Translation and Meaning of: 起こる - okoru

The Japanese word 起こる [おこる] is an essential verb for those learning the language, especially due to its frequent use in daily life. Its main meaning is "to happen" or "to occur," but it can also carry specific nuances depending on the context. In this article, we will explore everything from the basics, such as its translation and writing, to deeper aspects, such as its origin and cultural usage. If you are looking to understand how this word works in practice, you have come to the right place.

In addition to being a common term in everyday conversations, 起こる appears in various study materials, including sentences for Anki and examples in animes. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to simplify Japanese, so we will address everything clearly and directly. If you've ever wondered how to memorize this word or why it is used so often, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and translation of 起こる

The verb 起こる is often translated as "to happen" or "to occur." It describes events that arise unexpectedly or naturally, such as an accident, a natural phenomenon, or even a sudden change. For example, if someone says "地震が起こった" (じしんがおこった), it means "an earthquake happened." The word carries the idea of something that emerges or manifests, often without prior notice.

It is worth noting that 起こる is not used for planned or intentional actions. If you want to say that you organized a party, for example, you would use another verb like 開く (ひらく). This distinction is important to avoid confusion. Moreover, in some contexts, 起こる may have a more formal tone, being replaced by 発生する (はっせいする) in technical or journalistic situations.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji for 起こる is 起, which by itself carries the meaning of "to rise" or "to wake up." This character is composed of the radical 走 (to run) at the bottom, suggesting movement, and the component 己 (oneself) at the top. Together, they reinforce the idea of something arising or starting. The combination with the hiragana こる forms the verb we know today.

Interestingly, 起 is one of the oldest kanji in the Japanese language, with records dating back to ancient China. Its presence in words like 起きる (おきる - to get up) and 起源 (きげん - origin) demonstrates how it is connected to concepts of beginning and emergence. This etymological connection helps to understand why 起こる is used for events that "emerge" in time and space.

Everyday use and memorization tips

In daily life, the Japanese use 起こる to talk about situations that are out of control, such as problems, natural phenomena, or even social changes. A useful tip to memorize this word is to associate it with unexpected events. For example, think of phrases like "何かが起こる前に" (before something happens) or "問題が起こった" (a problem occurred). This practice helps to fix the verb in real contexts.

Another strategy is to observe its use in animes and dramas, where 起こる frequently appears in dialogues about conflicts or twists. Series like "Attack on Titan" or "Death Note" have scenes where characters discuss unforeseen events, using this word. By hearing it in dramatic situations, it becomes easier to remember its meaning and application.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 起こる

• 起こる - Dictionary form 辞書形- kuru
• 起きます - Polished Form 丁寧形- okimasu
• 起きました - Polished Past Form 丁寧形過去 - okimashita
• 起きなさい - Imperative 命令形- okinasai
• 起これる - Potential 可能形- okoreru

Synonyms and similar words

• 発生する (Hassei suru) - Generate, occur, emerge
• 生じる (Shoujiru) - Surge, emerge; often used in more formal or technical contexts.
• 起きる (Okiru) - To rise, to occur; often used for events or actions that arise or happen naturally.
• 起る (Okoru) - Occurs; used in a manner similar to "起きる", but it can be considered more formal or literary.

起こる

Romaji: okoru
Kana: おこる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: to occur; to happen

Meaning in English: to occur;to happen

Definition: Things become reality.

Example Sentences - (起こる) okoru

See below some example sentences:

停電が起こった。

Teiden ga okotta

There was a blackout.

A power outage occurred.

• 停電 (teiden) - It means "lack of electricity."
• が (ga) - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 起こった (okotta) - verb that means "occurred"

ストライキが起こった。

Sutoraiki ga okotta

There was a strike.

Strike happened.

• ストライキ (sutoraiki) - strike
• が (ga) - particle indicating the subject of the sentence
• 起こった (okotta) - occurred, happened (past tense of the verb 起こる - okoru)

一体何が起こったのか？

Ittai nani ga okotta no ka?

What happened?

• 一体 - It means "after all" or "in the end."
• 何 - it means "what"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 起こった - "ocorrer" no passado = "happen" in the past
• の - Particle that indicates a question
• か - Particle that indicates a question

不幸な出来事が起こってしまった。

Fukou na dekigoto ga okotte shimatta

An unfortunate event occurred.

• 不幸な - unhappy, unlucky
• 出来事 - event, incident
• が - subject particle
• 起こってしまった - happened, occurred

不運なことが起こった。

Fūn na koto ga okotta

Unhappy things happened.

• 不運な - unhappy, unlucky
• こと - thing, subject
• が - subject particle
• 起こった - happened, occurred

予期せぬ出来事が起こった。

Yoki senu dekigoto ga okotta

An unexpected event has occurred.

An unexpected event has happened.

• 予期せぬ - Inesperado
• 出来事 - event, incident
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 起こった - happened, occurred

反乱が起こった。

Haran ga okotta

A rebellion occurred.

There was a rebellion.

• 反乱 - rebellion
• が - subject particle
• 起こった - it happened

地震が起こった。

Jishin ga okotta

An earthquake occurred.

• 地震 - Earthquake
• が - subject particle
• 起こった - occurred

変なことが起こった。

Hen na koto ga okotta

Algo estranho aconteceu.

A strange thing happened.

• 変 (hen) - means "strange" or "abnormal"
• な (na) - Particle indicating adjective
• こと (koto) - noun that means "thing"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates subject
• 起こった (okotta) - "occurred"

大水が起こった。

Daisui ga okotta

There was a great flood.

Great water occurred.

• 大水 - "daisui" means "flood."
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 起こった - "okotta" is the verb "ocorrer" in the past