Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Happen" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "happen", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
起こる
おこる (okoru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
相次ぐ
あいつぐ (aitsugu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "happen" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 起こる and 相次ぐ.
In Japanese, 起こる (おこる (okoru)) is typically associated with "to happen, to occur, to arise" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used to describe events or phenomena that take place or emerge, often without direct human agency..
On the other hand, 相次ぐ (あいつぐ (aitsugu)) maps to "to happen in succession, to follow one after another" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes multiple similar events or occurrences happening one after another, often implying a rapid or continuous sequence. Can be positive or negative.. A literal translation of "happen" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "起こる"
突然、大きな地震が起こった。
A big earthquake suddenly occurred.
Bilingual Context for "相次ぐ"
先月から、この地域で盗難事件が相次いでいる。
Since last month, theft incidents have occurred one after another in this area.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "突然、大きな地震が起こった。" (Meaning: "A big earthquake suddenly occurred.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "起こる" fits here because it means "to happen, to occur, to arise" in the context of: "A big earthquake suddenly occurred.". "相次ぐ" represents "to happen in succession, to follow one after another".