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"Happens" is a form of "happen", an intransitive verb which is often translated as "suceder". "Whatever happens" is a phrase which is often translated as "pase lo que pase". Learn more about the difference between "happens" and "whatever happens" below.
happen(
hah
-
pihn
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. suceder
Everything happened too fast.Todo sucedió demasiado rápido.
b. ocurrir
I can't believe what just happened.No puedo creer lo que acaba de ocurrir.
c. pasar
Everything bad happens to me!¡Todo lo malo me pasa a mí!
a. de casualidad (adverb)
If you happen to come by the office, we could get a coffee.Si de casualidad te pasas por la oficina, podemos tomar un café.
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whatever happens(
wuhd
-
ehv
-
uhr
 
hah
-
pihnz
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. pase lo que pase
Whatever happens in the trial, I'll stand by you.Pase lo que pase en el juicio, yo seguiré a tu lado.
b. ocurra lo que ocurra
We will always be friends, whatever happens.Siempre seremos amigas, ocurra lo que ocurra.
a. lo que pase
"You have to adjust to whatever happens in the race," said the marathon runner."Tienes que adaptarte a lo que pase durante la carrera," dijo la corredora de maratón.
b. lo que ocurra
We're a tough people and we're ready to cope with whatever happens next.Somos un pueblo fuerte y estamos preparados para afrontar lo que ocurra ahora.
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