What happened Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhwət/, /ˈwət/ /ˈhæpənd

WUHT HAP-und

UK

wˈɒt/ /hˈæpənd

WOT HAP-uhnd

Definition

A common question used to ask for an explanation about an event or something that just occurred. Often used when you notice a change, surprise, or problem.

Usage & Nuances

Very common in both formal and informal conversation. Used in past tense situations; don't confuse with 'what is happening' (current events). Commonly said with a questioning tone. Variants include 'what's happened?' and 'what happened to you?' for personal events.

• Spanish: ¿qué pasó? - ¿qué sucedió?
• Portuguese (BR): o que aconteceu? - o que houve?
• Portuguese (PT): o que aconteceu? - o que se passou?
• Chinese (Simplified): 发生了什么？
• Chinese (Traditional): 發生了什麼？
• Hindi: क्या हुआ?
• Arabic: ماذا حدث؟
• Bengali: কি হয়েছে - কী ঘটেছে
• Russian: что случилось - что произошло
• Japanese: 何があったの - 何が起きたの
• Vietnamese: chuyện gì đã xảy ra
• Korean: 무슨 일이 있었어 - 무슨 일이야
• Turkish: ne oldu
• Urdu: کیا ہوا
• Indonesian: apa yang terjadi

Example Sentences

What happened at school today?

basic

Can you tell me what happened?

basic

I heard a noise—what happened?

basic

Hey, you look shocked. What happened?

natural

We were all laughing, then suddenly everyone went quiet. What happened?

natural

My phone just died out of nowhere. What happened to it?

natural