happens
word · lemma: happen
/ˈhæpənz/
HAP-uhnz
/hˈæpənz/
HAP-uhnz
Definition
When something takes place or occurs, especially by chance or without planning.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal situations. Often used in phrases like 'it happens', 'what happens if', or 'nothing happens'. Can imply chance, unpredictability, or lack of control.
Spanish: sucede - pasa - ocurrePortuguese (BR): acontece - acontece (BR) - ocorrePortuguese (PT): acontece - sucede - ocorreChinese (Simplified): 发生 (fāshēng) - 出现 (chūxiàn)Chinese (Traditional): 發生 (fāshēng) - 出現 (chūxiàn)Hindi: होता है - घटित होता हैArabic: يحدث - يحصلBengali: ঘটে - ঘটে যায়Russian: происходит - случаетсяJapanese: 起こるVietnamese: xảy raKorean: 일어나다 - 생기다Turkish: olur - gerçekleşirUrdu: ہوتا ہے - پیش آتا ہےIndonesian: terjadi
Example Sentences
Everything happens for a reason.
basic
What happens if you press this button?
basic
Sometimes, nothing happens.
basic
It just happens—don’t worry about it.
natural
If anything happens, call me right away.
natural
We’ll see what happens next.
natural