja
Examples
He tenido una incidencia con mi conexión a internet.
I've had an issue with my internet connection.
El técnico resolvió la incidencia en menos de una hora.
The technician resolved the incident in less than an hour.
Debes abrir un ticket para reportar cualquier incidencia en el software.
You must open a ticket to report any software glitch.
Always Feminine
Even if you are talking about a technical 'glitch' (usually masculine in English), 'la incidencia' is always a feminine word.
Confusing with 'Accident'
Mistake: “Usar 'incidencia' para un choque de coches grave.”
Correction: Use 'accidente' for serious physical crashes. 'Incidencia' is usually for minor delays or technical errors.
lance
lan-se/ˈlanθe/ (Spain) /'lanse/ (Latam)
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.
sucedido
soo-seh-DEE-doh/suθeˈðiðo/ (Spain) | /suseˈðiðo/ (Latam)
Examples
El noticiero reportó un extraño sucedido en el centro de la ciudad.
The news reported a strange incident in the city center.
Después de ese sucedido, todos se quedaron en silencio.
After that event, everyone stayed silent.
Queremos escuchar el sucedido desde tu punto de vista.
We want to hear the occurrence (what happened) from your point of view.
Gender Reminder
Even though it relates to the verb 'suceder,' 'sucedido' when used as a noun is always masculine: 'el sucedido.'
Confusing general events with problems
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.