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How to Say "to originate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to originate” is “originar” — use 'originar' when talking about the beginning or start of something, like an event or a problem, in a specific place.

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originar

oh-ree-hee-NARoɾixiˈnaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'originar' when talking about the beginning or start of something, like an event or a problem, in a specific place.
A small green sprout emerging from a dark brown seed in the soil.

Examples

El problema se originó por falta de comunicación.

The problem originated from a lack of communication.

El incendio se originó en la cocina.

The fire originated in the kitchen.

Muchos modismos se originaron en la calle.

Many idioms originated on the street.

Su miedo se origina en una mala experiencia pasada.

His fear stems from a bad past experience.

Using the 'Self' Marker

When an event or feeling starts without a clear person doing it, we add 'se' (the reflexive pronoun). Think of it as 'it originated itself'.

Matching with 'en' or 'por'

Use 'en' to say WHERE it started (en la calle) and 'por' to say WHY it started (por accidente).

Forgetting the 'se'

Mistake: “El fuego originó en el bosque.”

Correction: El fuego SE originó en el bosque. Without the 'se', it sounds like the fire actively caused something else, rather than just starting there.

proceder

pro-seh-DEHRpɾo.seˈðeɾ

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

Examples

Esta mercancía procede de Asia.

This merchandise originates from Asia.

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'.

provenir

pro-be-NEERpɾoβeˈniɾ

verbB1formal
Use 'provenir' in a formal context to state where something comes from, especially when discussing origins of products, people, or ideas.
A small clear stream of water flowing out from a crack in a large grey rock.

Examples

Sus ideas provienen de lecturas extensas.

His ideas originate from extensive reading.

Muchos de nuestros productos provienen de granjas locales.

Many of our products come from local farms.

El ruido parece provenir del sótano.

The noise seems to come from the basement.

Sus problemas de salud provienen de una mala alimentación.

Her health problems stem from poor nutrition.

Always use 'de'

This word almost always works in the team 'provenir de'. Without the 'de', the sentence won't show where the thing is coming from.

A more formal 'Venir'

You can use this word whenever you want to sound more professional than just using the word 'venir' (to come).

Mixing it up with 'porvenir'

Mistake: “Su porvenir de España es interesante.”

Correction: Él proviene de España. 'Porvenir' actually means 'the future,' not the action of coming from somewhere.

Wrong past tense forms

Mistake: “La ayuda provenió del gobierno.”

Correction: La ayuda provino del gobierno. This word changes its spelling in the past just like the word 'venir'.

descender

deh-sen-DAIRdesθenˈdeɾ

verbB2general
Use 'descender' specifically when referring to lineage or ancestry, meaning to be descended from someone or something.
A large oak tree with deep roots showing a small sapling growing next to it.

Examples

Los niños descienden de una larga línea de artistas.

The children descend from a long line of artists.

Muchos habitantes de esta isla descienden de piratas.

Many inhabitants of this island are descended from pirates.

Ella dice que desciende de la nobleza europea.

She says she is descended from European nobility.

The preposition 'de'

When talking about ancestry, you must use 'de' after 'descender' to indicate the source or origin.

nacer

nah-SEHRnaˈθeɾ

verbC1poetic/specific
Use 'nacer' poetically or specifically for the source of natural features like rivers or for abstract concepts like traditions and movements.
An illustration showing a clear stream of water emerging from the ground amongst rocks, depicting the source of a river.

Examples

La inspiración para su novela nació de un sueño.

The inspiration for his novel originated from a dream.

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.

General vs. Specific Origins

Learners often confuse 'originar' with 'proceder' or 'provenir'. Remember that 'originar' is best for the start of events or problems, while 'proceder' and 'provenir' are more formal and used for the source of things like travel or goods.

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