Inklingo

How to Say "to occur" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ocurrir

/oh-koo-reer//o.kuˈriɾ/

verbA1formal
Use 'ocurrir' when you want to refer to something that happens unexpectedly or as a matter of course, similar to 'to happen' or 'to take place'.
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/

verbA1formal
Employ 'suceder' as a formal synonym for 'to happen,' often used for events or incidents, much like '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.

verificar

/beh-ree-fee-KAHR//beɾifiˈkaɾ/

verbC1formal
Use 'verificar' when you are talking about an event that is scheduled to 'take place,' 'happen,' or 'be verified' at a specific time or place.
A colorful outdoor party with balloons, a cake, and streamers in a park.

Examples

La reunión se verificará en el salón principal.

The meeting will take place in the main hall.

Ocurrir/Suceder vs. Verificar

The most common mistake is using 'verificar' for everyday 'happenings.' Remember, 'verificar' implies a scheduled event or something being confirmed, while 'ocurrir' and 'suceder' are general terms for 'to happen.'

Related Translations

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