Spanish word

acontecer

Pronunciation

IPA/akonteˈθeɾ/

Meaning

  • verbhappen

Example

Si algo raro acontece, dímelo.

If something strange happens, tell me.

Illustration for acontecer (happen)

More examples

En las noticias dicen cuándo acontece un evento importante.

In the news they say when an important event happens.

Core concept

An occurrence taking place at a specific point in time.

Common phrases

  • algo acontece

    Something happens

  • puede acontecer

    may happen

Similar words

pasar: A situation unfolds or takes place as things progress over time.
ocurrir: An event arises or comes into being.
suceder: A particular, identifiable event happens.
producirse: An event is produced as the result of some cause.

Definition in Spanish

Expresa que un hecho o suceso tiene lugar en un momento determinado.

Word origin

Derived from Old Spanish aconteçer and ultimately from Latin ad- + contingĕre 'to touch, befall', keeping the basic meaning 'to happen'.

Usage tips

  • Acontecer is intransitive and normally does not take a direct object, and in everyday speech pasar or suceder are often used instead.

Other meanings

  • ariseverb

Related words

Word lists with this word