How to Say "it occurs" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “it occurs” is “ocurre” — use 'ocurre' when referring to something happening, especially a specific event, a problem, or something that arises unexpectedly..
ocurre
/oh-KOO-rreh//oˈkure/
Examples
¿Qué ocurre con esta máquina?
What's happening with this machine?
¿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/
Examples
No sé qué sucede aquí.
I don't know what's happening here.
¿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.
Ocurre vs. Sucede
Related Translations
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