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How to Say "to originate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

nacer

nah-SEHR/naˈθeɾ/

verbC1
Use 'nacer' when talking about the natural source or beginning of something, like a river, a tradition, or even an idea.
An illustration showing a clear stream of water emerging from the ground amongst rocks, depicting the source of a river.

Examples

La idea del proyecto nació en una conversación informal.

The idea for the project originated in an informal conversation.

El río Amazonas nace en los Andes peruanos.

The Amazon River originates in the Peruvian Andes.

Esta tradición nació de una antigua leyenda.

This tradition originated from an ancient legend.

proceder

/pro-seh-DEHR//pɾo.seˈðeɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'proceder' in a more formal context to indicate the point of origin or departure of something, often used for travel or official matters.
A clear blue stream of water flowing out from between two large grey rocks.

Examples

El tren procede de Barcelona y llegará en veinte minutos.

The train originates from Barcelona and will arrive in twenty minutes.

Este vuelo procede de Madrid.

This flight is coming from Madrid.

Muchos de estos problemas proceden de la falta de comunicación.

Many of these problems come from a lack of communication.

Origins with 'de'

To say where something starts or its source, always pair 'proceder' with the word 'de'.

Nacer vs. Proceder

Learners often confuse 'nacer' and 'proceder' by using 'nacer' for formal travel origins. Remember that 'proceder' is the go-to for indicating where a flight, train, or person is coming from in a more official or logistical sense.

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