Japanese word

起こる

Pronunciation

Romajiokoru

Meaning

  • verbhappen

Example

明日、何が起こりますか？asu nan ga o ko ri ma su ka

What will happen tomorrow?

Illustration for 起こる (happen)

More examples

休み時間に楽しいことが起こります。yasu mi ji kan ni tano shi i ko to ga o ko ri ma su

Fun things happen during recess.

旅行中に思いがけないことが起こることもあります。ryo kō chū ni omo i ga ke na i ko to ga o ko ru ko to mo a ri ma su

Unexpected things can happen during a trip.

Core concept

起こる (okoru) focuses on an event emerging or unfolding as a result of circumstances rather than on an agent making it happen.

Common phrases

  • 突然起こるtotsu zen o ko ru

    happen suddenly

  • 事故が起こるji ko ga o ko ru

    an accident occurs

Similar words

起きるokiru: To take place without focusing on who or what causes it.
生じるshōjiru: To arise from particular conditions or circumstances.
発生するhasseisuru: To occur as a distinct event, often involving a problem or incident.

Definition in Japanese

ある事柄が現実に生じる。a ru koto gara ga gen jitsu ni shō ji ru

Word origin

起こる (okoru) is a native Japanese verb historically related to 起く (oku, "to arise"); its stem 起こ (oko) expresses something coming into existence.

Usage tips

  • 起こる (okoru) can describe both expected and unexpected events, while 起きる (okiru) also means "to wake up" and therefore has a separate everyday use.

Word lists with this word