Translation guide
The English verb 'occur' has two main uses: (1) to say that an event or situation happens, and (2) to say that an idea or thought comes into your mind. Japanese uses different expressions for each.
To say that an event, incident, or situation happens, especially something unplanned or noteworthy.
The most common and neutral word for events occurring, especially accidents, incidents, or natural phenomena.
To say that an idea, thought, or memory suddenly comes into your mind.
起こる is only for physical events or incidents. Using it for thoughts or ideas (e.g., アイデアが起こる) is unnatural. Use 浮かぶ or 思いつく instead.
発生する is more formal and often used in official contexts (accidents, system errors, outbreaks). 起こる is more everyday and covers a wider range of events, including natural phenomena.
An accident occurred.
You never know when an earthquake will occur.
More formal than 起こる. Often used in news reports or official statements for incidents, outbreaks, or problems.
A fire has occurred.
An error occurred in the system.
Used for planned events like meetings, ceremonies, or elections. Focuses on the event being held or carried out.
The meeting will occur next week.
The Olympics occur once every four years.
A very common verb meaning 'to be' or 'to exist', but can also mean 'to occur' for events, especially in casual speech. Often used with ことが.
So that kind of thing occurred, huh.
A small trouble occurred yesterday.
Often used for problems, changes, or phenomena that arise or come into being. Slightly formal.
If a problem occurs, please contact us.
A good idea occurred to me.
His name suddenly occurred to me.
Means 'to think of' or 'to hit upon an idea'. Often used when you actively come up with something.
A solution occurred to me.
It suddenly occurred to me that someone had said that.
Similar to 頭に浮かぶ but with a slightly more emotional or reflective nuance.
Such a doubt occurred to me.