Translation of Japanese word "起こる" to English
起こる
おこる
[okoru]
IPA: /o̞koɾɯ/
Meaning
VerbTo occur or take place.
How to use
起こる (okoru) — 'to happen / occur'. Group 1. 何が起こったの？ — What happened? 事故が起きた (jiko ga okita) — an accident happened.
🇬🇧 English
to happen / occur
Pronunciation Guide
Japanese Kanji: 起こる
Phonetic Reading (Hiragana): おこる
Romaji Transcription: okoru
Example Sentences
天気は変わりました。
てんきはかわりました。
The weather has changed.
友達が来ることが起こる。
ともだちがくることがおこる。
It is likely that a friend will come.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- 何が起こったの？— What happened?
Frequency rank: #303 in Japanese
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common Japanese words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Japanese word "起こる" mean?▼
The Japanese word "起こる" means "to happen / occur" in English.
How do you pronounce the Japanese word "起こる"?▼
The word "起こる" is read as "おこる" (okoru). You can hear the correct audio pronunciation by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see a usage guide or example with "起こる"?▼
Yes, here is a practical context/example: "Used when the weather changes or when a friend comes.".
More Core Verbs words
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →