The verb 'okoru' describes the neutral, often involuntary manifestation of an event or phenomenon.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for events occurring naturally or unexpectedly.
- Commonly used with natural disasters and daily incidents.
- Indicates the manifestation of a situation or event.
類語比較
「生じる」は、より因果関係が明確な場合や、抽象的な問題に対して使われることが多いです。「発生する」は、より硬い表現で、ニュースや論文など公式な場で好まれます。「起こる」はそれらの中で最も汎用的で、日常会話から書き言葉まで広く使えます。
Examples
地震が起こる。
everydayAn earthquake occurs.
予期せぬ問題が起こりました。
formalAn unexpected problem occurred.
そんなことはめったに起こらないよ。
informalThat rarely happens.
化学反応が起こるプロセス。
academicThe process where a chemical reaction occurs.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
何かが起こる
Something happens
奇跡が起こる
A miracle happens
事件が起こる
An incident occurs
Often Confused With
While 'okiru' can mean to wake up or get out of bed, 'okoru' strictly refers to the occurrence of an event or phenomenon.
This is the transitive version. Use 'okosu' when a person is the cause of the event happening.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral in register. It is used in both polite and casual speech. Be aware that in spoken Japanese, 'okiru' is often substituted for 'okoru' due to ease of pronunciation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'okoru' when they mean 'okosu' (to cause). Remember that 'okoru' happens by itself, while 'okosu' requires an agent. Also, avoid using it for waking up in the morning.
Tips
Focus on the neutral nature
Remember that 'okoru' is objective. It does not imply human intention, making it perfect for describing natural events or unexpected accidents.
Don't confuse with 'okosu'
Be careful not to use 'okoru' for intentional actions. If you cause something to happen, use the transitive verb 'okosu' instead.
Frequent use in news
In Japanese news reports, you will hear this word daily regarding weather, traffic, or crime. It is a staple of reporting.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'okuru', which originally meant to rise or stand up. Over time, it evolved to represent events emerging into reality.
Cultural Context
In Japan, the phrase 'nani ka ga okoru' (something is going to happen) is often used in suspenseful contexts. It reflects a cultural sensitivity to the sudden change of circumstances.
Memory Tip
Think of 'O-K-O-R-U' as 'Oh, Co-occur-ing'. When something happens, it co-occurs with the timeline of your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions意味はほぼ同じですが、「起きる」は人が寝ている状態から目を覚ますという身体的動作も表せます。「起こる」は出来事の発生のみを指すため、より限定的です。
いいえ、通常は意志とは無関係に発生する事態に使います。人間が意図的に何かを発生させる場合は「起こす」という他動詞を使います。
過去形は「起こった」となります。日常会話では「起きた」と混同されることも多いですが、文脈で判断されます。
事故やトラブル、あるいは驚くべき出来事など、何かが発生したという事実を客観的に伝える際に最適です。
Test Yourself
昨夜、近所で火事が___。
過去の出来事なので、過去形の「起こった」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
The verb 'okoru' describes the neutral, often involuntary manifestation of an event or phenomenon.
- Used for events occurring naturally or unexpectedly.
- Commonly used with natural disasters and daily incidents.
- Indicates the manifestation of a situation or event.
Focus on the neutral nature
Remember that 'okoru' is objective. It does not imply human intention, making it perfect for describing natural events or unexpected accidents.
Don't confuse with 'okosu'
Be careful not to use 'okoru' for intentional actions. If you cause something to happen, use the transitive verb 'okosu' instead.
Frequent use in news
In Japanese news reports, you will hear this word daily regarding weather, traffic, or crime. It is a staple of reporting.
Examples
4 of 4地震が起こる。
An earthquake occurs.
予期せぬ問題が起こりました。
An unexpected problem occurred.
そんなことはめったに起こらないよ。
That rarely happens.
化学反応が起こるプロセス。
The process where a chemical reaction occurs.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
