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How to Say "it happens" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pasa

/PAH-sah//ˈpa.sa/

VerbA1Informal
Use 'pasa' for everyday, common occurrences or when asking 'What's happening?' in a casual context.
A person handing a salt shaker to another person across a dinner table.

Examples

¿Qué pasa?

What's happening?

El autobús pasa a las diez.

The bus passes at ten.

Pasa la sal, por favor.

Pass the salt, please.

Two Forms in One

'Pasa' can be a statement about someone else ('él pasa' - he passes) or a command you give to a friend ('tú pasa' - pass!). The context and tone of voice make the meaning clear.

The Super-Verb 'Pasar'

'Pasa' comes from 'pasar,' a verb you'll see everywhere. It can mean 'to pass,' 'to happen,' 'to spend time,' or 'to enter,' depending on the situation.

Asking 'What's up?'

Mistake: “¿Qué es pasa?”

Correction: ¿Qué pasa? The verb 'ser' (is) isn't needed here. Spanish just asks 'What happens?' directly.

ocurre

/oh-KOO-rreh//oˈkure/

VerbA2Neutral
Use 'ocurre' when referring to a specific event taking place, often with a slightly more formal or neutral tone than 'pasa'.
A small, green sprout rapidly bursting from the brown earth in a simple, sunny garden, symbolizing an event taking place.

Examples

¿Qué ocurre aquí?

What's happening here?

¿Qué ocurre?

What's happening?

El accidente ocurrió en la mañana.

The accident occurred in the morning.

No te preocupes, no ocurre nada.

Don't worry, nothing is happening.

Mostly for 'It'

Although you can say 'yo ocurro' (I happen), this verb is most often used in the third person ('él/ella/usted' form) to mean 'it happens' or 'they happen'.

sucede

/su-SEH-deh//suˈse.de/

VerbA2Neutral-Formal
Use 'sucede' for general occurrences or events, often implying a sequence or a more significant event than a simple 'pasa'.
A bright red balloon suddenly floating up from behind a small green grassy hill against a clear blue sky.

Examples

No sé cómo sucede esto.

I don't know how this happens.

¿Qué sucede aquí?

What's happening here?

Algo extraño sucede en esa casa.

Something strange is happening in that house.

No te preocupes, eso sucede a menudo.

Don't worry, that happens often.

Just for 'It' or 'That'

'Sucede' is most often used to mean 'it happens.' In Spanish, you don't need to add a word for 'it' because the verb ending already includes that idea. So, 'Sucede a menudo' means 'It happens often.'

'Sucede' vs. 'Pasar'

Mistake: “Using 'sucede' in very casual situations where 'pasar' is more natural.”

Correction: In a casual chat, you're more likely to hear '¿Qué pasa?' (What's up?). '¿Qué sucede?' is perfectly correct but sounds a little more neutral or serious. Think of 'pasar' as your everyday choice and 'suceder' for when you're describing an event or situation.

Pasa vs. Ocurre/Sucede

The most common mistake is using 'pasa' in situations that call for 'ocurre' or 'sucede'. While 'pasa' is very common for general 'what's happening?', 'ocurre' and 'sucede' are better for describing a specific event or a more formal occurrence.

Related Translations

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