happen
word
/ˈhæpən/
HAP-uhn
/hˈæpən/
HAP-uhn
Definition
To take place or occur, especially without planning or intention. It is often used to talk about events or situations that happen naturally or unexpectedly.
Usage & Nuances
Common in everyday English; neutral formality. Often used with time expressions ('what happened?', 'what will happen?'). Do not confuse with 'make' (to cause something). Also used in questions and conditionals ('If something happens...').
Spanish: ocurrir - sucederPortuguese (BR): acontecer - sucederPortuguese (PT): acontecer - sucederChinese (Simplified): 发生Chinese (Traditional): 發生Hindi: होनाArabic: يحدثBengali: ঘটা - ঘটানো - হওয়াRussian: случаться - происходитьJapanese: 起こるVietnamese: xảy raKorean: 일어나다 - 발생하다Turkish: olmak - meydana gelmekUrdu: ہونا - پیش آناIndonesian: terjadi - berlangsung
Example Sentences
The meeting will happen tomorrow at 10 a.m.
basic
I don’t know what will happen next in the story.
natural
What happened at the party last night?
basic
Accidents can happen when you least expect them.
basic
Did something strange just happen here?
natural
If anything happens, call me immediately.
natural