How to Say "to occur" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to occur” is “ocurrir” — use 'ocurrir' for general events or happenings, especially when asking what took place.
Use 'ocurrir' for general events or happenings, especially when asking what took place.
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Use 'suceder' interchangeably with 'ocurrir' for events that have happened, often in a slightly more narrative context.
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Employ 'acontecer' for significant, formal, or historical events, or when discussing future possibilities in a more literary style.
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Choose 'verificar' when 'to occur' means 'to take place' or 'to be held', typically for planned meetings or events.
Learn more →oh-koo-reero.kuˈriɾ
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.)
soo-seh-DEHRsu.θeˈðeɾ
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.
ah-kohn-teh-SEHRakonteˈθeɾ
Examples
Nadie sabe qué va a acontecer en el futuro.
Nobody knows what is going to happen in the future.
Los hechos que están por acontecer cambiarán nuestra historia.
The events that are about to take place will change our history.
Debemos estar preparados para cualquier cosa que pueda acontecer.
We must be prepared for anything that might occur.
Mainly for Things, Not People
This verb is almost always used with an event as the subject (like 'the accident' or 'the meeting'). You will rarely say 'I happen' or 'You happen' in Spanish.
Spelling Change
When the verb needs an 'o' or 'a' sound at the end (like in the first person present 'yo'), the 'c' changes to 'zc' to keep the sound soft: 'acontezco'.
Using it for lost items
Mistake: “No sé qué aconteció con mis llaves.”
Correction: No sé qué pasó con mis llaves. Use 'pasar' for everyday situations like missing keys; 'acontecer' is for big, formal events.
beh-ree-fee-KAHRbeɾifiˈkaɾ
Examples
La reunión se verificará en el salón principal.
The meeting will take place in the main hall.
Confusing General Happenings with Planned Events
Learners often incorrectly use 'ocurrir' or 'suceder' for planned events where 'verificar' is appropriate. Remember, 'verificar' implies something scheduled or confirmed, not an unexpected event.
Related Translations
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