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How to Say "to happen" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pasar

/pa-sar//paˈsaɾ/

VerbA1Informal
Use 'pasar' when asking about a general event, situation, or something being wrong, often in informal contexts.
A small, happy cartoon character looking surprised as a single, colorful butterfly suddenly appears right in front of their nose.

Examples

¿Qué pasa? ¿Por qué estás tan callado?

What's wrong? Why are you so quiet?

No te preocupes, no pasa nada.

Don't worry, it's nothing / nothing is wrong.

Me pasó algo increíble hoy en el trabajo.

Something incredible happened to me today at work.

When something happens *to* someone

To say something happened to someone, you often put a little word like 'me', 'te', or 'le' before 'pasar'. For example, 'Me pasó algo' means 'Something happened to me'.

ocurrir

/oh-koo-reer//o.kuˈriɾ/

VerbA1Neutral
Use 'ocurrir' to inquire about a specific event or incident that took place, similar to 'what happened?'.
A bright yellow lightning bolt suddenly striking the ground near a tree under a blue sky, illustrating a sudden event.

Examples

¿Qué ocurrió anoche en el parque?

What happened last night in the park?

Las inundaciones ocurren cada primavera.

The floods happen every spring.

Si esto vuelve a ocurrir, tendremos que hablar.

If this happens again, we will have to talk.

Impersonal Use

In this meaning, 'ocurrir' is usually used in the third person (like 'it happens' or 'they happen') because the event or thing is the focus, not a person performing the action.

Confusing Transitive and Impersonal

Mistake: “Yo ocurro el problema.”

Correction: Ocurrió el problema. ('Ocurrir' doesn't take a direct object; the thing that happened is the subject.)

suceder

soo-seh-DEHR/su.θeˈðeɾ/

VerbA1Neutral/Formal
Use 'suceder' when referring to events or incidents, often in a slightly more formal or literary way than 'ocurrir'.
A vibrant rainbow arching over a green hill, symbolizing an event happening.

Examples

¿Qué sucedió anoche en la fiesta?

What happened last night at the party?

Las cosas suceden por una razón.

Things happen for a reason.

Si sucede algo, llámame inmediatamente.

If something occurs, call me immediately.

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').

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.

darse

DAR-seh/ˈdaɾse/

VerbB1Neutral
Use 'darse' when talking about something that occurs naturally or is found in a specific place or condition, like a plant growing or a phenomenon happening.
A colorful rainbow spontaneously appearing in a bright blue sky over a green landscape, symbolizing an event that is happening or occurring.

Examples

Este tipo de flor solo se da en climas fríos.

This type of flower only grows/is found in cold climates.

Si se da la oportunidad, viajaremos.

If the opportunity arises (happens), we will travel.

¿Se da bien la agricultura en esta zona?

Does agriculture do well (yield results) in this area?

Impersonal Use

When used in this sense, 'darse' often uses the 'se' form, focusing on the event or item, not who is doing the action (e.g., 'el caso se da').

Choosing Between 'Ocurrir', 'Pasar', and 'Suceder'

Learners often confuse 'ocurrir,' 'pasar,' and 'suceder' because they all refer to events. 'Pasar' is the most versatile and common in everyday speech, especially for asking 'What's happening?'. 'Ocurrir' and 'suceder' are very similar for past events, with 'suceder' sometimes feeling a bit more formal.

Related Translations

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